Unprocessed red meat intakes are associated with increased inflammation, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol in past smokers

Abstract

Aim To determine the associations of unprocessed red meat with serum C‐reactive protein and traditional lipid biomarkers among adults with different smoking status. Methods Using a cross‐sectional design, we analysed data collected from 5011 adults (men and women) who had provided information on dietary intakes and the proposed biomarkers for the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results We found positive associations between unprocessed red meat and serum C‐reactive protein and triglycerides and an inverse association between unprocessed red meat and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in past smokers, but no associations in never smokers and current smokers. Among past smokers, the percent difference of biomarkers between participants with the highest and the lowest quintiles for the intakes of unprocessed red meat was 42% (P = 0.03) for CRP, 32% for triglycerides and −11% (P = 0.02) for HDL cholesterol. No association was found between unprocessed red meat and other lipid biomarkers. Conclusions Providing individualised nutritional guidelines according to smoking status is important. Our study provided evidence for developing specific guidelines on red meat for past smokers.

Rising Plasma Beta-Carotene Is Associated With Diminishing C-Reactive Protein in Patients Consuming a Dark Green Leafy Vegetable–Rich, Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Diet

“…Furthermore, in addition to high intake of DGLV, it is likely that other aspects of the LIFE diet, including high intake of beans and lentils, and low intake of refined products and animal products, contributes to the CRP-lowering effect of the diet. [46][47][48][49] Unlike its metabolic product, retinol, excessive ingestion of beta-carotene generally does not lead to toxicity. 50,51 This is because metabolism of betacarotene from plant sources to retinol is slow and highly regulated.…”

Dietary Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome Parameters Differ by Gender in College Students

“…We observed in our model that females who typically consume more than 443% of their empty calorie recommendation have a decreased risk for low HDL-C. Although there are multiple empty calorie food sources associated with increased HDL-C such as eggs [60], dairy [61], and unprocessed red meat [62], it is not likely that consumption of those foods is the underlying factor of this observation. Similar to what it was observed on the male branch of the blood pressure decision tree, it is probable that the reason for this observation is the association between high empty calorie intake consumption and increased exercise.…”

Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review

“…For example, greater consumption of fruits and vegetables [ 34 , 35 , 36 ], whole grains [ 37 , 38 ], legumes [ 39 , 40 ], nuts [ 41 , 42 ] and fish [ 43 , 44 ] are all inversely associated with inflammation. In contrast, higher consumption of red and processed meats [ 45 , 46 , 47 ], sugar [ 48 , 49 ], and ultra-processed foods [ 50 ], and excessive intakes of refined carbohydrates [ 51 ] and saturated and trans fats [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ] are all positively associated with a pro-inflammatory state. However, there is a lack of consistent literature on the influence of unprocessed red meat and animal protein on inflammation, with an unclear biochemical rationale to connect them.…”