Changes in nutrient intake and inflammation following an anti-inflammatory diet in spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current study was to describe the observed changes in nutrient intakes following a 3-month anti-inflammatory diet, and to explore potential relationships between the change in nutrients and the change in various inflammatory mediators.

Design: A secondary analysis of a prior randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Individuals with SCI within the Niagara region.

Participants: Twenty individuals with various levels and severities of SCI.

Intervention: Three-month anti-inflammatory diet.

Outcome Measures: The change in nutrient intake and corresponding changes to various inflammatory mediators.

Results: The treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in fat intake (P = 0.02), a significant increase in protein intake (P = 0.02), and no change in carbohydrates (P = 0.23) or energy intake (P = 0.10). The treatment group showed a significant increase in some nutrients with established anti-inflammatory properties including vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids (P < 0.01). Significant reductions in proinflammatory nutrients were observed including trans fatty acids (P = 0.05), caffeine (P < 0.01), and sodium (P = 0.02). The treatment group also showed significant reductions in the proinflammatory mediators interferon-y (P = 0.01), interleukin-1β (P < 0.01), and interleukin-6 (P < 0.05). Further, several proinflammatory mediators were negatively correlated with anti-inflammatory nutrients, including vitamin A, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that dietary alterations are effective at reducing chronic inflammation in individuals with SCI and provides a preliminary assessment of the related nutrient changes.

Keywords:

• Spinal cord injury
• Anti-inflammatory
• Inflammation
• Diet
• Cytokines
• Nutrient

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. We wish to thank Now, CanPrev, AOR, and Progressive for providing the supplements utilized in the dietary intervention.

Disclaimer statements

Contributors None.

Funding This study was funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. We wish to thank Now, CanPrev, AOR, and Progressive for providing the supplements utilized in the dietary intervention.

Conflict of interest None of the authors has any potential conflict of interest.

Disclosure of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest

ORCID

David S. Ditor http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8045-9433