Daily Nutrient Intake and Inflammation Among US Adults

Systemic inflammation has long been associated with chronic disease and mortality. Dietary interventions have been a proposed mechanism to decrease inflammation. Using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation, we investigated whether daily intake of nutrients purported to be anti-inflammatory had an association with current inflammation.

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021-2023 to conduct a population level analysis of US adults. Individual diets were translated into daily nutrient intakes. hs-CRP was measured in close temporal proximity to dietary assessment. For each nutrient, intake was categorized as low, moderate (includes recommended intake), or high. hs-CRP and dietary nutrient intake were examined with parametric and non-parametric statistics.

High intake of certain nutrients was significantly associated with lower levels of hs-CRP when compared to low intake of these nutrients (dietary fiber: 2.7 vs. 3.9, p=0.001; folate: 3.3 vs. 4.1, p=0.002; magnesium: 2.8 vs. 4.0, p=0.001; vitamin B6: 3.4 vs. 4.0, p=0.01; vitamin C: 3.4 vs. 4.0, p=0.04; vitamin D: 1.3 vs. 3.8, p=0.03; vitamin K: 3.1 vs. 4.1, p=0.0001). For dietary fiber and magnesium, the significant association was also demonstrated when comparing low to moderate intake. Not all hypothesized nutrients showed significant associations with inflammation.

Usual dietary intake of dietary fiber and magnesium indicate that they are anti-inflammatory. Folate, and vitamins B6, C, D, and K appear to confer greater anti-inflammatory benefit only above recommended dietary levels. Dietary strategies emphasizing these nutrients may help individuals lower hs-CRP and potentially mitigate inflammation-related health risks.