More about markers of inflammation and weight

Back in January we wrote about C-reactive protein (CRP), a blood marker of inflammation, which is related to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (Overweight? Here's another reason to lose the excess, 1/12/07). Several other studies have suggested that one way to control the levels of CRP in the bloodstream is diet, particularly a high-fiber diet. In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine this week (2007;167:502-506), researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina tested that theory by recruiting 35 men and women to participate in a dietary study.

Half of the subjects were of normal weight and had normal blood pressure, while the other half were obese (Body Mass Index of 27 or more) and had moderately high blood pressure. None of the subjects had diabetes or other chronic diseases. All were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The two groups followed a high-fiber diet for three weeks, with the difference between the two groups being the source of the fiber: either through high-fiber foods or through a fiber supplement. After three weeks of one type of diet - either high-fiber foods or supplement - the two groups took a break of three weeks, then followed the other type of diet for three weeks. Their blood levels of CRP were tested before and after each type of diet.

The good news is that regardless of where the fiber came from, all subjects saw a decrease in their blood levels of C-reactive protein. However, the levels of CRP in the bloodstream of the obese subjects decreased less than that in the normal weight subjects. "One would hope that the intervention would work best in the people who need it most," the researchers wrote in their article. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

What this means for you

Yes, getting more fiber in your diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases, but it's also clear that having a Body Mass Index in the normal range is better for your health overall. Med Diet Score is one way to help you lose excess weight while you learn to eat more healthfully.

First posted: March 16, 2007