Nutrition versus Functional Respiratory Capacity: A Cardinal Interplay

Abstract

Right from the very beginning of life on earth, organisms have always been in search for sources of energy. From the most primitive of organisms to where biodiversity stands today, the demand of energy has always been met by the supply of food. Nutrition plays a crucial role in normal functioning of all the organs of our body. Any form of imbalance in the dietary intake becomes evident in the concerned physiology. This study was undertaken to explore the variations of Functional Respiratory Capacities (FRCs) associated with diet and the underpinned lifestyle habits in a sample of 70 (36 male/34 female) college going students in Delhi within the age group of 19–21.Balanced diet is a pre‐requisite for a healthy lifestyle. But one of the major problems faced by developing countries is malnourishment, wherein the nutrient intake is either insufficient or over‐sufficient. As dyspnea and poor lung volumes are theoretically expected in people with the global phenomenon of obesity, this study aimed at correlating the data of three major functional respiratory parameters, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second of expiration (FEV) and FEV % {(FEV /FVC) × 100} obtained using a MiniSpir spirometer and the answers in the questionnaire concerning dietary and lifestyle habits filled by the volunteers themselves. An additional insight into the analysis was made by calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the volunteers using a Tanita InnerScanV Body Composition Analyser.The pulmonary function results obtained was typically a spectrum of restrictions and obstructions flanked by normal spirometry. Volunteers who indulged themselves in cigarettes and alcohol showed mild to severe obstructions, and those feeding on excessive calories showed mild to severe restrictions. High calorie intake (prolonged obesity) and cigarette smoking could increase the severity of the results (which were mild given the age group of volunteers) in due course of time, possibly deteriorating their pulmonary health further down the line.Support or Funding InformationResearch Council, University of Delhi