Abstract
A few studies showed that both adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity practice have a positive impact on pulmonary function in subjects with lung disease. These associations are not well studied in subjects free from lung disease. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 3020 middle-aged subjects free of lung disease, adherence to the MedDiet using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and physical activity practice using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form were recorded. Respiratory function was assessed using forced spirometry and the results were evaluated according to the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between adherence to the MedDiet and physical activity practice with the presence of ventilatory defects. Participants with a high adherence to MedDiet, in comparison to those with low adherence, had both higher forced vital capacity (FVC; 100 (87–109) vs. 94 (82–105) % of predicted, p = 0.003) and forced expired volume in the first second (FEV1; 100 (89–112) vs. 93 (80–107) % of predicted, p < 0.001). According to their degree of physical activity, those subjects with a high adherence also had both higher FVC (100 (88–107) vs. 94 (83–105) % of predicted, p = 0.027) and FEV1 (100 (89–110) vs. 95 (84–108) % of predicted, p = 0.047) in comparison with those with low adherence. The multivariable logistic regression models showed a significant and independent association between both low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice, and the presence of altered pulmonary patterns, with differences between men and women. However, no joint effect between adherence to MedDiet and physical activity practice on respiratory function values was observed. Low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice were independently associated with pulmonary impairment. Therefore, the lung mechanics seem to benefit from heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Highlights
The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is characterized by an abundant consumption of extra-virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, a moderate consumption of fish and seafood, poultry, fermented dairy products, and red wine, and low intakes of sweetened beverages, red meat, and ready meals [1,2]
We explored the joint associations of combining the adherence to the MedDiet and physical activity practice with FEV1 and the presence of ventilatory defects
A low adherence to the MedDiet was associated with impaired spirometric values and higher prevalence of abnormal lung function when compared to participants with high adherence to this dietary pattern
Summary
The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is characterized by an abundant consumption of extra-virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, a moderate consumption of fish and seafood, poultry, fermented dairy products, and red wine (with meals), and low intakes of sweetened beverages, red meat, and ready meals [1,2]. This traditional dietary pattern is of interest for health due to observations from the 1960s that populations bordering the Mediterranean Sea experienced lower mortality from cardiovascular diseases [3,4,5]. There is growing evidence about the beneficial effect of the MedDiet on lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis
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