CRP levels are influenced by lifestyle and dietary modifications

Lavanya

Clinical Dietician, Kauvery Hospital, Heart City, Trichy

Abstract

C – reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, is influenced by many factors including socio economic position, genetics and diet. The inverse association between diet and CRP is biologically feasible because micronutrients with antioxidative properties may enable the body to manage the balance between production and accumulation of reactive species that cause oxidative stress. It is primarily produced by the liver in response to inflammation, often in response to the release of inflammatory molecules like interleukin-6 (IL-6). According to a study,high protein diet may cause excessive elevation of C- reactive protein.

Keywords: C- reactive protein, High protein diet, Interleukin-6(IL-6).

Introduction

CRP is a systemic acute phase protein produced mainly by the liver in response to circulating inflammatory mediators including Il-6 and interleukin-1with systemic inflammation, injury, infection and malignancy.⁸ The poor are at high risk for elevated CRP.⁹^,¹⁰ Inflammation may be one pathway through which socioeconomic position influences health.¹⁰^,¹¹ The impact of socioeconomic position on CRP levels can be influenced by genetics, which accounts for 25–40% of the variation in CRP levels between people,¹² and behaviors such as smoking and diet.¹¹^,¹⁴^–¹⁹ Diets high in dietary fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower CRP levels,²⁰^–²³ while consumption of a Western diet, a diet high in fat, sugar, sodium, and refined grains, has been hypothesized to elevate CRP levels.²⁰^,²⁴^,²⁵ Although the mechanisms are still unclear, a healthful diet is known to be inversely associated with inflammatory factors.²⁵

Interpretation OF CRP levels

Less than 0.3 mg/dL: Normal (level seen in most healthy adults).
3 to 1.0 mg/dL: Normal or minor elevation (can be seen in obesity, pregnancy, depression, diabetes, common cold, gingivitis, periodontitis, sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, and genetic polymorphisms).
to 10.0 mg/dL: Moderate elevation (Systemic inflammation such as RA, SLE, or other autoimmune diseases, malignancies, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, bronchitis).
More than 10.0 mg/dL: Marked elevation (Acute bacterial infections, viral infections, systemic vasculitis, major trauma).
More than 50.0 mg/dL: Severe elevation (Acute bacterial infections).

Our referral range is 0 – 6 mg/dl

Physiological Relation Between CRP Levels and Dietary Modification

Accordingly, dietary pattern analysis, which examines the effects of overall diet, has emerged as an alternative and complementary approach. The association between dietary patterns and serum CRP has been explored in several studies,¹⁷^–²² but the results have been inconsistent.

An association between a healthy, or prudent, dietary pattern (ie, a diet with higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, and fish) and decreased levels of serum CRP has been reported in some studies,¹⁸^,²⁰^,²¹ but not in others.¹⁷^,¹⁹^,²² In addition, several studies have demonstrated that a Western, or high fat and processed meat, pattern (ie, higher intakes of red meat, refined grains, processed meat, and high-fat dairy products) is related to elevated serum CRP,¹⁷^–²⁰ although some studies did not corroborate this finding.²¹^,²² To our knowledge, there has been only 1 cross-sectional study of dietary patterns and CRP in Japan. In that study, a healthy dietary pattern was strongly associated with lower serum CRP, and a seafood pattern was possibly related to higher CRP.²¹ The objective of the present study was to evaluate more comprehensively the association between dietary pattern and serum CRP in a Japanese population.

Methodology

Materials and Methods

Assessment was done by using below following criteria’s from SGA assessment and current study was done by using laboratory investigations of CRP levels.

Weight
Dietary history (Veg or Non- veg)
Sex
Age

Period of the study was 3 months (Jan 1 – April 30 – 2025). Total patients count was 35 persons (n = 35).

