McKenzie Moe

Date of Award

4-17-2025

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nutrition & Dietetics

First Advisor

Dr. Brenna Swanson

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health disorders. CRP is one of the most common biomarkers of inflammation. Dietary components, lifestyle factors, and women’s reproductive health disorders are major components that influence the levels of CRP within the body. Other influential factors include injury, infection, and illness. The purpose of this review is to explore the findings of literature available on nutrition interventions for CRP levels in consideration of women's reproductive disorders.

Methods: This narrative review examines the works of 15 articles, including 10 cross-sectional and five longitudinal designs. The selected studies include female-only or predominantly female adult populations worldwide.

Results: An anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial in reducing CRP levels due to high intake of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber, and thus help mitigate inflammation. Other key components of an anti-inflammatory diet include fiber, unsaturated fats, and whole foods, while minimizing processed foods, added sugar, and unhealthy fats. The Mediterranean diet (MD), one of the most extensively studied anti-inflammatory diets, has been shown to effectively reduce CRP levels in women. Furthermore, several women’s reproductive disorders increase inflammation within the body.

Conclusions: Women’s reproductive disorders are associated with higher levels of CRP. Adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fiber and antioxidants, is beneficial in reducing levels of CRP and inflammation within the body. This may lower the prevalence of female reproductive disorders or decrease inflammatory components in affected individuals.

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