Nutritional intervention in patients with COPD

Abstract

Malnutrition, as well as low muscle mass, is common in patients with COPD. Until now, evidence based data at the highest level (1a) concerning nutritional intervention has been lacking. However, a lot of studies indicate that nutritional intervention, (optimising existing nutrition with regard to individual symptoms of the illness, as well as the use of nutritional supplements if necessary) in combination with exercises, (increased and special exercises to improve lung muscles) have positive effects on life quality as well as dyspnoe in patients with COPD. The above data reflects the need to offer nutritional advice by a competent nutritional expert, to all patients with moderate to very severe COPD (according to GOLD II - IV).