
Researchers at Semmelweis University in Budapest have identified a diet that includes the right amounts of vitamins and antioxidants to help slow the progression of COPD and possibly improve life expectancy among patients.
Janos Varga, associate professor at Semmelweis University’s Department of Pulmonology and one of the study’s co-authors, said diet is one of the first lines of defense against COPD because the disease is often accompanied by malnutrition, loss of weight or extreme weight gain — all of which can significantly impair breathing.
Disease outcome for smokers or people with COPD “is highly determined by nutritional status, body composition and fat-free mass, irrespective of respiratory function,” Dr. Varga said.
The study looked at data from more than 45,000 people with COPD, including smokers, non-smokers and control groups, between 2018 and 2023. The findings confirmed that a diet rich in proteins with a lower ratio of carbs and a higher percentage of healthy fats can slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms.
Higher protein intake helps preserve bone and muscle mass against osteoporosis and sarcopenia, which are two common side effects of COPD. A lower carbohydrate ratio is important because carbs have the highest respiratory quotient — the amount of carbon dioxide produced for oxygen intake — out of all the macronutrients. Swapping carbs for healthy fats results in less CO2 produced for the same calorie amount.
“Since patients with severe COPD already have difficulty breathing due to impaired airflow and weaker respiratory muscles, a lower amount of CO2 produced will ease respiration,” Dr. Varga said.
The study also suggests reducing the consumption of red and processed meats and meat products, including pickled, salted and smoked meats, bacon, and processed and semi-prepared industrial products like sausages. In addition to nitrites and sodium, these meats contain high levels of saturated fatty acids, which can further exacerbate inflammation in the airways and impair respiratory function.
In addition to diet, the researchers recommend a daily consumption of Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and calcium for people with COPD.