scholarly journals The mediterranean diet: Healthy and sustainable dietary pattern in the time of Sars-Cov-2

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Carmela Bagnato ◽  
Carmela Perfetto ◽  
Flora Labanca ◽  
Lorenza Caregaro Negrin
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Healthy Plant ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
The Mediterranean

COVID-19, first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 quickly spread worldwide leading to serious health, social and economic consequences. A crucial role in the pathogenesis of severe disease has been attributed to the inflammatory status, that in more severe cases may evolve in an overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (“cytokine storm)” and fatal outcome. Non-communicable diseases, nutritional disorders and advanced age, conditions associated with a low-grade systemic inflammation and immune function alterations, have been identified as major risks for severe COVID-19. General recommendations for fighting COVID-19 highlighted the paramount importance of adopting a healthy plant-based dietary pattern and healthy lifestyle. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is considered as one of the healthiest dietary patterns, and its benefits are supported by a large body of evidence. Furthermore, it is considered as a sustainable lifestyle model. The aim of this research was to update the multiple benefits of the Mediterranean dietary pattern on physical and mental health, focusing on the effects that it may have in combating COVID-19. The potential effects and mechanisms of action of the main bioactive components of Mediterranean diet were also analyzed. Considering its effects in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress and supporting the immune system, the Mediterranean dietary pattern may be considered the most promising dietary approach to combat COVID-19.

scholarly journals Metabolically Healthy Obesity (MHO) vs. Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity (MUO) Phenotypes in PCOS: Association with Endocrine-Metabolic Profile, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Body Composition

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3925
Author(s):  
Luigi Barrea ◽  
Giovanna Muscogiuri ◽  
Gabriella Pugliese ◽  
Giulia de Alteriis ◽  
Annamaria Colao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Metabolically Healthy ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Metabolic Indices ◽  
Lower Adherence

Obesity and obesity-related low-grade inflammation are common findings in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder-affecting women in reproductive age. The terms metabolically healthy obese (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) have been introduced to define individuals with obesity in whom cardio-metabolic risk factors are absent or present, respectively. To date, evidence investigating differences in body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) between MHO and MUO-PCOS women are lacking. Aim of this study was to better characterize the determinants of the metabolic health status in PCOS patients with obesity according to MHO and MUO phenotypes by evaluating endocrine-metabolic profile, inflammatory status, adherence to the MD, and body composition. The study population consisted of 94 treatment-naïve women with PCOS and obesity (BMI = 38.23 ± 6.62 kg/m2 and age = 24.12 ± 3.68 years). Compared PCOS MHO with PCOS MUO patients, the latter had higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p < 0.001), testosterone (p < 0.001), and insulin (p < 0.001), worse metabolic parameters, and higher Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HoMA-IR), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and Fatty liver Index (FLI) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, PCOS MUO patients had lower adherence to the MD (p < 0.001) in spite of the same total energy intake (p = 0.102) as compared to PCOS MHO. The presence of MUO was associated with highest hs-CRP levels (OR = 1.49, p < 0.001), more severe hyperandrogenism and cardio-metabolic indices (p < 0.001). On the contrary, being PCOS MUO was associated with lower adherence to the MD (OR = 0.28, p < 0.001), and smaller PhAs (OR = 0.04, p < 0.001). Using a regression linear analysis model PREDIMED score entered at the first step (p < 0.001), followed by VAI (p < 0.001), and FLI (p = 0.032) in this analysis. At ROC analysis, a PREDIMED score of ≤4 (p < 0.001, AUC 0.926) could serve as a threshold for a significantly increased risk of presence the MUO-PCOS phenotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that characterized MHO and MUO-PCOS women on the basis of their adherence to the MD, body composition, and cardio-metabolic indices, providing evidence of the usefulness of adjunctive diagnostic parameters to better differentiate the MHO/MHO phenotypes in this cohort of PCOS patients with obesity.

scholarly journals Mediterranean dietary pattern and mortality among young women: a cohort study in Sweden

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 384-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pagona Lagiou ◽  
Dimitrios Trichopoulos ◽  
Sven Sandin ◽  
Areti Lagiou ◽  
Lorelei Mucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Cancer Mortality ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
European Population ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
Northern European ◽  
Point Increase ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet

Studies of diet and health focus increasingly on dietary patterns. Although the traditional Mediterranean diet is perceived as being healthy, there is little information on its possible benefit to young people. We studied whether closer adherence to the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern was associated with overall and cancer mortality in a cohort of 42237 young women, aged 30–49 years at enrolment, who were recruited in 1991–2 from the general population in the Uppsala Health Care Region, Sweden, and followed up, almost completely, for about 12 years. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by a 10-point score incorporating the characteristics of this diet. Among women less than 40 years old at enrolment – whose causes of death are mainly cancer with probable genetic influences, injuries or suicide – there was no association of the Mediterranean diet score with total or cancer mortality. Among women 40–49 years old at enrolment, a 2-point increase in the score was associated with considerable reductions in overall mortality (13%; 95% CI 1%, 23%; P∼0·05) and cancer mortality (16%; 95% CI −1%, 29%; P∼0·06). Few cardiovascular deaths occurred in this cohort of young women. The findings of the present study in a northern European population of young women indicate that closer adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern reduces mortality even among young persons.

