The Impact of a High-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate Enteral Formula on Metabolic and Respiratory Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to conditions like cachexia, sarcopenia, and weight loss. This malnutrition can contribute to deteriorated pulmonary function, reduced exercise capacity, and an increased risk of exacerbations. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of providing a high-fat diet, low-carbohydrate nutrition as compared to a high-carbohydrate (high-CH) carbohydrate diet concerning respiratory variables in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methodology: The study was conducted at District Headquarter Hospital, Charsadda, from January 2020 to January 2021. Total of 70 COPD participants, characterized by low body weight [less than 92% of optimal body weight (IBW)], were randomly assigned to either the control class, ‘which received dietary counseling’ for a high-carbohydrate (CH) diet (20% proteins, 25% to 35% fats, and 65% to 75% CH), or the experiment class, which received three to four bottles  a high-fat, low-CH supplement (17 % proteins, 54.9% fats, and 27.9% CH) in the evening as part of their diet. Results:  A total of 70 people were enlisted in the study, with 35 individuals in each class, dispersed equally. The classes did not differ statistically significantly in terms of baseline weight or mean age. Data on nutritional consumption showed that subjects in the experimental class ingested high fats and proteins and low carbohydrates (CH) than those in the control class, even if their overall calorie intake stayed the same. After four weeks, though, PaCO2 was much lower in both classes. Interestingly, PaO2 rose noticeably in the experimental class alone after four weeks, suggesting a general improvement in ventilatory status. Conclusion: This research concludes that the ‘pulmonary function of COPD participants’ can be markedly enhanced with the incorporation of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate (low-CH) ‘oral supplement compared’ to the conventional high-CH diet.