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Influence of Protein Intake from Haem and Non-haem Animals and Plant Origin on Inflammatory Biomarkers among Apparently-healthy Adults in Greece
Vallianou, Natalia G.; Bountziouka, Vassiliki P.; Georgousopoulou, Ekavi; Evangelopoulos, Angelos A.; Bonou, Maria S.; Vogiatzakis, Evangelos D.; Barbetseas, John D.; Avgerinos, Peter C. & Panagiotakos, Demosthenes B.
Abstract
Intake of different types of protein may be associated with differences in biomarkers among various populations.
This work investigated the influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals as well
as protein from plants on haematological and biochemical parameters in inflammation among apparentlyhealthy
adults living in Greece, a Mediterranean country. Four hundred and ninety apparently-healthy
subjects (46±16 years, 40% men), who consecutively visited Polykliniki General Hospital for routine examinations,
voluntarily agreed to participate in the study (participation rate 85%). Demographic, anthropometric
and lifestyle characteristics were recorded. Participants completed a valid, semi-quantitative food
frequency questionnaire. Protein intake was classified into three sources: protein from haem animals, protein
from non-haem animals, and protein from plant origin. Fasting blood samples were taken from all
participants; uric acid, creatinine, lipids, cystatin C, haptoglobin, haemoglobin, haematocrit, iron, ferritin,
white blood cells, monocytes, platelets, and C-reactive protein were measured. Protein intake from only
haem animals was associated with increased haemoglobin and haematocrit levels (p<0.05) whereas intake
of protein from non-haem animals and plant origin was not associated with the investigated haematological
and biochemical markers of low-grade chronic inflammation when lifestyle factors and overall dietary
habits were taken into account. Intake of protein from only haem animals seems to be consistently associated
with haematological markers. The confounding role of dietary habits and lifestyle variables on the
tested parameters deserves further attention in future research.
Keywords
Diet; Haematocrit; Inflammation; Protein intake; Greece
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