In March 2018 researchers from Sweden, Poland and USA published the results of their study to assess the association between long-term red meat consumption and risk of congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 34,053 women, aged 48-83 years, were included in the study. Information on unprocessed and processed red meat consumption was collected via two self-administered questionnaires. Over an average follow-up of 12 years, 1488 diagnoses of congestive obstructive pulmonary disease were made. Results showed that women consuming 50g/day of processed meat had a 2-fold higher risk of congestive obstructive pulmonary disease than those consuming under 25g/day. This association appeared to be confined to ex-smokers, with no similar associations being observed amongst current or never smokers. In addition, no association was observed between long term consumption of unprocessed red meat and risk of congestive obstructive pulmonary disease.
Kaluza J et al. Long-term unprocessed and processed red meat consumption and risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective cohort study of women. Eur J Nutr. 2018 Mar 12. [Epub ahead of print]