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Optimizing Respiratory Health Through Nutrition: From Prevention to Management

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 December 2025) | Viewed by 314

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: cytokines; lung; respiratory; lung diseases; asthma; physiotherapy; physical education; respiratory physiology; plasma; exercise science; chronic heart failure; nutrition
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Respiratory health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, with emerging research underscoring the profound impact of nutrition on both the prevention and management of respiratory conditions. A well-balanced diet, abundant in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential micronutrients, serves as a powerful ally in enhancing lung function, curbing inflammation, and bolstering immune defenses. Key dietary components—such as colorful fruits and vegetables, omega-3-rich foods, and vitamin D sources—have demonstrated promise in reducing the risk and severity of asthma, COPD, and respiratory infections. 

Beyond food choices, maintaining optimal hydration and minimizing processed foods can further refine respiratory efficiency. This discussion delves into science-backed dietary approaches to lung health, spanning from preventive strategies for the general population to targeted nutritional therapies for chronic respiratory conditions. By unraveling the intricate relationship between diet and respiratory function, individuals can empower themselves to make informed, proactive choices—paving the way for improved breathing and sustained vitality.

Dr. János Tamas Varga
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • diet
  • nutrition
  • vitamin D
  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • COPD
  • lung
  • respiratory health
  • asthma

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 809 KB  
Article
Impact of Protein Intake on Training Response in Chronic Lung Disease
by Andrea Huhn and Patrick Diel
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010041 - 22 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Loss of muscle strength and mass is common in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) and contributes to functional decline. Resistance training and adequate protein intake improve muscle function in healthy adults, but data for this patient population are limited. Methods: In [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Loss of muscle strength and mass is common in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) and contributes to functional decline. Resistance training and adequate protein intake improve muscle function in healthy adults, but data for this patient population are limited. Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized controlled study, 16 patients with CLD (51–85 years) participated in three six-week intervention phases: phase 1—usual diet, phase 2—daily protein intake according to recommendations (1.2–1.5 g/kg bodyweight), and phase 3—additional protein supplementation immediately after training. Combined strength and endurance training was performed throughout the entire intervention period. The main outcome was maximum strength and body fat, while secondary outcomes included physical capacity, weight, activity, and quality of life (QoL). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models to evaluate interaction effects between time points and phases with an intention-to-treat analysis. Results: In the patients’ usual diets, daily protein intake was below the recommended levels; during the intervention, protein intake increased significantly but did not reach the recommended target range. Maximum strength was increased marginally significantly by 4.6 kg during the intervention time without an interaction effect. Body fat reduction was significantly modeled using the interaction effect, whereas body weight remained unchanged. These enhancements are remarkable given that the training intensity was very low (less than once weekly), and protein consumption was below recommended levels. Conclusions: Targeted resistance training, combined with increased protein intake, led to measurable improvements in strength and body composition. These findings demonstrate that low-effort interventions can be implemented in real-life settings, providing a practical strategy to improve strength (a significant prognostic indicator) and increase protein consumption among this vulnerable population. Full article
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