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Associations of Dietary Intake on Biological Markers of Inflammation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
Bujtor, M, Turner, AI, Torres, SJ, Esteban-Gonzalo, L, Pariante, CM, Borsini, A
Nutrients. 2021;13(2)
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Inflammation is the normal physiological response to injury in the body and is designed to protect the host. However, in children and adolescents, chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to a wide range of conditions. Certain markers in the blood can be measured and used to determine levels of inflammation in the body. This review of 53 studies provides the first evidence for the association between dietary intake and biological markers of inflammation in children and adolescents. Results show that adhering to a healthy way of eating such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers. The Western Dietary pattern, as well as intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher levels of the same pro-inflammatory markers. A good quality diet, high in fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, fibre and healthy fats ameliorates low-grade inflammation, and therefore represents a potential therapeutic approach. It is also an important element for disease prevention in both children and adolescents.
Abstract
BACKGROUND In children and adolescents, chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of co- and multi-morbid conditions to mental health disorders. Diet quality is a potential mechanism of action that can exacerbate or ameliorate low-grade inflammation; however, the exact way dietary intake can regulate the immune response in children and adolescents is still to be fully understood. METHODS Studies that measured dietary intake (patterns of diet, indices, food groups, nutrients) and any inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents aged 2 to19 years and published until November 2020 were included in this systematic review, and were selected in line with PRISMA guidelines through the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Global Health, Medline COMPLETE and Web of Science-Core Collection. A total of 53 articles were identified. RESULTS Results show that adequate adherence to healthful dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, or food groups such as vegetables and fruit, or macro/micro nutrients such as fibre or vitamin C and E, are associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, mainly c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), whereas adherence to a Western dietary pattern, as well as intake of food groups such as added sugars, macro-nutrients such as saturated fatty acids or ultra-processed foods, is associated with higher levels of the same pro-inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review examining dietary intake and biological markers of inflammation in both children and adolescents. A good quality diet, high in vegetable and fruit intake, wholegrains, fibre and healthy fats ameliorates low-grade inflammation, and therefore represents a promising therapeutic approach, as well as an important element for disease prevention in both children and adolescents.
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Predictors of chronic fatigue in adolescents six months after acute Epstein-Barr virus infection: A prospective cohort study.
Pedersen, M, Asprusten, TT, Godang, K, Leegaard, TM, Osnes, LT, Skovlund, E, Tjade, T, Øie, MG, Wyller, VBB
Brain, behavior, and immunity. 2019;75:94-100
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Chronic fatigue is defined as substantial fatigue lasting for more than six months. The main aim of this study is to investigate predictors of chronic fatigue six months after an acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This study includes the prospective results from the first six months of the CEBA project (chronic fatigue following acute Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents), which encompasses a prospective, a cross-sectional and a randomized controlled design with a total follow-up time of 21 months. A total of 200 adolescents with EBV and 70 healthy controls were included. Results indicate that fatigue six months after acute EBV infection is significantly and independently predicted by baseline clinical symptoms, functional impairments, negative emotions, verbal memory, plasma c-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma vitamin B12. On average, baseline CRP levels were significantly lower in the acute EBV infection group as compared to healthy controls. Authors conclude that development of fatigue is to a larger extent predicted by baseline variables related to symptoms and functions than to baseline variables reflecting infectious and immune processes.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a trigger of chronic fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This study investigated baseline predictors of chronic fatigue six months after an acute EBV infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 200 adolescents (12-20 years old) with acute EBV infection were assessed for 149 possible baseline predictors and followed prospectively. We performed linear regression to assess possible associations between baseline predictors and fatigue (Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire total score) six months after the acute EBV infection. A total of 70 healthy controls were included for cross-sectional reference. This study is part of the CEBA-project (Chronic fatigue following acute Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents). RESULTS In the final multiple linear regression model, fatigue six months after acute EBV infection was significantly and independently predicted by the following baseline variables (regression coefficient B[95% CI]): Sensory sensitivity (0.8[0.09-1.6]), pain severity (0.2[0.02-0.3]), functional impairment (1000 steps/day) (-0.3[-0.5 to -0.08]), negative emotions (anxiety) (0.4[0.2-0.6]), verbal memory (correct word recognition) (1.7[0.1-3.3]), plasma C-reactive protein (2.8[1.1-4.4] for CRP values >0.86) and plasma Vitamin B12 (-0.005[-0.01 to -0.001]). CONCLUSIONS Development of fatigue after acute EBV infection is to a larger extent predicted by baseline variables related to symptoms and functions than to baseline variables reflecting infectious and immune processes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials, ID: NCT02335437, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02335437.