Macronutrient Intake Linked to Psoriasis Risk

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Wenzhou Medical University conducted a mendelian randomization study to explore the effects of specific macronutrients on autoimmune diseases, independent of total calorie intake. The study, published in npj Science of Food, aimed to decipher the associations of relative macronutrient intake with the risk of autoimmune diseases and identify potential circulating metabolic mediators. The findings suggest that relative protein and carbohydrate intake may be associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, with a 16.1% increment in relative carbohydrate intake corresponding to a 20% higher odds ratio for psoriasis risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • A mendelian randomization study conducted by researchers from Wenzhou Medical University found associations between relative protein and carbohydrate intake and increased risk of psoriasis.
  • For each 4.8% increment in relative protein intake, the odds ratio for psoriasis risk decreased by 16%.
  • For each 16.1% increment in relative carbohydrate intake, the odds ratio for psoriasis risk increased by 20%.
  • Five potential circulating metabolic biomarkers were identified as mediators of the associations between relative macronutrient intake and psoriasis risk.
  • The study's findings provide insights into the clinical significance of dietary macronutrient intake and circulating metabolic biomarkers in the context of autoimmune diseases.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering the effects of specific macronutrients on autoimmune diseases, independent of total calorie intake.
  • The study's authors include Guanqiong Na, Shengzhang Zheng, Kailin Liang, Danqun Meng, Yujuan Shan, and Dazhi Chen.

Statistics:

  • 268,992 participants were included in the mendelian randomization study.
  • 951,301 participants were included in the meta-analysis of two biobanks.
  • 233 metabolic traits were analyzed in up to 136,016 participants.
  • The study found associations between relative protein and carbohydrate intake and increased risk of psoriasis.
  • The odds ratio for psoriasis risk decreased by 16% for each 4.8% increment in relative protein intake.
  • The odds ratio for psoriasis risk increased by 20% for each 16.1% increment in relative carbohydrate intake.

Sources:

  • Systematic genetic investigation on relative macronutrient intake, circulating metabolic biomarkers and the risk of autoimmune diseases. npj Science of Food, 2025;9(1):205.
  • Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 7911.