Association between carbohydrate intake and lung function in American adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007 to 2012

The association between lung function and dietary intake of carbohydrates remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the type and amount of carbohydrate intake and glucose metabolism on the forced expiratory volume 1 and forced vital capacity. The lung function parameters, carbohydrate, dietary intake, and the 2-hour glucose were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation between the variables according to gender and age. Carbohydrates and dietary fiber intake were positively associated with forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume 1. Conversely, the 2-hour glucose was negatively associated with lung function. The association between carbohydrates and lung function was more significant in men and individuals above the age of 40 years. Optimal carbohydrate intake and good glucose metabolism can improve lung function. These findings could be used to develop dietary recommendations to reduce the risk of developing lung disease.