A new analysis of 7 clinical trials suggests that plant-based dietary patterns may help reduce inflammation. The study looked at 541 participants who followed either a plant-based or omnivorous diet. Researchers measured C-reactive protein (CRP), a common blood marker of inflammation.
The results showed that people on plant-based diets had lower CRP levels by about 1.13 mg/L on average compared to those eating omnivorous diets. Even when excluding studies that included exercise, the reduction was about 0.94 mg/L. These findings point to a potential anti-inflammatory benefit of plant-based eating.
However, the certainty of these results is low due to high variability among the studies. The analysis cannot prove that plant-based diets directly cause lower CRP. More high-quality research is needed to confirm the link.
For now, this review adds to the evidence that plant-based diets may support lower inflammation, but it does not provide enough proof to change current dietary recommendations. Anyone considering a major diet change should talk to their doctor.
