Yes, studies show that egg consumption can sometimes increase C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of inflammation. However, the effect isn't consistent across all individuals.
Factors Influencing CRP Levels After Egg Consumption
Several factors influence whether egg consumption increases CRP:
-
Individual metabolic health: Research indicates that lean, insulin-sensitive individuals may experience a rise in CRP levels after consuming a high number of eggs (e.g., 4 whole eggs daily for 4 weeks), as shown by Tannock et al. [38]. However, obese or insulin-resistant individuals did not show the same effect in this study. This suggests individual metabolic differences play a significant role.
-
Amount of egg consumption: The quantity of eggs consumed is crucial. Some studies show a correlation between increased egg intake and higher CRP, while others, involving lower egg consumption or different study designs, show no significant effect. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials even showed no significant effect of egg consumption on inflammatory markers https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334150398_Effect_of_egg_consumption_on_inflammatory_markers_a_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis_of_randomized_controlled_clinical_trials.
-
Dietary context: Studies show that the impact of eggs on inflammation might depend on the overall diet. For instance, incorporating eggs into a carbohydrate-restricted diet may even decrease CRP levels https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2265719/.
-
Other dietary factors: High cholesterol intake, regardless of the source (including eggs), has been linked to increased CRP and serum amyloid A levels in some studies https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.104.506188, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15939816/.
Conclusion
The relationship between egg consumption and CRP levels is complex and not fully understood. While some studies suggest a link, particularly in specific populations and under certain dietary conditions, others show no significant effect or even a decrease in CRP when eggs are part of a balanced diet. More research is needed to fully elucidate this relationship.
