The Relationship Between Protein Types and hs-CRP on eGFR

Abstract

Few studies have measured the relationship between protein types and inflammation on kidney function among US adults. The objective was to identify the relationship between protein types (animal, dairy, plant, seafood) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A cross-sectional secondary analysis using NHANES 2017-2018 data was performed on 4252 adults with an eGFR of >15 ml/min/1.73m2. At least one 24-hour recall was used to categorize the protein type. Descriptives, frequencies, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regressions were conducted using SPSS v28 with a significance of p<0.05. Participants were mostly female (50.1%), had a mean age of 50.1 years, and self-identified as non-Hispanic White (36.5%). A majority consumed animal and dairy products compared to seafood and plant products. A negative association was observed between consumption of plant proteins and inflammation on eGFR (p<0.05). In the adjusted regression model, non-Hispanic Black race had a positive influence on eGFR, while female and age had negative influences on eGFR (p < 0.001). Reduced consumption of plant proteins with elevated inflammation can decline kidney function. Future studies should focus on frequency and amount of proteins consumed and inflammation to reduce the progression of chronic diseases such as kidney disease.