The effects of dietary fibre on C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker predicting cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation, is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is a major cause of death worldwide. In epidemiological trials, high-fibre intakes have consistently been associated with reduction in CVD risk and CRP levels. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the influence of dietary fibre (DF) on CRP in clinical trials. Data sources: Databases were searched from the earliest record to April 2008 and supplemented by crosschecking reference lists of relevant publications. Study selection: Human adult intervention trials, at least 2 weeks in duration, with an increased and measurable consumption of DF were included and rated for quality. Data synthesis: Seven clinical trials were included, and six of these reported significantly lower CRP concentrations of 25-54% with increased DF consumption with dosages ranging between 3.3-7.8 g/MJ. The seventh trial with psyllium fibre supplementation failed to lower CRP levels significantly in overweight/obese individuals. Weight loss and altered fatty acid intakes were present in most of the studies. Conclusions: In the presence of weight loss and modified saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intakes, significantly lower CRP concentrations (k25-54%) are seen with increased fibre consumption (X3.3 g/MJ). Mechanisms are inconclusive but may involve the effect of DF on weight loss, and/or changes in the secretion, turnover or metabolism of insulin, glucose, adiponectin, interleukin-6, free fatty acids and triglycerides. Clinical studies of high-and low-fibre diets are needed to explore the potential favourable effects as observed epidemiologically, and to understand individual susceptibility to its antiinflammatory effect and long-term cardiovascular reduction.

Gut microbiome composition is linked to whole grain-induced immunological improvements

“…The metabolic and immunological benefits of whole grains have been shown in various studies (Fung et al, 2002;Behall et al, 2004;Jensen et al, 2004;Nilsson et al, 2006Nilsson et al, , 2008b, and a contribution of the gut microbiome to these effects has been suggested (North et al, 2009). However, the assessment of bacterial participation in these processes has been limited to hydrogen breath measurements, and the effects of whole grains on the gut microbiome structure have not been investigated.…”

735 Association between modifiable lifestyle factors and inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome

“…In the present study, dietary fibre intake was very low, however, no significant association with antiinflammatory markers was found. Some previous studies have, however, shown that high fibre diets can decrease inflammatory markers [18,19].…”

The global diabetes epidemic as a consequence of lifestyle-induced low-grade inflammation

“…A recent review of dietary intervention trials reported that in six out of seven trials, daily consumption of 3-8 g fibre per megajoule led to significant decrements in plasma CRP concentrations of 25-54% [47].…”