Interventions to prevent respiratory diseases - Nutrition and the developing world

Paediatr Respir Rev. 2017 Mar:22:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2016.09.003. Epub 2016 Sep 28.

Abstract

Malnutrition is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and nutrition plays a critical role in both acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Inadequacies in the nutritional requirements of a developing lung in utero and in early life can compromise the respiratory system integrity and result in poor lung function, reduced protection against infections, greater likelihood of acute illnesses in childhood and chronic illness in adulthood. Nutritional interventions harness great potential in reducing respiratory illness related morbidity and mortality in the developing world. In this review we have summarized the findings from published systematic reviews/meta-analysis, experimental and observational studies that looked into different nutritional interventions for preventing respiratory diseases in developing countries.

Keywords: Developing Countries; Infections; Malnutrition; Nutrition; Respiratory Diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Breast Feeding
  • Developing Countries*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition / prevention & control*
  • Malnutrition / therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Trace Elements / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*
  • Zinc / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Ascorbic Acid