[Role of diet on chronic inflammation prevention and control - current evidences]

It is known that low chronic inflammation occurs in several stages of non transmissible chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes mellitus, among others. Observational studies and clinical trials indicate that diet plays an important role in the reduction of such diseases. The present manuscript discusses the studies that linked diet macronutrient composition and the levels of inflammatory markers. It has been suggested that the consumption of high glycemic index diets, which have low fiber content and are rich in trans fat cause the activation of the immune system, leading to excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the reduction of the anti-inflammatory ones. Although the results are controversial, healthy dietary intakes with the reduction in fat intake (especially trans and saturated fat) and the increase in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain consumption seem to be associated with the improvement in subclinical inflammatory condition.