Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of nutritional support with omega-3 rich diets on respiratory functions, exercise capacity and quality of life in COPD
Methods: The study was planned on 21 stable COPD patients. A questionnaire was applied to patients including demographic and disease information, food-frequency, a three-d 24-h dietary record and Subjective Global Assessment. SF-36, 6 Minute Walking Test, BORG scale and spirometric tests were performed to the patients. Before the personal diets were planned, patients' personal needs were determined and an omega-3 rich diet was administered with an omega-3 dietary supplementation (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA).
Results: After dietary intervention, patients' mean BORG scale result was decreased (p<0.05). After diet, physical component score and mental component score were increased and these differences between before and after intervention were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean walking distance of the patients was 395.9±53.65 m before intervention and 420.8±48.07 m after intervention (p<0.05). Before dietary intervention, FEV1/FVC was 64.1±11.61% and after the intervention this ratio increased to 67.8±9.37% (p>0.05). After diet, there was a significant negative correlation between dietary omega-3 and BORG scale (r=-0.623, p=0.003), a significant positive correlation between dietary omega-3 and SF-36 Physical Health component (r=0.456, p=9.038).
Conclusion: While planning the COPD patients' diet it should be so important to provide adequate energy, low carbohydrate and high omega-3 content within diets for the quality of life and survival.
- © 2011 ERS