The study of efficacy of soy-pumpkin products in the diet of healthy people for prevention of acute respiratory infections

Introduction. Hypoalimentation with the formation of protein-energy malnutrition can reduce the body’s resistance to acute respiratory infections (ARI). Soy and pumpkin can be a promising source of normalization of the diet.Aim. To study the effectiveness of the use of soybean-pumpkin products in the diet of healthy people to increase the resistance of the human body to ARI.Materials and methods. An open, randomized, parallel group study was conducted. Group 1 included 18 people who took a soy-pumpkin drink and dessert for 10 weeks in addition to their usual diet. Group 2 included 17 people on a regular diet. The concentration of vitamin E, cholesterol, α- and β-lipoproteins was determined in blood serum. Diene conjugates and unoxidized lipids were determined in the expired air condensate (EAC) by means of spectrophotometry. Lung function was assessed using spirometry.Results. According to the questionnaire survey, 50% of the participants in group 1 registered a positive dynamics from the regular use of soybean-pumpkin products. Only one participant underwent ARI. In the 2nd group, 7 people (41%) applied for medical help (χ2=4.43; p˂0.05), of which 6 (35%) had ARIs. At the end of the observation, an increase in vitamin E (from 34.1±0.68 to 36.4±0.55 μg/mL, p=0.0036), a decrease in total cholesterol (from 4.85±0.23 to 4.32±0.14 mmol/L, p=0.0013) and β-lipoproteins (from 2.92±0.24 to 2.31±0.18 mmol/L, p=0.0003). At the beginning of the study, in individuals of group 1, there was a relationship between age and the concentration of total cholesterol (r=0.50; p=0.036) and β-lipoproteins (r=0.47; p=0.048), as well as the weight and level of α-lipoproteins (r=-0.49; p=0.041), the concentration of unoxidized lipids (r=0.55; p=0.02), diene conjugates (r=0.48; p=0.043) in EAC. After regular use of soybean-pumpkin products, this correlation dependence was lost.Conclusion. Regular use of soy-pumpkin products for 10 weeks has a beneficial effect on the lipid profile of the blood, increases antioxidant defence, and reduces the susceptibility of a healthy person to ARI.