Acute effects of different nutritional supplements on symptoms and functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
BACKGROUND
Use of nutritional supplements in depleted patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires optimization between positive effects on outcome and potential acute adverse effects on metabolism and exercise performance.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of nutritional supplements on metabolism and exercise capacity in stable COPD patients.


METHODS
In part 1, the effects of 3 different energy loads (placebo, 1046 kJ, and 2092 kJ) with a normal distribution of macronutrients were investigated in 14 COPD patients. In part 2, the effects of a fat-rich compared with a carbohydrate-rich supplement (both 1046 kJ) were studied in 11 COPD patients. The study was performed in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion. Metabolic and ventilatory variables were measured postprandially and during a submaximal cycle endurance exercise test.


RESULTS
Overall, no immediate negative effects of the supplements were found in part 1. A slight but significant postprandial increase in respiratory quotient was found after the 1046-kJ and 2092-kJ supplements compared with placebo. There was no significant difference in metabolism or exercise capacity after a fat-rich or carbohydrate-rich supplement. Surprisingly, the change in shortness of breath (postprandial compared with preprandial) was significantly greater after the fat-rich supplement.


CONCLUSIONS
An energy load up to 2092 kJ had no adverse immediate effect in COPD patients compared with placebo. The subjects who consumed the fat-rich supplement experienced more shortness of breath than did the subjects who consumed the carbohydrate-rich supplement.
Vermeeren
M A
MA
Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. mverm@bze5.azm.nl
Wouters
E F
EF
Nelissen
L H
LH
van Lier
A
A
Hofman
Z
Z
Schols
A M
AM
D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D019518:Postprandial Period; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats