Keywords
1. Dietary patterns and inflammation
2. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
3. Nutrition in older adults
4. Healthy aging diet
5. Mediterranean-DASH diet and aging
Introduction
In an age where chronic diseases are prevalent, the quest for a dietary elixir that promotes longevity and reduces the risk of disease is ongoing. In the realm of nutritional epidemiology, the relationship between dietary patterns and health outcomes among older adults is an area of growing interest. A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, with DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.03.004, delves into the link between dietary habits and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a well-established marker of inflammation, in community-dwelling Chinese older adults.
Background of the Study
Inflammation is a fundamental biological process that serves as a double-edged sword in the human body. While it is crucial for defense against infections and injury, chronic inflammation is implicated in a plethora of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Moreover, elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as hsCRP, are associated with aging and age-related diseases. As the global population ages, understanding factors that can mitigate the risk of chronic inflammation becomes increasingly relevant.
Dietary patterns, which represent the overall diet quality and dietary combinations, have been scrutinized for their potential influence on inflammation. Previous studies have shown that certain diets, like the Mediterranean diet, are associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and improved health outcomes.
The Study
The study, led by Ruth R. Chan from the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, evaluated the association of various dietary patterns with serum hsCRP levels in a cohort of older Chinese adults. It included 1332 older men and 1314 older women living in the community, gauging their diet quality through different indices like the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND), and the Okinawan diet.
Participants were asked to complete dietary intake questionnaires, and their serum hsCRP levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between dietary patterns and hsCRP levels was assessed while considering other influencing factors such as demographics and lifestyle behaviors.
Findings
The findings of the research indicated that older men who adhered to higher quality dietary patterns had lower levels of hsCRP. This association was noted with several diets, including the Mediterranean diet, the “vegetables-fruits” pattern, and the MIND diet. Interestingly, the study did not find the same correlation among older women, suggesting potential gender differences in dietary impacts on inflammation.
Implications
The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of high-quality dietary patterns in managing inflammation and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. For healthcare providers and policymakers, these insights underscore the importance of promoting healthy dietary habits as part of public health strategies to foster healthy aging.
References
1. Chan, R. R., Yu, B. B., Leung, J. J., Lee, J. S.-W., & Woo, J. (2019). Association of dietary patterns with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in community-dwelling older adults. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 31, 38–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.03.004
2. Lopez-Garcia, E., Schulze, M. B., Fung, T. T., Meigs, J. B., Rifai, N., Manson, J. E., … & Hu, F. B. (2004). Major dietary patterns are related to plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(4), 1029-1035.
3. Estruch, R., Ros, E., Salas-Salvadó, J., Covas, M.-I., Corella, D., Arós, F., … & Martínez-González, M. A. (2018). Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(25), e34.
4. Shivappa, N., Steck, S. E., Hurley, T. G., Hussey, J. R., & Hébert, J. R. (2014). Designing and developing a literature-derived, population-based dietary inflammatory index. Public Health Nutrition, 17(8), 1689-1696.
5. Barbaresko, J., Koch, M., Schulze, M. B., & Nöthlings, U. (2013). Dietary pattern analysis and biomarkers of low-grade inflammation: a systematic literature review. Nutrition Reviews, 71(8), 511-527.
Conclusion
The study conducted by Chan et al. highlights the critical role that dietary patterns play in modulating inflammation among older adults, with a particular emphasis on differences between genders. The findings brought forth by this research not only add to the evidence in favor of certain dietary patterns but also raise questions about the complex interplay between diet, inflammation, and gender. Continued research in this field will be essential to unravel the nuances of how diet can be harnessed as a tool for reducing inflammation and promoting longevity, especially in diverse populations. Health practitioners can use these insights to guide dietary recommendations tailored to reduce inflammation-related health risks in older adults.