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Food intake and inflammation in European children: the IDEFICS study
Esther M González-Gil1,2, Javier Santabárbara3,4, Paola Russo5
1GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. esthergg@unizar.es.
Insights
High vegetable intake is linked to lower inflammation markers in European children. This study found that frequent consumption of vegetables was associated with lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, indicating reduced inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Inflammation Biomarkers
- Dietary Habits
Background:
- Childhood obesity and inflammation are growing public health concerns.
- Dietary patterns play a crucial role in modulating inflammatory processes in children.
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key biomarker for systemic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the frequency of consuming various food items and hs-CRP levels in European children.
- To identify specific dietary factors that may influence inflammation in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 6,403 children (aged 2-10 years) from the IDEFICS study.
- hs-CRP levels were measured, and dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.
- Logistic regression models were adjusted for BMI z-score, maternal education, breastfeeding, and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Lower frequency of vegetable intake (raw and cooked) was associated with higher hs-CRP concentrations in boys and girls.
- Increased probability of high hs-CRP was linked to low vegetable consumption.
- Intake of honey/jam was associated with lower hs-CRP, while soft drinks, mayonnaise, and cereals were linked to higher hs-CRP.
Conclusions:
- Vegetable consumption frequency showed the most significant associations with hs-CRP levels across different analyses.
- A high frequency of vegetable intake appears to be inversely related to inflammatory status in children.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex relationship between diet and inflammation in children.
Purpose:
This cross-sectional study assesses the relationship between consumption frequencies of food items and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in European children.
Methods:
Out of the baseline sample (N = 16.228) of the IDEFICS study, 6.403 children (1.315 boys aged 2 to <6, 1.908 boys aged 6 to <10, 1.204 girls aged 2 to <6 and 1.976 girls aged 6 to <10 years) had hs-CRP measured and the Children's Eating Habits Questionnaire filled, including a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression adjusted for body mass index z-score, education of the mother, breast-feeding and self-reported hours of physical activity in a sport club per week was conducted.
Results:
Mean frequency intake of raw vegetable was lower in boys (p = 0.022 in young and p = 0.020 in old) and older girls (p = 0.026) with high hs-CRP concentration, while in younger girls (p = 0.008) the same occurred with the cooked vegetables. The probability of having higher hs-CRP concentration was significantly associated with having low consumption frequency of vegetables (p = 0.004 in older boys, raw vegetables; and p = 0.0032 in younger girls, cooked vegetables). Also, honey/jam intake decreased the probability of having higher concentration of hs-CRP, whereas soft drinks with sugar, mayonnaise and cereals milled increased this probability.
Conclusions:
Out of all food items associated with hs-CRP, frequency intake of vegetables presented more associations across all the analysis. Findings suggest that a high-frequency intake of vegetables is inversely related to an inflammatory status in children. More studies are needed to assess the association between diet and inflammation.
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