Abstract
The following review provides an update on C-reactive proteins (CRPs) and how they are related to chronic diseases and diet. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism that is involved in the infection/stress-induced formation of CRPs. CRPs' role as biomarkers for coronary heart disease is discussed. This review also discusses the roles that obesity, diabetes, smoking, and synthetic hormones play in increasing serum CRP concentrations. It also summarizes information about how dietary manipulation and exercise can decrease CRP concentrations. The dietary components that seem to lead to a decrease in CRPs include ω-3 fatty acids (fish oil), vitamin E, and moderate amounts of alcohol. Aspirin intake is also discussed as a method that can be used to decrease CRP concentrations.
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