Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism (Jan 2021)

Effect of Antioxidants in the Treatment of COPD Patients: Scoping Review

  • Mauricio Orozco-Levi,
  • Claudia Colmenares-Mejía,
  • Jessica Ruíz,
  • Yurley Dayanna Valencia-Barón,
  • Alba Ramírez-Sarmiento,
  • Doris Cristina Quintero-Lesmes,
  • Norma C. Serrano

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7463391
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2021

Abstract

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, treatable lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation and multiorgan impact. This affects the nutritional status of patients and requires multidimensional interventions including nutritional interventions according to individual metabolic needs. Our scoping review determined the effects of antioxidants in the treatment of COPD patients and their role in the decrease in the probability of exacerbations, hospital readmissions, and changes in lung function. The sources MEDLINE, LILACS, and Google Scholar were consulted and 19 studies were selected. The most indicated antioxidants are N-Acetylcysteine, vitamins E and D, and Zinc. Other antioxidants from plants or fruits extracts are also being investigated. The beneficial effect of antioxidants in stable or exacerbated patients is not clear, but theoretical and biological arguments of benefit justify lines of research that specify the impact on reducing oxidative stress and negative effects in COPD.