Association of proinflammatory diet with low-grade inflammation: results from the Moli-sani study

Nutrition. 2018 Oct:54:182-188. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2018.04.004. Epub 2018 Apr 21.

Abstract

Objectives: The association between diet and inflammation is well documented. Yet, no evidence exists on the relationship between the inflammatory potential of the diet and low-grade inflammation (LGI) as measured by a composite score of plasma and cellular biomarkers. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and LGI in a large population-based cohort.

Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on data from 20 823 adults (age ≥35 y; 48% male) without acute inflammation, who were recruited within the general population of the Moli-sani study from 2005 to 2010. LGI was measured by using a composite score (INFLA-score) including platelet and leukocyte counts, the granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein. DII scores were computed based on dietary intake assessed by the EPIC food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to produce adjusted regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Higher DII scores were associated with increased LGI (β = 0.131; 95% CI, 0.089-0.174 for the highest versus lowest quintile of DII) after adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle, prevalence of chronic diseases, and health conditions. A higher DII score also was positively associated with each single biomarker of inflammation included in the INFLA-score, unhealthy behaviors (smoking, sedentary lifestyle), and insulin.

Conclusions: Higher DII scores, indicating greater inflammatory potential of the diet, were directly associated with LGI, as measured by a composite score of plasma and cellular biomarkers of inflammation. These findings are consistent with the contributing role of diet-mediated inflammation in increasing risk for inflammation-related chronic diseases.

Keywords: Cross-sectional; Diet; Dietary inflammatory index; Italy; Low-grade inflammation; Moli-sani study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet / adverse effects*
  • Diet, Healthy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Granulocytes
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / analysis*
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocytes
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Count
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • C-Reactive Protein