Aline Ester da Silva Cruz Lopes, Larissa Fortunato Araújo, Renata Bertazzi Levy, Sandhi Maria Barreto, Luana Giatti
Journal: Sao Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina 2019;137(2):169-176
PMID: 31314878
Low grade chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases. It can be measured using bio-markers such as C-reactive protein. Studies have shown that there may be a direct association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and the levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with CRP levels, regardless of total energy intake, among men and women. In addition, its aim was to determine whether this association is independent from body mass index (BMI). It was a cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. This is a multi-centre cohort and 15105 adults (aged 35-74) participated. The findings suggest that the positive association of ultra-processed food consumption with CRP levels among women seems to be mediated by the presence of adiposity. The study concludes that cutting back on ultra-processed foods can decrease chronic low-grade inflammation, even if through reducing obesity. This reinforces the importance of public policies aimed towards restricting the availability of ultra-processed foods.
BACKGROUND
There may be a direct association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, under the assumption that the high glycemic index of these food products could stimulate the entire chronic inflammation cascade, along with an indirect association mediated by obesity. The types of food consumed, including ultra-processed products, strongly influence obesity, and are also associated with higher serum CRP levels.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to investigate whether the caloric contribution of ultra-processed foods to diet is associated with CRP levels, independent of body mass index (BMI).
DESIGN AND SETTING
Cross-sectional analysis on the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) baseline cohort (2008-2010).
METHODS
Dietary information, obtained through a food frequency questionnaire, was used to estimate the percentage of energy contribution from ultra-processed food to individuals' total caloric intake. CRP levels were the response variable. Sex-specific associations were estimated using generalized linear models with gamma distribution and log-link function.
RESULTS
Ultra-processed food accounted for 20% of total energy intake. Among men, after adjustments for sociodemographic characteristics, there was no association between ultra-processed food intake and CRP levels. Among women, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, smoking and physical activity, the highest tercile of ultra-processed food intake was associated with mean CRP levels that were 14% higher (95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.24) than those of the lowest tercile. However, after considering BMI, this association lost statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that the positive association of ultra-processed food consumption with CRP levels among women seems to be mediated by the presence of adiposity.
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