Association between ultraprocessed food intake and c-reactive protein levels in preterm and term infants

Author(s)

Pereira Vivi, Anna Caroline ; Azevedo-Silva, Talita Rodrigues ; Neri, Daniela ; Louzada Strufaldi, Maria Wany ; Lebrao, Cibele Wolf ; Affonso Fonseca, Fernando Luiz ; Saccardo Sarni, Roseli Oselka ; Suano-Souza, Fabiola Isabel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NUTRITION; v. 99-100, p. 7-pg., 2022-05-13.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine associations between consumption of ultraprocessed food (UPF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a sample of term and preterm infants. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 43 preterm infants (< 34 wk), chronological age between 9 and 24 mo, were compared with a group of 47 healthy term infants of the same age. Data were collected on dietary intake, anthropometric measures, and serum CRP level (mg/L). The main exposure of interest was the consumption of UPF (excluding all types of milk), measured as the percentage of total energy intake. Results: The mean birth weight, gestational age, and corrected age were 1,245 +/- 381.7 g, 29.9 +/- 2.3 wk, and 14.3 +/- 6.4 mo, respectively, in the preterm group. Infants in the preterm group consumed UPF less frequently (27-67.5% versus 40-87.0%; P = 0.038) but in a greater amount relative to total energy intake (39.8% [19.1-59.1%]) versus 29.0% (14.5-41.9%; P = 0.040) when compared with the term group. There was no statistically significant difference between the preterm and term groups regarding CRP levels. The consumption of UPF (percentage of energy intake) was independently associated with CRP levels (b = 0.007; 95% CI, 0.001-0.014; P = 0.034). A significant interaction between being born preterm and UPF consumption was found for CRP levels (P = 0.049). Breast-feeding was not associated with lower consumption of UPF in both groups (24-75.0% versus 43-79.6%; P = 0.404). Conclusions: There is a positive relationship between UPF and CRP levels among infants, irrespective of excess weight. At the clinical practice level, a better comprehension of the associations between food processing and chronic inflammation may aid in individual dietary guidance. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/09428-1 - Practices of infant food with low birth weight: compared growth, nutritional condition and micronutrients and adipokines
• Grantee: Maria Wany Louzada Strufaldi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants