Systematic review and meta-analysis of nutrient supplements for treating sarcopenia in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to malnutrition and sarcopenia as a result of nutritional deficiencies and increased energy metabolism. However, the effects of nutrient supplements (NS) on treating sarcopenia in patients with COPD are not well established from systematic evidence. This meta-analysis examined the effect of NS on sarcopenia in patients with COPD. A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted, and 29 randomized controlled trials involving 1625 participants (age, mean [SD] = 67.9 [7.8] years) were analyzed. NS demonstrated significant improvements in body weight (MD,1.33 kg; 95% CI, 0.60, 2.05 kg; P = 0.0003; I2 = 87%), fat-free mass index (MD, 0.74 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.21, 1.27 kg/m2; P = 0.007; I2 = 75%), and 6-min walk test (MD, 19.43 m; 95% CI, 4.91, 33.94 m; P = 0.009; I2 = 81%) compared with control. However, NS had nonsignificant effects on handgrip strength (SMD, 0.36; 95% CI, - 0.15, 0.88; P = 0.16; I2 = 87%) and quadriceps muscle strength (SMD, 0.11; 95% CI, -  0.06, 0.27; P = 0.20; I2 = 25%) compared with the control. In conclusion, NS may be an effective treatment for improving body composition and physical performance in COPD. Future studies should explore the effects of intervention durations, specific NS types, or combined training in patients with COPD and sarcopenia.