Lower Reported Energy Intake Relative to Estimated Requirements Is Associated with Impaired Lung Function, Reduced Respiratory Muscle Strength and Reduced Levels of Pulmonary and Systemic IL-10 and Klotho in Older Adults
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Caloric deficiency may adversely affect respiratory and immune function in older adults, but its association with pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary immunoregulatory mediators remains poorly understood. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, community-dwelling older adults were classified according to habitual energy intake relative to estimated energy requirements as normocaloric or hypocaloric. Pulmonary function, handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), 1-min sit-to-stand (STS) performance, and systemic and pulmonary concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and Klotho were assessed. Associations between energy adequacy and study outcomes were additionally investigated. Results: Participants with hypocaloric intake exhibited lower FVC (92.23 ± 14.66 vs. 101.32 ± 19.41% predicted; p = 0.012) and FEV1 (87.31 ± 18.09 vs. 102.93 ± 21.82% predicted; p = 0.002), while FEV1/FVC and expiratory flows were preserved. Handgrip strength (p < 0.001), MIP (p = 0.013), MEP (p = 0.038), and 1-min STS performance (p < 0.001) were also lower. Plasma IL-10 (p = 0.002) and Klotho (p = 0.012), and exhaled breath condensate IL-10 (p = 0.010) and Klotho (p = 0.003), were lower in the hypocaloric group, whereas IL-6 and TNF-α did not differ. Energy adequacy was positively associated with FVC, FEV1, functional capacity, and systemic and pulmonary IL-10 and Klotho. Conclusions: Hypocaloric dietary intake was associated with reduced pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and lower systemic and pulmonary IL-10 and Klotho in older adults, without concomitant elevations in IL-6 or TNF-α.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu18223737
Authors: Rosa Helena Ramos Paula-Vieira, Nycole Vieira Ramos Gomes, Anamei Silva-Reis, Meiry Souza Moura-Maia, Naiara Nadia Moreira-Silva, Raianne Veiga Celestino, Fernanda Rodrigues Monteiro, Gustavo Paixão-Santos, Yanesko Fernandes Bella, Andre Luis Lacerda Bachi, Claudio Ricardo Frison, Andreas Hoheisel, Eleni Papakonstantinou, Daiana Stolz, Viviane Soares, Rodolfo P. Vieira
Institutions: Universidade Evangelica de Goiás, Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de Santo Amaro, Instituto do Coração - HCFMUSP, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7225800527