Nutritional factors may contribute to – and may thus counteract – the unchecked inflammatory response.
Whereas acute inflammation is often necessary as a protective defense against infection and other insults, unchecked, chronic inflammation is implicated in a number of diseases – most notably, arthritis autioimmune diseases. and certain cancers. Anne Marie Minihane, from the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom), and colleagues, report that the nutrition status of the individual with for example a deficiency or excess of certain micronutrients (such as folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin 1, vitamin E, zinc) may lead to an ineffective or excessive inflammatory response. Studies have showed that high consumption of fat and glucose may induce post-mealinflammation – which may have consequences for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The study authors submit that: “the ability of diet to positively modulate inflammation and provide the much needed evidence to develop research portfolios that will inform new product development and associated health claims.”
Minihane AM, Vinoy S, Russell WR, Baka A, Roche HM, Tuohy KM, et al. “Low-grade inflammation, diet composition and health: current research evidence and its translation.” Br J Nutr. 2015 Jul 31:1-14.