scholarly journals Diet quality of a population sample from coastal north-east Spain evaluated by a Mediterranean adaptation of the Diet Quality Index (DQI)

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Bondia-Pons ◽  
Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs ◽  
Lluís Serra-Majem ◽  
Ana I Castellote ◽  
Abel Mariné ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
Diet Quality Index ◽  
North East ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Arachidonic Acids

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern in the population from a coastal region from north-east Spain and its relationship to diseases, applying the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (M-DQI) validated by the use of several biomarkers.DesignCross-sectional nutrition survey.SettingPopulation-based random sample derived from the Catalan Nutrition Survey.SubjectsA total of 621 healthy adults.ResultsThe Catalan representative sample presented a mean M-DQI score of 6·6 (sd 2·3, median 7, range 0–14). The percentage of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was 53 %; 10 % of subjects showed high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while only 2 % were categorized as poorest adherence. The plasma fatty acid profile of the Catalan sample progressed with perfect regularity throughout the index ranges. Both EPA and DHA presented a significant correlation to the M-DQI (r = −0·410 for EPA and −0·360 for DHA). A significant increase in palmitic, oleic and α-linolenic acids and a significant decrease in stearic, linoleic and arachidonic acids content were also observed. The mean values for the M-DQI according to the clinical characteristics of the Catalan sample were also calculated.ConclusionsThe M-DQI has been demonstrated a suitable tool for assessment of an individual’s nutritional status according to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and for clinical purposes. Although the current diet followed in Catalonia seems to agree with the main characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, the promotion of the Mediterranean pattern should be reinforced in the Catalan population, especially among young people.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Patterns and Body Composition in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Barrea ◽  
Angela Arnone ◽  
Giuseppe Annunziata ◽  
Giovanna Muscogiuri ◽  
Daniela Laudisio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
The Mediterranean

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder and is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Obesity, low-grade chronic inflammatory status, and insulin-resistance (IR) often coexist in PCOS. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, which is rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, and high in monounsaturated fat. There is a close association among obesity, low-grade chronic inflammation, IR, and hormonal derangements in PCOS. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to MD, the dietary intake, and the body composition and their association with PCOS clinical severity in a cohort of treatment-naïve women with PCOS when compared with a control group of healthy women matched for age and body mass index (BMI). In this case-controlled, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 112 patients with PCOS and 112 controls. PREvención con DIetaMEDiterránea (PREDIMED) and seven-day food records were used to evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD and dietary pattern, respectively. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) phase-sensitive system. Testosterone levels and Ferriman-Gallwey score assessed the clinical severity of PCOS. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined with a nephelometric assay with CardioPhase high sensitivity. PCOS women showed higher testosterone levels, Ferriman-Gallwey score, fasting insulin and glucose levels, and Homeostatic Model Assessment (HoMA)-IR when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, we found that the PCOS women consumed less extra-virgin olive oil, legumes, fish/seafood, and nuts compared with control group. Despite no differences in energy intake between the two groups, the PCOS women consumed a lower quantity of complex carbohydrate, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and higher quantity of simple carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), PUFA and n-6 PUFA than the control group. The PCOS women have an adverse body composition when compared with controls, with the lowest values of phase angle (PhA) and fat-free mass (p < 0.001). Additionally, after adjusting for BMI and total energy intake, testosterone levels showed significant negative correlations with PREDIMED score (p < 0.001) and consumption of protein (p = 0.005), complex carbohydrate (p < 0.001), fiber (p < 0.001), MUFA (p < 0.001), n-3 PUFA (p = 0.001), and positive associations with CRP levels, simple carbohydrate, SFA, n-6 PUFA (p < 0.001, respectively), and PUFA (p = 0.002). The cut-off for PREDIMED score ≤ 6 (p < 0.001, area under the curve (AUC) 0.848, standard error 0.036, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.768 to 0.909) could serve as a threshold for significantly increased risk of high value of testosterone levels. In conclusion, a novel direct association between the adherence to MD and the clinical severity of the disease was reported in women with PCOS. This association could support a therapeutic role of foods and nutrients of the Mediterranean dietary pattern in the PCOS pathogenesis likely involving their inflammatory status, IR, and hyperandrogenemia. In addition, we reported a different body composition that is characterized by lower PhA and fat-free mass than controls. These data suggested a role of PhA as a useful marker of the clinical severity of this syndrome and provided strong evidence regarding the strategic relevance of the nutritional assessment in the management of women with PCOS.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern, cognitive status and depressive symptoms in an elderly non-institutionalized population

