Individuals adhering to a plant-based diet exhibit reduced susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

A study published in ERJ Open Research suggests that individuals who adopt a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts are less susceptible to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Conversely, those who consume an unhealthy plant-based diet abundant in refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and high-sugar, high-salt foods are more prone to developing OSA.

OSA is characterized by loud snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, and frequent awakenings, leading to fatigue and potentially increasing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Led by Dr. Yohannes Melaku from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, the research represents one of the first large-scale analyses exploring the connection between plant-based diets and OSA risk. The findings suggest that adopting a healthy, plant-based diet may serve as a preventive measure or treatment for OSA.

The study involved 14,210 participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants reported their dietary intake over the past 24 hours, categorized as healthy plant-based (including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, tea, and coffee), animal-based, or unhealthy plant-based (involving refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, desserts, and salty foods). Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire assessing the likelihood of OSA.

Results indicated that individuals with diets rich in plant-based foods were 19% less likely to suffer from OSA compared to those consuming diets low in plant-based foods. Notably, those adhering to a primarily vegetarian diet also faced lower OSA risks. Conversely, individuals consuming unhealthy plant-based diets had a 22% higher risk of OSA compared to those with lower consumption of such foods.

Moreover, the study revealed gender differences in OSA risk, with the impact of plant-based diets more pronounced in men and the risk associated with unhealthy plant-based diets more significant in women.

Dr. Melaku emphasized the importance of dietary quality in managing OSA risk, suggesting that a healthy plant-based diet may mitigate inflammation and obesity, key factors in OSA development.

Moving forward, researchers plan to explore the relationship between ultra-processed foods and OSA risk in the same population group. Long-term investigations on the interaction between diet and OSA risk are also on the agenda.

Professor Sophia Schiza, Head of the European Respiratory Society’s assembly on sleep-disordered breathing, noted the significance of the findings, suggesting that dietary modifications could play a beneficial role in managing or preventing OSA. She highlighted the importance of incorporating a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into the diet while minimizing the consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks to enhance overall health.