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A Dietary Inflammatory Index and associations with C-reactive protein in a general adult population

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Abstract

Purpose

Chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated in many of the diseases of ageing. Lifestyle factors, including diet may alter low-grade inflammation. This study aimed to assess cross-sectional associations between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP); and determine if any association differs according to age (< 50 vs ≥ 50 years).

Methods

DII scores were calculated for respondents of the Australian Health Survey 2011–2012 using data from two 24-h recalls. Serum CRP was measured using ultrasensitive immunoturbidimetric assay. Associations between DII and CRP were assessed using multivariate linear regression adjusting for confounders (age education, physical activity, sex and smoking). Associations were assessed for the whole cohort and stratified at age 50 years.

Results

The analysis included 2558 respondents with a mean BMI of 26.8 kg/m2 (< 50 years n = 1099; ≥ 50 years n = 1459). Respondents in the lowest DII quartile (anti-inflammatory diet) reportedly consumed more grains, vegetables and legumes, fruit, milk products, meat, poultry, fish and eggs, unsaturated oils and alcohol compared to respondents in DII quartile 4. No associations were seen between DII and CRP after adjustment for confounders in the whole cohort or when stratified < 50 or ≥ 50 years.

Conclusions

The DII was not associated with CRP in this cross-sectional study. Inflammation is complex characterised by a cascade of the multiple inflammatory markers and understanding the temporal relationship between diet and the inflammatory process is an important area for future research.

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Availability of data and materials

The data used for this study are held by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and researchers can apply for access to these data.

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Funding

This review is part of a PhD project for M. J. H being funded by Deakin University. S. A. M. receives funding as Chief Investigator on a commissioned research project for the World Health Organization on systematic reviews on dietary patterns. The funders had no active involvement in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia

    Michael J. Hart, Susan J. Torres, Sarah A. McNaughton & Catherine M. Milte

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  1. Michael J. Hart
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  2. Susan J. Torres
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  3. Sarah A. McNaughton
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Correspondence to Michael J. Hart.

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Ethics exemption was granted by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (2018-034).

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Hart, M.J., Torres, S.J., McNaughton, S.A. et al. A Dietary Inflammatory Index and associations with C-reactive protein in a general adult population. Eur J Nutr 60, 4093–4106 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02573-5

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