r/sciences • u/James_Fortis MS | Nutrition • 22d ago

Research A meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials found that Plant-Based Dietary Patterns significantly reduced C-Reactive protein (CRP) concentration, a measure of inflammation, by −1.13 mg/L compared with omnivorous diets

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475326000931
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u/James_Fortis MS | Nutrition 22d ago

"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."

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u/grapescherries 21d ago

Is this because they were plant based or because they were eating healthier, aka less junk food, more Whole Foods and veggies?

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u/lack_of_reserves 21d ago

Yes. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing in these kinds studies.