What is Respifor?

Respifor.® is a specially-designed, clinically proven supplement for COPD patients addressing the metabolic and nutritional challenges seen in COPD patients by providing a nutrient dense supplement (187 kcal per bottle or 150 kcal per 100 ml). It has a unique macronutrient ratio, Qplex™, consisting of 60 En% carbohydrate, 20 En% protein (casein and whey derived) and 20 En% fat.

The high carbohydrate content (60 En%) provides energy quickly, helping to restore muscle glycogen levels and is therefore an immediate energy source for the muscles. In addition, as high carbohydrate content contributes to fast gastric emptying this, along with Respifor’s small volume (125ml), helps reduce the chance of breathlessness associated with eating commonly seen in COPD patients and avoids the feeling of satiety. 13

Respifor’s high protein content (20 En%) helps to rebalance protein metabolism, providing additional protein to enable patients to rebuild muscle mass. 12

The low fat content of Respifor.® (20 En%) avoids increased post prandial dyspnoea and is in line with the latest research into nutritional support for COPD patients, that there is no advantage to patients from a high fat formulation. 11

Respifor’s unique composition of high carbohydrate, high protein and low fat gives the right type of energy for COPD patients. When taken in combination with gentle exercise it supports building muscle mass thereby improving physical performance. Respifor.® also contains high levels of antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E, aiming to reduce the oxidative stress and low antioxidant plasma levels commonly seen in COPD patients. 14-16

New clinical evidence shows the benefits of rebuilding muscle mass and improvements in physical capacity in COPD patients, with patients experiencing a slowing in the progression of the disease, reduction in exacerbations and hospitalisation, and an improvement in their quality of life. 17, 18

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References
11. Vermeeren et al. European Respiratory Journal 1997;10:2264-9
12. King DA et al. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society. 2008;5(4):519-23
13. Vermeeren MA et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001;73:295-301
14. Rahman I et al. American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 1996;154 (4 pt 1):1055-60
16. MacNee W. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 2005;2:50-60
17. Van Wetering CR et al. American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 2009;179:A5373
18. Cano N et al. Clinical Nutrition Supplements 2008; Suppl 1, 16.