Dietary intake of elderly outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laudisio, Alice; Costanzo, Luisa; Di Gioia, Claudia; Delussu, Anna Sofia; Traballesi, Marco; Gemma, Antonella; Antonelli Incalzi, Raffaele
• Is Part Of: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. Volume 64(2016)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- GOLD global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease -- EPIC European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition -- RDA recommended daily allowance; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- Nutrition -- Diet -- Elderly -- Epidemiology; Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2016.01.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-4943

Abstract

Highlights: Nutrition is a major concern in the elderly. Nutrition is poor investigated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nutrient intake in COPD has never been compared with non-respiratory patients. The diet of elderly COPD patients does not provide adequate energy and micronutrient intake. These deficits are more severe than in age matched non-respiratory elderly. Abstract: Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often associated with malnutrition, which is in turn associated with poor outcomes. Accordingly, in COPD patients adequate nutrition might improve several clinical and functional outcomes. Nevertheless, information about nutrient intake of older populations with COPD is still scanty. Materials and methods: We analysed data of 523 elderly attending a geriatric ambulatory. Of these, 165 had a diagnosis of COPD, while 358 were control participants, matched for demographic characteristics and free from respiratory diseases. COPD was diagnosed according to the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) criteria. The intake of micro and macronutrients was recorded using the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC) questionnaire. Nutrient intake of COPD patients was compared with that of the control group and with recommended dietary allowances RDA. Results: COPD patients had a lower energy intake, as compared with control participants (29.4 vs 34.4 kcal/kg of ideal weight; P < .0001), due to reduced intake of carbohydrates and proteins. Accordingly, in the energy intake was lower than recommended in 52% of COPD patients, vs 30% of controls ( P < .0001). The intake of calcium, potassium, folate, cholecalciferol, retinol, and thiamine was lower than RDA in over 75% of COPD patients. Conclusions: The diet of elderly COPD outpatients does not provide the recommended energy intake, nor does it meet the RDA for many micronutrients. Such deficits are more severe than in age matched non- respiratory subjects.