Systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations of vegan and vegetarian diets with inflammatory biomarkers

Plant-based diets like vegetarian or vegan diets might influence circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the associations of veganism and vegetarianism with circulating inflammatory biomarkers in comparison to omnivores. Literature search was conducted in Pubmed and EMBASE until April 2020 and mean differences of biomarkers were assessed for: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), adiponectin, omentin-1 and resistin. Of initially identified 1073 publications, 21 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Vegan diet was associated with lower levels of CRP compared to omnivores [mean difference -0.54 mg/l, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.28, p<0.0001]. This association was less pronounced in vegetarians [mean difference -0.25 mg/l, 95% CI: -0.49 to 0.00, p=0.05]. In patients with impaired kidney function, the association between vegetarian nutrition and CRP was much stronger with -3.91 mg/l (95% CI: -5.23 to -2.60; p<0.0001). No substantial effects were observed for all other inflammatory biomarkers. Despite strong associations between CRP and a vegan or vegetarian diet were seen, further research is needed, as most inflammatory biomarkers were investigated only in single studies so far.