Healthy Eating Index 2005 and selected macronutrients are correlated with improved lung function in humans

Abstract

A number of dietary components have been associated with lung function. However, a comprehensive measure of a healthy diet has not been compared with lung function. Herein, we test the hypothesis that a healthy overall diet, as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI-2005), will be associated with increased lung function. This is an investigation using the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Research Materials obtained from the National Heart Lung Blood Institute. The study surveyed dietary habits of 15 567 American subjects from 4 communities in 1987 to 1990. Spirometric measures of lung function were also taken at entry to the study and a second time 3 years later. Based on food and nutritional data collected by food frequency questionnaire, an HEI-2005 score was calculated for each subject. This total score, together with its 12 components scores and associated macronutrient, was compared with lung function results by linear regression. Models were controlled for smoking behavior, demographics, and other important covariates. The HEI-2005 total scores were positively associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second per forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC) at visit 1 (β = .101 per increase in 1 quintile of HEI-2005) and visit 2 (β = .140), and FEV(1) as percentage of the predicted FEV(1) at visit 2 (β = .215) (P < .05). In addition, HEI-2005 component scores that represented high intakes of whole grains (β = .127 and .096); saturated fats (β = -.091); and solid fats, alcohol, and added sugar (β = -.109 and -.131) were significantly associated with FEV(1)/FVC at either visit 1 or visit 2. Intakes of total calories (β =-.082 at visit 1) and saturated fatty acids (β = -.085 at visit 2) were negatively associated with FEV(1)/FVC. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (β = .085 and .116) and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (β = .109 and .103), animal protein (β = .132 and .093), and dietary fiber (β = .129) were positively associated with lung health. An overall healthy diet is associated with higher lung function.

Dietary patterns are associated with lung function among Spanish smokers without respiratory disease

“…Apart from environmental factors, the alcohol-related harm is determined by three related dimensions of drinking: the volume of alcohol consumed, the pattern of drinking, and the quality of the alcohol type consumed [29]. Brief exposure to recommended alcohol consumption can be healthy for lung function due to the antioxidant effect, especially red wine for its high polyphenol content (tannins) that may enhance mucociliary clearing, stimulate bronchodilation, and attenuate the airway inflammation and injury observed in asthma and COPD [15, 30]. However, prolonged and heavy exposure to alcohol impairs mucociliary clearing, may complicate asthma management, and likely worsens outcomes including lung function and mortality in COPD patients.…”

“…In contrast, high consumption of processed meat (bacon, gammon, ham, corned beef, spam and luncheon meat, sausage, and meat pies) is associated with worse lung function and with increased risk of COPD [12, 13]. Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with improved lung function [14, 15], whereas excessive intake has detrimental effects [16], although the specific threshold remains undefined.…”

Diet Hypotheses in Light of the Microbiota Revolution: New Perspectives

“…For this reason, a notion that fiber consumption may reduce symptoms of asthma has been hypothesized [77]. This has been based upon studies using mouse models (discussed in the next chapter) as well observational studies linking fiber intake with improved lung function [78,79,80,81]. Kan and colleagues were the first to observe a positive association between fiber intake and better lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).…”

“…Finally, Root et al surveyed 15,567 American subjects for their dietary habits and correlated calculated macronutrient intake with their lung function. Total calories as well as saturated fatty acids were inversely associated with the pulmonary function [measured by the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC)], while for dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and animal protein, a positive correlation was found [81]. Given the above evidence, Halnes and co-workers hypothesized that high-fiber meal challenge may ameliorate symptoms in asthmatic patients.…”

Healthy eating index-2010 and physical activity and disabilities of old age

“…Updated every five years, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a measure of diet quality derived from the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In the past, the HEI has been applied to the evaluation of diet quality in subjects with diabetes [14], in cardiovascular risk [15], and in lung function in humans [16]; HEI-2005 scores have even been used to relate diet to symptoms of depression [17]. Xu et al found that the odds of experiencing IADL disability, poor lower extremity mobility, and general physical activity disabilities were significantly lower in subjects who met the recommendations for HEI-2005 total fruit/whole fruit scores, compared with those who did not [18].…”