The Effect of Varying Fatty Acid Composition on Postprandial Airway Inflammation, Pulmonary Function, and Airway Resistance in Healthy, Young Adults

Abstract

The Western Diet commonly consists of high-fat meals (HFMs) with saturated fats (SF) and increased omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O6FA) to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3FA) ratios. Even a single high-fat meal (HFM) may increase airway inflammation assessed via exhaled nitric oxide (eNO). When HFMs are consumed chronically, persistent airway inflammation may lead to deleterious structural changes in the airways, decrease pulmonary function, and increase the risk of respiratory disease development.

Objective

To examine the effect of varying fatty acid composition in a HFM on eNO, pulmonary function, and airway resistance.

Methods

Fifteen individuals [6 M/9 F; 21.9 ± 1.5 years old] each completed three HFM conditions {SF, O6FA, and O3FA; 12 kcal/kg body weight, 63% total fat, and 0.72 g/kg sugar smoothies} in random order separated by at least 48 h. Airway inflammation assessed via eNO, pulmonary function measured using the maximum flow volume loop (MFVL) and airway resistance measured using impulse oscillometry (iOS) were taken at baseline, 2h and 4h postprandially.

Results

There was no difference in eNO or iOS across time in any condition or between conditions (p > 0.05). There was a significant time by condition effect for FEV₁ post-HFM in the SF and O6FA conditions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Different fatty acid compositions do not increase eNO or iOS in healthy, college-aged participants after consumption of a HFM, though the minimally processed meals with fruit added may contribute to these findings.

Keywords:

• Exhaled nitric oxide
• fatty acid
• postprandial
• pulmonary
• inflammation

Author contributions

The authors contributed to the completion of the manuscript in the following ways: S.P.K established the idea, helped interpret and discuss the data and wrote the manuscript; B.L.W helped with conceptualization of the project, collected data, wrote the initial manuscript and provided vital feedback; J.D.A helped develop the idea, edited the manuscript, created the conditions, and provided feedback; E.S.E helped developed the idea, edited the manuscript, interpreted the data and provided vital feedback.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research received grant support from the 4-Virginia. Funding for this project was provided by the CHBS Collaborative grant at James Madison University.