Low Cruciferous Vegetable Intake is Associated with Elevated Inflammation in Preadolescent Girls

Abstract

Subclinical chronic inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults. CRP has been shown to be elevated in some children and is considered a potential risk factor for early onset CVD. Strategies to reduce chronic inflammation among children is paramount. In adults, higher cruciferous vegetable intake has been associated with lower inflammation. PURPOSE: To examine the relation between cruciferous vegetable intake and CRP among preadolescent girls. METHODS: Among girls aged 9-12 yrs (N=296), cruciferous vegetable intake was measured by the Youth/Adolescent Questionnaire and categorized as >0-0.25, 0.26-0.50, >0.50 servings per day. Fasting serum CRP (mg/L) was measured by the Beckman Coulter AU5812 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Girls with CRP values >10mg/L were excluded. CRP levels were categorized by normal, moderately increased risk, and high risk for CVD according adult cut-offs (CRP <1, ≥1-3, >3 mg/L). Multinomial logistic regression with covariates of BMI percentile, maturation, and physical activity was used to evaluate CRP category relation with cruciferous vegetable intake. RESULTS: Mean age, BMI, and CRP levels were 10.8±1.1 yrs, 20.7±5.1 kg/m2, and 1.3±1.8 mg/dl, respectively. The proportion of girls in the normal, moderate, and high risk CRP categories were (N/%): 218 (69.2%), 50 (15.9%), 47 (14.9%). Average cruciferous vegetable intake was 0.27±0.3 servings/day. Low cruciferous vegetable intake (>0-0.25 servings/day) was significantly associated with a CRP level of 1-3mg/L (RRR=3.5, 95% CI 1.1-11.3; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cruciferous vegetable intake among girls aged 9-12 years was low overall. The lowest intake was associated with the CRP risk category considered to confer a moderately elevated risk of CVD among adults. Enrichment of the diet with cruciferous vegetables is an intervention strategy that should be tested in girls to reduce inflammation and CVD risk early, regardless of BMI status. Supported by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (HD074565) and the National Cancer Institute (P30CA023074)