Open AccessFiber's impact on high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in cardiovascular disease
Author(s) -
Butcher Jennifer L.,
Beckstrand Renea L.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of nurse practitioners
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1745-7599
pISSN - 1041-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2010.00555.x
Subject(s) - medicine , c reactive protein , sensitivity (control systems) , disease , fiber , nurse practitioners , inflammation , composite material , health care , materials science , electronic engineering , engineering , economics , economic growth
Purpose: To determine if increased dietary or supplemental intake of fiber slows or prevents inflammation as evidenced by high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) values. Data sources: CINAHL, Medline, Health Source, Nursing/Academic Edition, and the Cochrane Library. Conclusions: Evidence from this review suggested significant associations between fiber consumption and decreased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease as evidenced by a decrease in hs‐CRP levels. Six of the seven articles reviewed showed statistically significant decreases in hs‐CRP levels as dietary fiber was increased. Implications for practice: Fiber in the diet may play a strong role in CV health as evidenced by six clinical trials completed using amount of fiber intake in relation to inflammation, particularly hs‐CRP levels. Patients need to be educated to adhere to a high fiber diet, either by dietary or supplemental means, using the recommended 25–30 g of fiber per day.