Pro-inflammatory diet increases circulating inflammatory biomarkers and falls risk in community-dwelling older men

Abstract

Background: The relations between diet, chronic inflammation, and musculoskeletal health are unclear, especially among older men.Objective:This study aimed to determine associations of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) with inflammatory biomarkers, musculoskeletal health, and falls risk in community-dwelling older men. Methods:The cross-sectional analysis included 794 community-dwelling men, mean age 81.1±4.5 y, who participated in the 5-y follow-up of the Concord Health and Aging in Men Project. Of these, 616 were seen again 3 y later for the longitudinal analysis. Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) was calculated from a validated diet history questionnaire. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA. Twenty-four inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed. Incident falls over 3 y were determined through telephone interviews every 4 mo. Multiple regression, linear mixed effects models, negative binomial regression, and mediation analysis were utilized in this study. Results:A higher E-DII score (indicating a more proinflammatory diet) was associated with higher concentrations ofIL-6 (β: 0.028 pg/mL; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.053), IL-7 (β: 0.020 pg/mL; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.037), and TNF-α (β: 0.027 pg/mL;95% CI: 0.003, 0.051). A higher E-DII score was also associated with lower appendicular lean mass adjusted for BMI (ALMBMI) (β:−0.006 kg/m2; 95% CI:−0.010,−0.001). For every unit increase in E-DII (range:−4.91 to+3.66 units),incident falls rates increased by 13% (incidence rate ratio: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.21) over 3 y. Mediation analysis showed that the association between E-DII and 3-y incident falls was influenced by the concentrations of IL-7 by 24%. There was no association between E-DII and BMD. Conclusions:Consumption of a proinflammatory diet was associated with increased concentrations of IL-6, IL-7, and TNF-α; increased falls risk; and lower ALMBMI in community-dwelling older men. The association between incident falls and E-DII was partly mediated by concentrations of IL-7.