A healthier daily diet is associated with greater immune fitness
van Oostrom, Evi C.; Mulder, Kiki EW; Verheul, Marjolijn CE; Hendriksen, Pauline A.; Thijssen, Suzan; Kraneveld, Aletta D.; Vlieg-Boerstra, Berber; Garssen, Johan; Verster, Joris C.
(2022) PharmaNutrition, volume 21, pp. 1 - 6
(Article)
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between a healthier diet, perceived immune fitness, and biomarkers of the immune system. Methods: N = 108 participants (31 men and 77 women), 18–30 years old, completed a questionnaire, comprising the Healthy Diet Scale (HDS) and a 1-item
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scale assessing perceived immune fitness. In addition, saliva samples were collected and C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokine concentrations of interleukin (IL)− 1β and IL-8 were determined. Results: Overall, a significant correlation was found between the HDS score and perceived immune fitness (r = 0.221, p = 0.021), suggesting that a healthier diet was associated with a better immune fitness. The HSD score correlated significantly and negatively with saliva CRP concentrations (r = −0.240, p = 0.013). No significant correlations were found with other biomarkers. In women, the HDS correlated significantly with perceived immune fitness (r = 0.247, p = 0.030) and CRP levels ( r = −0.281, p = 0.014). In men, correlations with perceived immune fitness ( r = −0.219, p = 0.237) and the biomarkers were not significant. Discussion: Significant associations between attaining a healthy diet, perceived immune fitness and CRP were found. More research is needed to investigate the observed sex differences and underlying mechanisms.
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Keywords: C-reactive protein, Cytokines, Food, Healthy diet, Immune fitness, Sex difference, Food Science, Pharmacology, Pharmacology (medical)
ISSN: 2213-4344
Publisher: Elsevier Saunders
Note: Funding Information: Over the past 3 years, J.C.V. has acted as a consultant/advisor for KNMP, Mentis, Red Bull, Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical, and Toast!. J.G. is part-time employee of Nutricia Research and received research grants from Nutricia research foundation, Top Institute Pharma, Top Institute Food and Nutrition, GSK, STW, NWO, Friesland Campina, CCC, Raak-Pro, and EU. Over the past 36 months, A.D.K. has held research grants from H2020, Nutricia-Danone, Netherlands Center of Translational Research, Lung Fund, SGF/Health Holland and NWO. The other authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Authors
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