Effects of intermittent fasting diets on plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Wang X, Yang Q, Liao Q, Li M, Zhang P, Santos HO, Kord-Varkaneh H, Abshirini M · Nutrition · 2020 November

DOI 10.1016/j.nut.2020.110974

Objective

To investigate the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) and energy-restricted diets (ERDs) on plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers through a meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs).

Conclusions

IF regimens and ERDs significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, with IF being more effective than ERDs in reducing CRP levels, particularly in overweight and obese individuals and with treatment duration ≥8 weeks. However, both dietary models did not affect tumor necrosis factor-α or interleukin-6 concentrations.

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Insights

Intermittent fasting and energy-restricted diets may decrease inflammatory markers, especially in overweight and obese individuals, but have no impact on the levels of certain proteins involved in inflammation.

The research involved the systematic search of online medical databases such as Web of Sciences, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar until June 2019. The aim was to evaluate the effects of Intermittent fasting (IF) and energy-restricted diets (ERDs) on plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarker. The study included randomised control trials and the effect sizes were evaluated using a weighted mean difference from the random-effects model. Eighteen eligible trials were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in C-reactive protein concentrations, an inflammatory marker, with IF regimens and ERDs, and this reduction was even more profound in overweight and obese individuals. The treatment also showed better results with a longer duration of intervention of eight weeks or more. However, neither dietary model decreased the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α or interleukin-6, which are proteins involved in the inflammation process.