Vegetarian Nutrition (VN) DPG Public Library

Aycart DF, Acevedo S, Eguiguren-Jimenez L, Andrade JM.
Journal: Renal Nutrition and Metabolism
Published: May 14, 2021

Key Points

• Aims: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to evaluate the effect protein types (animal or plant) have on inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) among adults with varying stages of CKD.

• Eligibility: Studies were eligible if they were a clinical control trial, included humans, participants were >18 years of age, the intervention included plant and/or animal protein, included the amount and/or frequency that participants consumed these proteins and primary outcomes included inflammation markers such as CRP, IL-6, and/or TNF-α. Ten studies were identified and included in analyses.

• Results: Among participants who were not on dialysis, there was a decreasing trend in CRP levels when consuming plant proteins compared to animal proteins. In dialysis patients, there was a significant decrease in CRP levels favoring unspecified proteins (Hedges’ g = 2.11; 95% CI 1.12, 3.11; p < 0.001). Also, there was a decreasing trend in inflammation markers–CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α when comparing plant proteins to animal proteins.

• Quality Risk and Bias Assessment: Non-randomized control trials were included which may introduce low to moderate risk of bias.

• Limitations: A limited number of studies were included because of narrow eligibility criteria. Also, the ability to compare studies was reduced because of high heterogeneity in study design, sample size, and outcome measures.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that compared to plant proteins, animal proteins increase CRP levels and thereby inflammation. Regardless of what stage the CKD patient was in, plant proteins showed a decrease in inflammation markers. Educating CKD patients is vital for them to make positive nutrition decisions which can increase their eGFR and slow the progression of kidney disease.