A Trend of High-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Oral Nutritional Supplements on Body Composition and Handgrip Strength in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is linked to malnutrition, leading to abnormal body composition and handgrip strength. Avoiding an increased respiratory quotient during malnutrition correction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is crucial. This study investigates the impact of high-fat, low-carbohydrate oral nutritional supplements on the body composition and handgrip strength of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In our prospective intervention study, patients were randomly allocated to either the oral nutritional supplements or control groups. Both received dietary guidance and medication, while only the oral nutritional supplements group received high-fat, low-carbohydrate supplements. Body composition and handgrip strength were measured at baseline and 8 weeks later. Findings revealed that, after 8 weeks, the oral nutritional supplements group showed less handgrip strength improvement, a greater decrease in extracellular water ratio, and greater increases in weight, muscle, fat, and water compared to controls. In essence, oral nutritional supplement intervention appears to have a beneficial effect on body composition, especially in terms of muscle, fat, and water content, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. However, further studies with larger cohorts and extended durations are suggested to validate these findings.