1. Within the current investigation, to find the CRP levels of the cardiac patients (n = 35) by using their weight,

S no	BMI ranges	Grade	No of people who have elevated (CRP levels)
1	Below 18.4 kg/m2	Under weight	3
2	18.5-24.9 kg/m2	Normal	7
3	24.91 – 24.99 kg/m2	Borderline over weight	9
4	25-29.9 kg/m2	Over weight	8
5	30- ≥40 kg/m2	Obesity(grade 1,2&3)	8
		Total	35

The above table shows a patient’s weight can influence their CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, particularly in the context of obesity and inflammation. Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, can trigger the liver to produce more CRP, leading to elevated levels.

2. Within the current investigation, to find the CRP levels of the cardiac patients (n = 35) by using their diet history,

S no	Diet history	No. of people with elevated CRP levels	CRP levels
1	Veg	1	79.77 mg/dl
2	Non-Veg	32	Above 50 mg/dl
3	Ova-Veg	2	I. 7.8 mg/dl
3	Ova-Veg	2	II. 183 mg/dl
	Total	35 members	nil

The table shows 90% of the people are non-vegetarian. Their CRP levels are above 50 mg/dl. But both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dietary patterns can influence C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, but the specific effects can vary depending on the individual and the type of diet.

Generally, vegetarian diets, especially those rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, have been linked to lower CRP levels compared to diets high in processed meats and unhealthy fats. However, the impact of specific types of meat, such as red meat, on CRP levels is a complex area with some studies suggesting a positive association, while others show no significant effect.

3. Within the current investigation, To find the CRP levels of the cardiac patients (n = 35) by using their sex,

S no	Sex	No of people have elevated (CRP levels)	CRP levels
1	Male	20	7 – 201mg/dl
2	Female	15	50 – 292 mg/dl
3	Transgender	0	0
	Total	35 members	nil

The above table shows both can have the nearby same. But female CRP levels are a little bit higher than the male. Compared to males, females’ fat composition and hormonal influences are the reasons for this higher elevation. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these gender differences and their potential impact on health outcomes.

4. Within the current investigation, To find the CRP levels of the cardiac patients (n = 35) by using their age,

S no	Age	No of people have elevated (CRP levels)
1	18 – 24 years	0
2	25 – 34 years	3
3	35 – 44 years	0
4	45 – 54 years	10
5	55 – 64 years	9
	65 – 74 years	5
	75 – 84 years	5
	Above 85 years	4

The table above illustrates that persons over the age of 45 have some variability in their CRP levels. According to additional study, aging can influence CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. CRP levels tend to rise with aging, particularly in older persons. Men and women over the age of 45 are more likely to see this increase. CRP levels can fluctuate, although they usually remain steady over time.

Dietary modifications to low the CRP levels

Anti-inflammatory foods are plays a major role to reduce the CRP level. Several nutraceuticals possess anti-inflammatory properties,

Curcumin – Turmeric
Omega 3 fatty acids – fishes
Resveratrol – Grapes
Gingerol – ginger
Poly phenol – Green tea extract
Vitamin D – Sun light
Vitamin C – citrus fruits
Bromelain – Pineapple

These compounds can help modulate inflammatory signaling pathways and reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Foods to Be Avoided

Fatty foods
Processed foods
Alcohol consumption
Salty foods
High Starchy foods

Nutritional Requirements

Day	Types of therapeutic diet	Energy	Protein	Fat
1	Clear Liquid Diet	800 Kcal	-	-
2	Normal Liquid Diet	1450 Kcal	0.7g / Kg	0.2g /Kg
3	Semisolid Diet	1750 Kcal	1g /Kg	0.4g/Kg
4	Soft Diet	2000 Kcal	1.3g /Kg	0.6g/Kg

Note – Fluid recommendation is depending upon the condition.

(E.g. Acute Pulmonary edema, Severe LV dysfunction – 1.2 L)

Conclusion

According to this study, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle with higher BMI & gender have shown higher levels of CRP. Regulation of healthy lifestyle and dietary content, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory diets, may protect persons from elevated CRP levels and indirectly against the development of cardiovascular disease and other inflammation-related chronic health conditions. In this regard, registered dietitians and public health nutritionists can provide people with relevant advice.

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Applied Medical Statistics

CRP levels are influenced by lifestyle and dietary modifications