Daily Nutrient Intake and Inflammation Among US Adults.

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic inflammation has long been associated with chronic disease and mortality. Dietary interventions have been a proposed mechanism to decrease inflammation. Using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation, we investigated whether daily intake of nutrients purported to be anti-inflammatory had an association with current inflammation.

Methods: We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021-2023 to conduct a population level analysis of US adults. Individual diets were translated into daily nutrient intakes. hs-CRP was measured in close temporal proximity to dietary assessment. For each nutrient, intake was categorized as low, moderate (includes recommended intake), or high. hs-CRP and dietary nutrient intake were examined with parametric and non-parametric statistics.

Results: High intake of certain nutrients was significantly associated with lower levels of hs-CRP when compared to low intake of these nutrients (dietary fiber: 2.7 vs. 3.9, p=0.001; folate: 3.3 vs. 4.1, p=0.002; magnesium: 2.8 vs. 4.0, p=0.001; vitamin B6: 3.4 vs. 4.0, p=0.01; vitamin C: 3.4 vs. 4.0, p=0.04; vitamin D: 1.3 vs. 3.8, p=0.03; vitamin K: 3.1 vs. 4.1, p=0.0001). For dietary fiber and magnesium, the significant association was also demonstrated when comparing low to moderate intake. Not all hypothesized nutrients showed significant associations with inflammation.

Conclusion: Usual dietary intake of dietary fiber and magnesium indicate that they are anti-inflammatory. Folate, and vitamins B6, C, D, and K appear to confer greater anti-inflammatory benefit only above recommended dietary levels. Dietary strategies emphasizing these nutrients may help individuals lower hs-CRP and potentially mitigate inflammation-related health risks.