# Nutrition and diets in bronchiectasis
Malnutrition and poor nutritional status play an important role in bronchiectasis. Recent research shows that malnutrition is associated with worse lung function, more infections, muscle wasting (sarcopenia) and higher mortality. For many patients, nutrition is therefore part of the treatment. Below are the eating patterns and diets that are the subject of research or practice in this disease.
Protein-rich nutrition
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern focuses on adequate protein intake to keep muscles intact and help the body recover. In bronchiectasis, protein-rich nutrition becomes especially important because these patients are susceptible to muscle wasting (sarcopenia), which is accompanied by chronic inflammation and more serious infections.
Research from 2026 points to a link between poor nutritional status (measured by various indices) and worse outcomes at admission and long-term. A 'Prognostic Nutritional Index' is associated with the risk of mechanical ventilation and mortality. It is also found that inflammation and malnutrition reinforce each other: the more inflammation in the body, the sooner tissues break down and the harder it becomes to maintain weight or muscle mass.
Although no specific protein doses are prescribed in guidelines for bronchiectasis, these studies suggest that adequate protein intake helps prevent muscle wasting and possibly against worse outcomes. Interaction with medicines is not known; however, protein-rich nutrition can strain the kidneys in patients with kidney disease, and should then be discussed with the doctor.
Nutrition richer in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern offers foods that contain substances that can help reduce inflammation in the body, such as vitamins (C, E, D), minerals (selenium, zinc) and plant-based substances (in vegetables, fruit, nuts). In bronchiectasis, chronic inflammation plays a central role in lung damage and also in muscle wasting.
Recent studies (2026) show that systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (cell damage by free radicals) are greater in patients with muscle wasting and is associated with worse lung function. This suggests that nutritional interventions aimed at reducing these processes could be useful. One study mentions an 'inflammation-nutrition risk score' that helps assess which patients are at greater risk of malnutrition and more severe disease.
Specific evidence for one specific eating pattern is still lacking, but vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin D) have been found more often in bronchiectasis. Risks are unclear; with normal eating, problems usually do not occur, although excessive supplementation of certain vitamins can be harmful.
Vitamin D supplementation
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Vitamin D is important for bone strength and immune function. In bronchiectasis, vitamin D is sometimes studied because these patients have an increased risk of bone damage (osteoporosis, osteopenia) and because vitamin D also plays a role in defense against infections.
Research from 2026 describes that bone disease in non-cystic bronchiectasis is common and has multiple causes: chronic infection and inflammation, less exercise, possibly malnutrition. Vitamin D plays a role in this. In cystic fibrosis – a related condition – studies showed that CFTR modulators (certain new medicines) can affect vitamin D absorption; this may also apply to bronchiectasis, but is not yet fully clear.
Vitamin D supplementation itself has no known harmful interactions with standard treatments for bronchiectasis. However, overdosing can cause problems; dosing belongs with the doctor or dietitian.
Nutrition to support lung function and airway defense
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This includes nutrition with substances known to support mucus production or clearance mechanisms in the airways, such as fluid intake and foods with certain nutrients (fluids, vitamins, minerals). Although no specific 'protocol' exists, for all lung diseases adequate fluid intake helps keep secretions thin and supports mucus clearance.
In children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD – a related condition where hair-like structures in the airways don't work properly) research (2026) shows that good nutritional status is associated with better long-term lung function. This suggests that nutrition influences how quickly the lungs deteriorate.
No specific nutrients are advised against; fluid intake should be adjusted for kidney disease or heart disease if present.
Nutrition for underweight and growth delay (especially in children)
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Many children with bronchiectasis grow more slowly or remain underweight. This is linked to chronic infection, poor nutrition and increased calorie needs due to lung damage. Nutritional intervention is part of care, aimed at growth and development.
Studies from 2026 show that nutritional status is linked to the risk of malnutrition, number of infections and even peripheral eosinophilia (certain inflammatory cells in the blood). A study in children shows that a therapeutic exercise programme (movement) can help, but nutrition forms the supporting pillar underneath.
Specific calorie requirements vary widely; individual adjustment is needed. The risk of overfeeding (rapid weight gain) should be avoided by coordinating food choices with your healthcare provider or dietitian.
Nutrition aimed at immune function (nutrition 'for' immunity)
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern focuses on nutrients that support immunity: zinc, selenium, vitamins A, C, D, certain amino acids. In bronchiectasis, especially with infections caused by difficult bacteria (such as non-tuberculous mycobacteria, NTM), immune function plays a key role.
Recent research (2026) describes that nutritional status and inflammation are strong predictors of outcomes in NTM infections. It is also described that certain nutrient deficiencies are more common in patients with weaker immunity. However, strong evidence for one specific nutrient or pattern is still limited.
Interaction with medicines: certain antibiotics can affect nutrient absorption; this should be discussed with your doctor and dietitian. Overdosing on certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful.
Nutrition in metabolic comorbidities (diabetes, bone disease)
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Bronchiectasis patients more often have diabetes, heart and vascular disease, and bone disease. Nutrition therefore sometimes also plays a role in managing these 'secondary conditions'. This may include: nutrition to support blood sugar, nutrition to support bone strength (calcium, vitamin D, protein), or nutrition for heart and vascular health.
Studies from 2026 describe in detail that patients with bronchiectasis more often have comorbidities and that nutritional status is linked to these. Research into a 'cardio-nutrition-inflammation-oxygen index' suggests that nutrition and lung function are closely linked, and that nutrition can influence heart function and oxygen supply.
Risks arise mainly from following diets too strictly without guidance: for example too little calcium or protein in bone disease, or a too strict low-calorie diet which worsens malnutrition.
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Food choices for bronchiectasis are very individual and depend on your body composition, infections, medicines, kidney disease and other factors. This is custom-made and should be part of your treatment plan, in collaboration with your healthcare provider and ideally with a dietitian experienced in lung disease.
_This information never replaces a doctor's judgment. Always discuss your situation with your own healthcare provider._