HOPKINS HEALTH WATCH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

You'll be Surprised at How Tasty Lowering CRP Can Be!

Q: An article in the last issue of the Health Watch [Heart Disease, Crestor and C-Reactive Protein], made some generalities about what lowers C-reactive protein, such as quitting smoking and exercise. Could you give us some specifics about what vitamins and nutrients lower CRP?

A: Here are five nutritionally-oriented ways to lower C-reactive protein (CRP):

1) Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 were found to lower CRP by an average of 30% in research with baboons fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet.

2) Vitamin C (1000 mg daily) in human research reduced CRP levels by 25%.

3) Krill oil (300 mg daily) taken for two weeks in human research reduced CRP by 30%. Krill are marine crustaceans (similar to tiny shrimp) whose oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamins A and E, and the antioxidant astaxanthin.

4) Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits daily can lower CRP levels by an average of 30%.

5) Regular, small amounts of dark chocolate can reduce CRP levels by an average of 20%.

C-Reactive Protein References