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Associations Between Dietary Amino Acid Intake and Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Children: Insights
Lianlong Yu1,2, Xiaodong Zheng1, Jilan Li1
1Jinan Fruit Research Institute, All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-Operatives, Jinan 250014, China.
Insights
Dietary amino acid intake, particularly serine, cysteine, tyrosine, and proline, is linked to elevated inflammation markers (hs-CRP) in children. Understanding these links can inform strategies to prevent inflammation-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk.
- Dietary amino acids can modulate immune and inflammatory responses.
- Limited research exists on the association between dietary amino acids and hs-CRP in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the intake of various dietary amino acids and elevated hs-CRP levels in children.
- To identify specific amino acids associated with increased inflammation risk in pediatric subjects.
- To explore the utility of machine learning in predicting hs-CRP levels based on amino acid intake.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 3514 children from the China Children and Lactating Women Nutrition and Health Survey (2016-2019).
- Dietary intake assessed via food frequency questionnaires; hs-CRP measured from blood samples.
- Machine learning (LightGBM) and logistic regression models, with Boruta algorithm and propensity score matching, were employed to analyze associations.
Main Results:
- Significant positive associations were found between elevated hs-CRP and intake of Ile, Leu, Lys, Ser, Cys, Tyr, His, Pro, SAA, and AAA (ORs 1.10-2.07).
- The LightGBM model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for elevated hs-CRP risk (AUC=0.927).
- Tyrosine, methionine, cysteine, and proline were identified as key predictors; their intake showed a linear increase in hs-CRP risk, particularly in normal-weight children with low protein intake.
Conclusions:
- Specific amino acids (Ser, Cys, Tyr, Pro) significantly influence hs-CRP levels in children.
- Regulating the intake of these amino acids may offer a strategy for preventing inflammation-related diseases in children.
- This study provides novel insights into pediatric inflammation using large-scale ML analysis in China, highlighting dietary management potential.
Abstract:
Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a protein that indicates inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The intake of dietary amino acids can influence immune and inflammatory reactions. However, studies on the relationship between dietary amino acids and hs-CRP, especially in children, remain scarce. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Nutrition and China Children and Lactating Women Nutrition and Health Survey (2016-2019), focusing on 3514 children (724 with elevated hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/L and 2790 with normal levels). Dietary information was gathered via a food frequency questionnaire, and hs-CRP levels were obtained from blood samples. Boruta algorithm and propensity scores were used to select and match dietary factors and sample sizes. Machine learning (ML) algorithms and logistic regression models assessed the link between amino acid intake and elevated hs-CRP risk, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and lifestyle factors. Results The odds ratios (ORs) for elevated hs-CRP were significant for several amino acids, including Ile, Leu, Lys, Ser, Cys, Tyr, His, Pro, SAA, and AAA, with values ranging from 1.10 to 2.07. The LightGBM algorithm was the most effective in predicting elevated hs-CRP risk, achieving an AUC of 0.927. Tyrosine, methionine, cysteine, and proline were identified as important features by SHAP analysis and logistic regression. The intake of Ser, Cys, Tyr, and Pro showed a linear increase in the risk of elevated hs-CRP, especially in individuals with low protein intake and normal weight (p < 0.1). Conclusions Intake of amino acids like Ser, Cys, Tyr, and Pro significantly impacts hs-CRP levels in children, indicating that regulating these could help prevent inflammation-related diseases. This study supports future dietary and health management strategies. This is first large-scale ML study linking amino acids to pediatric inflammation in China. The main limitations are the cross-section design and the use of self-reported dietary data.
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