2010/738 Inflammatory changes following a dietary intervention in the elderly

By Jessica Grieger

With ageing, the inflammatory process is aggravated and it is becoming increasingly recognised that chronic, low-grade inflammation is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular, and a number of other, chronic diseases. The role of nutrition in the development and resolution of inflammation is an area in which further study is needed. While the benefits of increased omega 3 in the diet have been reported, it is unknown as to whether consumption of fish in its whole form affects markers of inflammation in healthy older adults.

This study aimed to determine whether a short, eight week period of higher fish intake would improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as inflammation, thereby decreasing risk of developing cardiovascular disease and depression. The main finding of the current study was that the levels of inflammatory markers significantly decreased over time following a higher fish diet of four meals of fish per week, compared to a low fish, higher meat diet.