Association between Inflammation, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Size, and Dietary Behaviors in Young Adults

Authors

J.J. Fleming, Bloomsburg UniversityFollow
A.F. Fradkin, Bloomsburg UniversityFollow
J.L. Andreacci, Bloomsburg UniversityFollow
M.P. Miles, Montana State UniversityFollow
E.S. Rawson, Bloomsburg UniversityFollow

Abstract

¹Fleming J.J., ¹Fradkin A.F., ¹Andreacci J.L., ²Miles M.P., ¹Rawson E.S., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

Chronic inflammation predicts cardiovascular disease risk. However, the lifestyle factors that increase systemic inflammation have not been well characterized in young healthy individuals. Purpose: To determine if systemic inflammation is associated with differences in fitness, body size, or dietary behaviors in apparently healthy young adults. Methods: A cross section of thirty participants were randomly selected from a database of individuals who were assessed for VO_2max, body mass index (BMI), dietary behaviors, and serum high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Volunteers were separated into low (Group 1: < 1.0 mg/dL), medium (Group 2: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/dL), and high (Group 3: > 3.0 mg/dL) inflammation groups based on hs-CRP values. One way ANOVAs and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were performed to locate differences between the three groups. Results: Mean hs-CRP was different between groups (Group1: 0.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL < Group 2: 1.5 ± 3.1 mg/dL < Group 3: 7.5 ± 4.2 mg/dL) (P2max was greater in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (51.4 ± 4.7 vs. 42.4 ± 5.71 ml/kg/min) (p=0.02). There was no difference in BMI between groups (p = 0.82). Dietary fat intake was lower in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (56.1 ± 25.7 vs. 124.1 ± 76.7 g/d) (p=0.02) and Group 2 vs. Group 3 (67.5 ± 36.8 vs. 124.1 ± 76.7 g/d) (p=0.05). Dietary protein intake was lower in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (63.0 ± 30.1 vs. 136.5 ± 31.5 g/d) (p=0.04). Total kilocalorie intake tended to be lower in Group 1 vs. Group 3 (1774.2 ± 741.2 vs. 3103.5 ± 1865.8 Kcal/d) (p=0.07). There was no difference in carbohydrate intake between groups (p = 0.10). Glycemic index was lower in Group 1 and Group 2 vs. Group 3 (44.1 ± 3.3 vs. 46.8 ± 2.2 vs. 50.8 ± 3.0) (pConclusion:Increased CRP was associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness and dietary factors typical of a westernized diet. These results suggest that, regardless of BMI, lifestyle habits can influence inflammation level in young adults.

Funding: Bloomsburg University Foundation

Recommended Citation

Fleming, J.J.; Fradkin, A.F.; Andreacci, J.L.; Miles, M.P.; and Rawson, E.S. (2014) "Association between Inflammation, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Size, and Dietary Behaviors in Young Adults," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 20.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol9/iss2/20