Fiber's impact on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in cardiovascular disease

Purpose: To determine if increased dietary or supplemental intake of fiber slows or prevents inflammation as evidenced by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values. Data sources: CINAHL, Medline, Health Source, Nursing/Academic Edition, and the Cochrane Library. Conclusions: Evidence from this review suggested significant associations between fiber consumption and decreased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease as evidenced by a decrease in hs-CRP levels. Six of the seven articles reviewed showed statistically significant decreases in hs-CRP levels as dietary fiber was increased. Implications for practice: Fiber in the diet may play a strong role in CV health as evidenced by six clinical trials completed using amount of fiber intake in relation to inflammation, particularly hs-CRP levels. Patients need to be educated to adhere to a high fiber diet, either by dietary or supplemental means, using the recommended 25–30 g of fiber per day.