Can Dairy Raise CRP? Examining the Complex Relationship

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 review of 27 randomized controlled trials, dairy products did not increase inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) in most people. The question of whether dairy can raise CRP is complex and depends on factors like the type of dairy consumed, an individual's health, and the overall dietary pattern.

Quick Summary

Current scientific evidence suggests that for most individuals without a milk allergy or intolerance, dairy products do not adversely affect inflammation biomarkers like CRP. Some studies even point to potential anti-inflammatory effects, especially with fermented dairy, while certain individuals may experience symptoms that could be mistaken for inflammation.

Key Points

Dairy's Effect is Generally Neutral or Beneficial: For the majority of healthy individuals, scientific reviews and meta-analyses have found that dairy consumption does not increase chronic inflammatory markers like CRP.
Fermented Dairy Can Be Anti-Inflammatory: Products like yogurt and kefir, rich in probiotics, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can support gut health, which is crucial for managing systemic inflammation.
Individual Factors are Key: The effect of dairy on CRP varies depending on an individual's health status, with a more noticeable anti-inflammatory effect sometimes observed in overweight or obese populations with higher baseline inflammation.
Allergies and Intolerances are an Exception: In individuals with a confirmed milk protein allergy, dairy directly triggers an inflammatory immune response. This is different from lactose intolerance, which is a digestive issue, though both can cause symptoms mistaken for inflammation.
Don't Fixate on Single Foods: The inflammatory impact of a diet is determined by the overall pattern of eating and lifestyle, including exercise and stress management, not by one food group alone.
Fat Content isn't the Whole Story: Earlier concerns that saturated fat in high-fat dairy was pro-inflammatory are now challenged by recent research, which shows that high-fat dairy may have a neutral or beneficial effect on CRP.
Consider an Elimination Diet if Suspecting a Sensitivity: If you have existing inflammation and suspect dairy is a trigger, a temporary elimination diet under medical guidance can help determine your personal sensitivity.

Understanding C-Reactive Protein and Inflammation

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While acute inflammation is a natural, healthy immune response to injury or infection, chronic low-grade inflammation can be damaging over time. The link between diet and inflammation is a major focus of nutritional science, leading many to question the role of dairy products.

The Evolving Research on Dairy and CRP

The relationship between dairy consumption and CRP is not straightforward, and research has provided varied, and sometimes conflicting, results. However, a growing body of evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses provides a clearer picture, suggesting that dairy is generally not pro-inflammatory for the majority of people. For instance, a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that high consumption of dairy products might significantly reduce CRP levels compared to low or no dairy intake. Another systematic review in 2020, evaluating 27 RCTs, concluded that dairy has neutral to beneficial effects on biomarkers of inflammation, including CRP.

Factors Influencing Dairy's Effect on CRP

Several factors can influence how dairy impacts an individual's inflammatory response:

The type of dairy product: Research suggests that different dairy products can have different effects. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir, which contain probiotics, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may support gut health, which is key to managing overall inflammation. Conversely, some studies suggest that excessive intake of high-fat dairy like butter may be associated with increased CRP levels, though the evidence is not conclusive.
Individual health status: The effect of dairy on CRP appears to differ based on an individual's health. Reviews have noted that dairy consumption seems to have beneficial or neutral effects on inflammation markers in both healthy adults and those with metabolic abnormalities like obesity or type 2 diabetes. The anti-inflammatory effect may be more pronounced in individuals who have higher baseline levels of inflammation, such as those with metabolic syndrome.
Underlying conditions: For those with a true milk protein allergy, consuming dairy triggers a direct, inflammatory immune response. However, this is distinct from generalized inflammation. Those with lactose intolerance experience gastrointestinal symptoms due to an inability to digest lactose, not due to an inflammatory reaction, though the discomfort can be confused with inflammation. People with underlying gut issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) might find dairy to be a trigger for symptoms that are associated with inflammation.

The Role of Dairy's Components

The effect of dairy on inflammation is likely due to the complex interaction of its various components:

Saturated Fats: While high-fat dairy contains saturated fats, thought to be pro-inflammatory, recent studies suggest that not all saturated fats behave the same way. The overall dietary pattern is more important than focusing on one component. For instance, some meta-analyses found no significant effect on CRP from consuming high-fat dairy.
Bioactive Peptides: Milk proteins contain bioactive peptides that are released during digestion and fermentation. Some of these have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
Probiotics: As mentioned, fermented dairy products are a rich source of probiotics, which help improve gut health. A healthy gut microbiome is a key defense against systemic inflammation.

Low-Fat vs. Full-Fat Dairy and CRP: A Comparison

The debate over low-fat versus full-fat dairy's effect on inflammation is ongoing. Initially, it was believed that high-fat dairy might be more pro-inflammatory due to saturated fat content, but recent findings question this assumption.


Feature	Low-Fat Dairy	Full-Fat Dairy
Saturated Fat Content	Lower	Higher
Historical Perception of Inflammation	Less of a concern	Historically viewed as potentially pro-inflammatory due to saturated fat.
Recent Research Findings (on CRP)	Studies show a neutral to beneficial effect on CRP.	Multiple studies and systematic reviews suggest a neutral or even anti-inflammatory effect on CRP for most healthy individuals.
Key Considerations	Often higher in sugar to compensate for flavor loss. Choose unsweetened versions.	The overall dietary context is crucial. Focus on high-quality, organic sources if possible.

Beyond Dairy: An Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Lifestyle

While clarifying the role of dairy is important, managing systemic inflammation is about more than just one food group. Adopting a holistic approach focused on a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is the most effective strategy.

Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Eating Pattern: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds is key. These foods are high in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Examples include the Mediterranean diet, which has strong evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Incorporate Probiotic-Rich Foods: Including a variety of fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and other sources like kimchi and sauerkraut, can support a healthy gut and help reduce inflammation.
Address Lifestyle Factors: Beyond diet, other habits play a significant role. Regular exercise, effective stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight are all crucial for controlling chronic inflammation.
Monitor Personal Response: An elimination diet, where you temporarily cut out dairy and then reintroduce it, can help determine if you have a personal sensitivity. Pay attention to any digestive or skin changes, fatigue, or other symptoms upon reintroduction.

Conclusion: A Nuanced Answer to the CRP Question

Based on a substantial body of clinical research, dairy products, including both low-fat and full-fat options, generally have a neutral or even beneficial effect on inflammatory biomarkers like CRP for most healthy individuals. The idea that dairy is broadly pro-inflammatory is not supported by current scientific evidence, with exceptions for those with genuine milk allergies or intolerances. Fermented dairy products, in particular, may offer anti-inflammatory benefits through their probiotic content. Ultimately, the impact of dairy is highly individual and should be viewed within the context of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, rather than isolating it as a single source of inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver that increases in response to inflammation in the body. High levels of CRP can indicate the presence of chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease.

Lactose intolerance is not an inflammatory condition; it's a digestive issue caused by an inability to break down the milk sugar lactose. While it can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, these are not the same as a systemic inflammatory response. However, the discomfort can sometimes be misattributed to inflammation.

Yes, fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome. Improving gut health is an essential component of reducing overall inflammation in the body.

The influence of fat content is complex. While high-fat dairy contains saturated fats, multiple studies and systematic reviews suggest that both low-fat and high-fat dairy have a neutral or beneficial effect on inflammatory biomarkers like CRP in healthy individuals. The overall dietary pattern is more significant than the fat content of one food.

For those with a true milk protein allergy, consuming dairy will trigger an inflammatory immune response. However, for most people without an allergy, milk proteins like whey and casein have been found to have neutral or beneficial effects on inflammation markers. The fermentation of milk can also produce bioactive peptides that have immunomodulatory properties.

For most people, cutting dairy is not necessary to reduce inflammation, as research shows dairy foods do not cause inflammation and can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Managing inflammation is best achieved through a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and addressing any underlying health conditions.

An elimination diet is the best way to test for a personal sensitivity. By removing dairy for several weeks and then reintroducing it, you can observe any digestive upset, skin changes, fatigue, or other reactions. Consulting a dietitian or doctor is recommended for this process.