Dietary intake of fatty acids and its relationship with FEV/FVC in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background & Aims: The deterioration of pulmonary function has been associated with increased levels of systemic inflammation that can be stimulated by consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fats. We hypothesized that fatty acids intake impact on pulmonary function. However, evidence about the impact of different types of fatty acids on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited and heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between intake of fatty acids and pulmonary function in patients with COPD.

Methods: Cross sectional study of patients diagnosed with COPD. The relationship between consumption of fatty acids and the FEV/FVC ratio obtained by spirometry was assessed. Patients with exacerbations during the prior 2 months, diagnosis of asthma or administration of a dietary supplement were excluded.

Results: A simple linear regression showed that for each gram of carbohydrates and total l fatty acids intake, the FEV/FVC ratio decreased -0.03 ml (β: -0.03, 95% CI -0.06 to -0.01, p = 0.008) and -0.009 ml (β: -0.00, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.00, p = 0.031) respectively. Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) was associated with an increase of 0.47 ml in the FEV/FVC ratio for each milligram intake (β: 0.47, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.91, p = 0.031). Subsequently, when adjusted for calories intake, an increase of 0.53 ml was observed in the FEV/FVC for each milligram of C15:0 fatty acid intake (β:0.53, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.97, p = 0.018).

Conclusion: A positive association was observed between pentadecanoic acid and the FEV/FVC ratio with a beneficial effect on patients with COPD.