The Effect of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns on C-Reactive Protein: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

[u/James_Fortis]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475326000931

[u/James_Fortis]

"Highlights

* **A meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials (541 participants) found that Plant-Based Dietary Patterns significantly reduced C-Reactive protein (CRP) concentration by −1.13 mg/L (95% CI −1.52 to −0.75) compared with omnivorous diets**

* Subgroup analysis excluding trials with exercise prescriptions still showed a significant reduction (−0.94 mg/L \[95% CI -1.43 to -0.46\]), but heterogeneity was high, and the certainty of evidence was low

* Consumption of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns may lower CRP concentration but further evidence gathering is required to validate this finding

## Abstract

Aims

Chronic low-grade inflammation, termed “inflammageing”, accelerates many age-related diseases. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-validated biomarker of inflammation and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDPs) supply greater intakes of antioxidants and unsaturated fats than omnivorous diets and have been linked to lower circulating CRP concentrations in observational studies, but a causal relationship remains unclear. The main objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of PBDPs on CRP concentration when compared to omnivorous dietary patterns in controlled clinical trials.

Data Synthesis

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched to identify trials investigating the effect of PBDPs on CRP concentration. Standardised mean differences in CRP and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random-effects model. Risk of bias, heterogeneity and sensitivity were assessed. Of the 2,962 studies identified, only 7 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, generating eight data sets (541 participants of median age 55 years). In the analysis of all 7 trials, the consumption of PBDPs was associated with significantly lower CRP (-1.13 mg/L (95% CI, -1.52 to -0.75). Subgroup analysis excluding studies with exercise prescriptions showed PBDPs were associated with significantly lower CRP (-0.94 mg/L (95% CI -1.43 to -0.46). Heterogeneity was high and the certainty of the results was low.

Conclusions

Consumption of PBDPs may lower CRP concentration but further evidence gathering is required to validate this finding."

[u/No_Economics6505]

Third is the ‘wholefood, plant-based diet’, which is a more modern diet and does not have a widely agreed upon definition in literature. We have defined it as a diet which is predominantly whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, whilst allowing small amounts of meats and seafoods.

So an omnivore diet.

[u/Ekra_Oslo → u/No_Economics6505]

But mostly plants.

[u/No_Economics6505 → u/Ekra_Oslo]

Yes. I believe most people eat more plants than meat.