Managing malnutrition in COPD: A review
1Respiratory Medicine, University of Cambridge Hospitals, Cambridge, UK.
Malnutrition significantly impacts chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, affecting exercise, lung function, and increasing mortality. Nutritional interventions like supplementation can improve outcomes for COPD individuals.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Nutrition
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 1.2 million in the UK.
- A significant percentage of COPD patients are underweight (25-40%) with low fat-free mass index (35%).
- Nutritional status is crucial for COPD management and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of malnutrition on COPD.
- To explore management strategies for malnutrition in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of 28 original articles.
- Systematic searches of databases, grey literature, and hand searches.
- A 15-year evidence coverage focusing on two key themes.
Main Results:
- Malnutrition negatively affects exercise capacity, muscle function, and lung function in COPD.
- It is associated with increased exacerbations, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Nutritional supplementation may improve weight and muscle function.
- Nutritional education offers short-term benefits.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition has multifaceted negative effects on COPD.
- Nutritional management strategies are beneficial for COPD patients.
- Integrating nutrition management into clinical practice for COPD is recommended.
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