# Nutrition and diets in pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
In pulmonary fibrosis (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF), nutrition plays a supportive role. The lungs become inflamed and scarred, causing the body to require extra energy and certain nutrients. Research shows that nutritional status – how well your body is supplied with essential substances – is linked to disease progression and how your body responds to medications. This tab describes which nutritional approaches are being investigated in IPF and what is known about them.
Protein-rich nutrition
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Protein-rich nutrition means eating enough protein daily from sources such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy, legumes and nuts. Protein is essential for muscle strength and tissue repair.
In IPF patients, malnutrition and loss of muscle mass are common problems. Research from 2026 shows that the so-called 'prognostic nutritional index' (a measure that takes into account protein intake, body composition and inflammatory markers) is strongly associated with survival and progression of IPF. Patients with worse nutritional status had shorter survival times. This suggests that adequate protein is important, especially since IPF causes chronic inflammation that costs the body more energy.
Risks are not known, but make sure your kidney function is checked regularly if you eat a lot of protein, especially if you have other diseases.
Mediterranean dietary pattern
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
The Mediterranean dietary pattern focuses on plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, olive oil, fish and limited amounts of meat. This pattern is low in refined sugar and processed food.
Research from 2026 ('Life's Essential 8') investigated a comprehensive healthy dietary pattern and physical activity, and found evidence that this pattern is associated with slower progression of chronic lung diseases, including fibrosis. The Mediterranean pattern contains many antioxidants (from vegetables and olive oil) that can potentially inhibit inflammatory reactions – something relevant to IPF because inflammation plays an important role.
Specific research into olive oil and IPF was conducted in the MADIET trial (2026), in which patients with IPF who were taking pirfenidone (a commonly used medication) received additional olive oil. This was found to reduce gastrointestinal disorders (a common side effect of pirfenidone), presumably because olive oil supports gut health.
No known risks specific to IPF, but the pattern requires planning and cooking skills.
Periodic fasting and intermittent fasting
ExperimentaliOngoing in study setting, outcome still unknown
Intermittent fasting involves not eating food during certain periods and only consuming water or unsweetened beverages. This can be daily (for example, 16 hours of fasting per day) or on certain days.
There is no direct research on intermittent fasting in IPF published. The mechanisms that support fasting – for example, autophagy (body cells that perform their own breakdown and renewal) and reduction of chronic inflammation – are theoretically relevant to fibrotic lung diseases. But this has not yet been investigated in IPF patients.
Risks are considerable: IPF patients often already have eating problems (due to fatigue or side effects of medications) and can quickly become malnourished. Fasting could worsen this. This diet is NOT recommended without strong medical supervision.
Ketogenic diet
UnproveniNo scientific evidence that it works
A ketogenic diet severely restricts carbohydrates and focuses on fats and protein, so that the body enters a metabolic state (ketosis) in which fat is broken down for energy.
There is no research on ketogenic diet in IPF. Theoretical benefits (reduced inflammation, improved mitochondrial function) have not been demonstrated in this population. The risk is that the diet is difficult to maintain, protein intake is not automatically sufficient, and it puts heavy demands on kidneys and digestion – all aspects that require attention in IPF.
This diet is NOT advised for IPF patients without explicit supervision.
Nutrition with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory food
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This pattern emphasizes nutrition rich in antioxidants: for example, berries, dark leafy greens (spinach, turnip greens), nuts, herbal teas (green tea), and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel). The aim is to counter inflammation in the body.
IPF is accompanied by chronic lung inflammation and oxidative stress (harmful free radicals). Research from 2026 into blood proteins (proteomics) shows that certain inflammatory markers strongly correlate with outcomes in IPF. Although this research did not directly test diet, it suggests that reducing inflammation is relevant. Antioxidant-rich nutrition is often recommended in guidelines for lung diseases, also because it typically goes hand in hand with better weight and muscle strength.
No known risks; much antioxidant-rich nutrition is standard advice for chronic diseases.
Nutrition and medication side effects
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
A specific finding: pirfenidone and nintedanib – two common IPF medications – often cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Research (MADIET trial, 2026) showed that adding olive oil to the diet significantly reduced these gastrointestinal symptoms. This suggests that certain dietary choices can help tolerate medications better.
Dietary patterns that are mild on the stomach (regular eating, limited fat, limited spices) can help. However, this is very personal; what one person tolerates well can be difficult for another.
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**In conclusion:** dietary choices in IPF are tailored to the individual. Your nutritional status – your protein intake, your weight, your muscle strength – affects how well your body can cope with the disease and how well medications work. It is strongly recommended to discuss this with your pulmonologist and ideally with a dietitian who has experience with IPF. They can look at what you eat, how you feel and how you tolerate your medications, and create a plan that fits your situation.
_This information never replaces a doctor's judgment. Always discuss your situation with your own healthcare provider._