Are Dietary Factors Associated with Lung Function in Canadian Adults?

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2020 Mar 1;81(1):28-36. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2019-023. Epub 2019 Sep 12.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of dietary factors and biomarkers on lung function among Canadian adults (18-79 years). Methods: Our data source was the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle-3, which included 3397 adults. The household and clinic questionnaires and physical measures were used to assess individual dietary factors, modified Mediterranean Diet Scores, and biomarkers. Results: The overall mean percent predicted values for FVC and FEV1 were 97% and 95%, respectively. While somewhat inconsistent between outcomes, higher lung function was associated with bean, grain, milk, fruit, and vegetable consumption, whereas lower lung function was associated with egg and potato consumption. Among the biomarkers, vitamin D, chloride, total serum protein, and red blood cell folate were associated with higher lung function, whereas C-reactive protein and vitamin B12 was associated with lower lung function. Conclusion: Our study provides support for an association between some dietary factors and lung function, though not entirely consistent between a specific dietary factor and the outcomes studied (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1, and FEF25%-75%). The associations between a specific biomarker and lung function were more consistent (i.e., observed with a larger number of lung function outcomes) than were the dietary factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Canada
  • Diet*
  • Diet, Mediterranean
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vital Capacity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers