Associations of the Baltic Sea diet with obesity-related markers of inflammation

Introduction. Inflammation is an important contributor to the development of chronic diseases. We examined whether a healthy Nordic diet, also called the Baltic Sea diet, associates with lower concentrations of inflammatory markers. Methods. We used two independent cross-sectional studies: the DILGOM study including Finnish participants aged 25 - 74 years (n = 4 579), and the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study including individuals born at Helsinki University Central Hospital between 1934 and 1944 and who participated in a clinical examination in 2001 - 2004 (n = 1911). Both studies measured anthropometrics, drew blood, and assessed concentrations of leptin, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor a, interleukin 6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). A food frequency questionnaire was used to measure dietary intake over the past year and calculate the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS). Results. In both studies, linear regression adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, lifestyle factors, obesity, statin medication, and upstream inflammatory markers revealed an inverse association between the BSDS and hs-CRP concentrations (P < 0.01). Especially, high intake of Nordic fruits and cereals, low intake of red and processed meat, and moderate intake of alcohol contributed to the emerged association (P < 0.05). The BSDS did not associate with other inflammatory markers. Conclusion. The Baltic Sea diet is associated with lower hs-CRP concentrations.