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Hernández-Galiot ◽  
Isabel Goñi
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
Diet Pattern ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract: Introduction: Scientific evidence indicates that adherence to the Mediterranean diet protects against the deterioration of cognitive status and depressive symptoms during aging. However, few studies have been conducted in elderly non-institutionalized subjects. Objetive: This study evaluated the relation between the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and cognitive status and depressive symptoms in an elderly population over 75 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Mediterranean city (Garrucha, Spain) in 79 elderly people over 75 (36 men and 41 women). Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was determined using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). Cognitive function was determined by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Most of population showed a very high adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern and optimal cognitive and affective status. They consumed olive oil as their main source of fat, high levels of fish and fruit, low levels of foods with added sugars, and a low consumption of red meat. A significant inverse relation between the MEDAS and MMSE scores was found. However, no relationship was observed between the MEDAS and GDS.Conclusions: The Mediterranean diet pattern was positively related with the cognitive function, although the influence of a healthy dietary pattern on the symptomatology of depression was unclear. However, an effective strategy against cognitive function and depression would be to improve physical activity rates, establish lifelong healthy eating habits, and consume a nutritionally-rich diet in order to enhance quality of life of the elderly.

Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and overweight and obesity among female adolescents in Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Sedaghat ◽  
Farah Naja ◽  
Mina Darand ◽  
Bita Beyzai ◽  
Bahram Rashidkhani
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
General Information ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract Background Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Iran, identification of a healthy diet is essential. Objective This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and overweight and obesity in female adolescents. Methods Two hundred and eighty female adolescents from high schools in Tehran were recruited. General information, physical activity and food frequency questionnaires were completed. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS). Results Under and over reporters of energy intake were excluded from the analysis (n = 37). Results indicated that prevalence of overweight and obesity was 13.3% and 12.5%, respectively. The mean of MSDPS was low in this population (15.99 ± 5.64). The MSDPS was positively associated with mother’s education level and energy intake (p < 0.05). No significant relation was observed between MSDPS and overweight and obesity among adolescents. However, there was a negative significant association between MSDPS and WHR just among students who had educated mothers [high: second median v. low: first median, odds ratio (OR) = 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12–1.03]. Conclusion Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern is low among adolescent females in Tehran, with no association with overweight and obesity.

scholarly journals Mediterranean Diet: The Need for Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5687
Author(s):  
F. Xavier Medina
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sustainable Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Past Half

The notion of the Mediterranean diet has progressively evolved over the past half a century, from a healthy (coronary) dietary pattern to a model of sustainable diet [...]

scholarly journals Influence of Physical Activity on Bone Mineral Content and Density in Overweight and Obese Children with Low Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Muñoz-Hernandez ◽  
Lide Arenaza ◽  
Luis Gracia-Marco ◽  
Maria Medrano ◽  
Elisa Merchan Ramirez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Bone Mineral Content ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
The Mediterranean

The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the associations of physical activity and the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) with bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in children with overweight and obesity. A total of 177 (n = 80 girls) children with overweight and obesity aged 8 to 12 years old participated in the study. Both BMC and BMD were assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary patterns were assessed by the KIDMED questionnaire and two 24-hour recalls. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometers for 7 consecutive days (24 hours/day). Low adherence to the MDP was observed in 82.4% of participants. Higher physical activity levels (of at least moderate intensity) and lower sedentary time were significantly associated with BMC and BMD in children with low adherence to the MDP (all p < 0.05). No associations were observed between physical activity and BMC and BMD in children with high adherence to the MDP. In conclusion, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity and reducing the time spent in sedentary behavior might be particularly beneficial for improving bone health in overweight or obese children with poor adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Abstract 13: Adherence to Various Dietary Patterns and Risk of Recurrent Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James M Shikany ◽  
Monika M Safford ◽  
Joanna Bryan ◽  
PK Newby ◽  
Joshua S Richman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Score ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Diet Score

Background: We have shown that the Southern dietary pattern, characterized by added fats, fried foods, organ and processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages, is associated with a greater risk of incident CHD in REGARDS, a national, population-based, longitudinal cohort. We sought to determine if the Southern pattern, other dietary patterns, and the Mediterranean diet score were associated with CHD events and mortality in REGARDS participants who previously reported CHD. Methods: REGARDS enrolled white and black adults aged ≥45 years between 2003-2007. Data were analyzed from 3,562 participants with CHD at baseline. Participants completed an FFQ at baseline, from which 5 dietary patterns were derived through factor analysis (Table). The Mediterranean diet score was calculated for each participant. Expert-adjudicated CHD events included myocardial infarction and CHD death. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the association of the dietary patterns and score with CHD events and death, adjusting for sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, energy intake, anthropometrics, and medical conditions. Results: Over 7 years of follow-up, there were 581 recurrent CHD events and 1,098 deaths. In fully-adjusted analyses, the highest quartile of adherence to the alcohol/salads pattern and highest group of the Mediterranean diet score were associated with lower risk of recurrent CHD compared to the lowest quartile/group (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59 – 0.98, HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62 – 0.98, respectively). The highest quartile of adherence to the Southern pattern was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.28 – 1.91), while the highest group of the Mediterranean diet score was associated with lower mortality (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68 – 0.95). Conclusions: While the Southern dietary pattern was not related to risk of recurrent CHD, it was associated with higher mortality in REGARDS participants with existing CHD. Greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk of recurrent CHD and mortality.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document