C-Reactive Protein Levels and Disease Risk

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein synthesized by the liver and which belongs to a class of proteins called Acute-phase proteins.  Blood levels of these proteins increase in response to inflammation.  It is thought that high levels of CRP are indicative of increased risk for diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

A vegan diet has been shown to lower the levels of CRP in the blood indicating a reduction in inflammation.  It has also been shown that this is beneficial in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis not only because of lower CRP levels but also because of its effect on gut bacteria.  Rheumatoid Arthritis patients show higher levels of Proteus mirabilis antibodies.  The disease activity is linked to these levels which are reduced in patients following a vegetarian diet.
Vegetarian Diets In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis