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Godos J, Scazzina F, Paternò Castello C, Giampieri F, Quiles JL, Briones Urbano M, Battino M, Galvano F, Iacoviello L, de Gaetano G, Bonaccio M, Grosso G. Underrated aspects of a true Mediterranean diet: understanding traditional features for worldwide application of a "Planeterranean" diet. J Transl Med 2024; 22:294. [PMID: 38515140 PMCID: PMC10956348 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the Mediterranean diet gained enormous scientific, social, and commercial attention due to proven positive effects on health and undeniable taste that facilitated a widespread popularity. Researchers have investigated the role of Mediterranean-type dietary patterns on human health all around the world, reporting consistent findings concerning its benefits. However, what does truly define the Mediterranean diet? The myriad of dietary scores synthesizes the nutritional content of a Mediterranean-type diet, but a variety of aspects are generally unexplored when studying the adherence to this dietary pattern. Among dietary factors, the main characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, such as consumption of fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and cereals should be accompanied by other underrated features, such as the following: (i) specific reference to whole-grain consumption; (ii) considering the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices often untested when exploring the adherence to the Mediterranean diet; (iii) consumption of eggs and dairy products as common foods consumed in the Mediterranean region (irrespectively of the modern demonization of dietary fat intake). Another main feature of the Mediterranean diet includes (red) wine consumption, but more general patterns of alcohol intake are generally unmeasured, lacking specificity concerning the drinking occasion and intensity (i.e., alcohol drinking during meals). Among other underrated aspects, cooking methods are rather simple and yet extremely varied. Several underrated aspects are related to the quality of food consumed when the Mediterranean diet was first investigated: foods are locally produced, minimally processed, and preserved with more natural methods (i.e., fermentation), strongly connected with the territory with limited and controlled impact on the environment. Dietary habits are also associated with lifestyle behaviors, such as sleeping patterns, and social and cultural values, favoring commensality and frugality. In conclusion, it is rather reductive to consider the Mediterranean diet as just a pattern of food groups to be consumed decontextualized from the social and geographical background of Mediterranean culture. While the methodologies to study the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated to be useful up to date, a more holistic approach should be considered in future studies by considering the aforementioned underrated features and values to be potentially applied globally through the concept of a "Planeterranean" diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - José L Quiles
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011, Santander, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avda del Conocimiento S/N, Parque Tecnologico de La Salud, Armilla, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Research and Development Functional Food Centre (CIDAF), Health Science Technological Park, Avenida del Conocimiento 37, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Mercedes Briones Urbano
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011, Santander, Spain
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche, 24560, México
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Arecibo, PR, 00613, USA
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres 21, 39011, Santander, Spain
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Libera Università Mediterranea (LUM) "Giuseppe Degennaro", Casamassima (Bari), Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Center for Human Nutrition and Mediterranean Foods (NUTREA), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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D'Angelo S. Diet and Aging: The Role of Polyphenol-Rich Diets in Slow Down the Shortening of Telomeres: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2086. [PMID: 38136206 PMCID: PMC10740764 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ends of human chromosomes are defended by DNA-protein complexes named telomeres, which inhibit the chromosomes from fusing with each other and from being known as a double-strand break by DNA reparation proteins. Telomere length is a marker of biological aging, and disfunction of telomeres is related to age-related syndromes. Telomere attrition has been shown to be accelerated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomere length has been proven to be positively linked with nutritional status in human and animal scientific research as several nutrients influence it through mechanisms that imitate their function in cellular roles including oxidative stress and inflammation. Data reported in this article support the idea that following a low-in-fat and rich-plant polyphenols food diet seems to be able to slow down the shortening of telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania D'Angelo
- Department of Medical, Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Mattas K, Raptou E, Alayidi A, Yener G, Baourakis G. Assessing the interlinkage between biodiversity and diet through the Mediterranean diet case. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:570-582. [PMID: 36997093 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoption of healthy and sustainable diets, and the transition to sustainable food systems is of principal importance in order to counteract the double burden of climate change and non-communicable diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been widely recognized as a biodiversity and healthy nutrition resource to support sustainable development and food security. This study explored biodiversity in terms of food plants species, subspecies, varieties and races, and also addressed food-plant diversity differences between the MD and western-type consumption patterns. It was funded by the EU BioValue Project, aiming to promote the integration of underutilized crops into the food value chains. Using a two-stage scheme, data were selected from MEDUSA and Euro+Med databases (including 449 species, 2,366 subspecies, varieties, and races). Furthermore, 12 countries from North Africa and Europe were classified in two groups according to their sub-regional attributes and their traditionally most prevalent dietary pattern (MD or western-type diets). Statistical analysis showed that the mean of the majorly cultivated food plants in the MD was significantly higher than its counterpart in the Western-diet. Furthermore, no statistical difference was detected in the averages of native food plants between the MD group and the Western diet group, implying that the higher diversity in food plants observed in the MD seems to be attributed to crop utilization rather than crop availability. Our findings indicated the interlinkage between biodiversity and prevailing dietary patterns, and further underlined that biodiversity could constitute a prerequisite for dietary diversity, and hence nutrition security. In addition, this study demonstrated that diets and nutrition should be approached in a broader way within the context of both agro-food and ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstadinos Mattas
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Elena Raptou
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Ahmed Alayidi
- Department of Business Economics and Management, CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Chania, Greece
| | - Gizem Yener
- Department of Business Economics and Management, CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Chania, Greece
| | - George Baourakis
- CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Chania, Greece
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López-Gajardo MA, Leo FM, Sánchez-Miguel PA, López-Gajardo D, Soulas C, Tapia-Serrano MA. KIDMED 2.0, An update of the KIDMED questionnaire: Evaluation of the psychometric properties in youth. Front Nutr 2022; 9:945721. [PMID: 36424923 PMCID: PMC9679638 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.945721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS As children and adolescents' eating patterns have changed over the last few years, researchers have found inconsistencies in the current questionnaires. Therefore, this research aims to (i) update the 2019 KIDMED questionnaire; and (ii) test the psychometric properties of this new questionnaire. METHOD A study with 419 children and adolescents in southwestern Spain was conducted in 2021. The new version of the KIDMED 2.0 was tested, which measures adherence to the Mediterranean diet through 16 items, of which 12 are positive, and 4 are negative. Content validation involved consultation with nutritionists, experts, and adolescents to assess whether the questionnaire was reliable and valid regarding dietary patterns associated with the Mediterranean diet. The expert assessment provided content validity indices for the clarity and representativeness of the questionnaire. Construct validity and test-retest reliability involved 419 students (M age = 14.40 ± 2.00) from southwestern Spain. Students responded twice (one week apart) to the KIDMED developed in the previous stage and completed a 7-day dietary record. RESULTS Regarding validity, results show a moderate agreement for 10 items (ranging between 0.21 and 0.47) of the KIDMED and the 7-day dietary record. Concerning Items 3, 4, 5, and 6, the agreement was slight (ranging between 0.08 and 0.17), whereas the agreement for Item 8 was low. Cohen's kappa showed that most items had moderate to substantial test-retest reliability. Also, kappa showed significant test-retest values for all items (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The new version of the KIDMED 2.0 was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco M. Leo
- Faculty of Teacher Training, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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AlAufi NS, Chan YM, Waly MI, Chin YS, Mohd Yusof BN, Ahmad N. Application of Mediterranean Diet in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Motivations and Challenges. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132777. [PMID: 35807957 PMCID: PMC9268986 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disability and death in many countries. Together with CVD, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for more than 80% of all premature non-communicable disease deaths. The protective effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on CVD and its risk factors, including T2DM, has been a constant topic of interest. Notwithstanding, despite the large body of evidence, scientists are concerned about the challenges and difficulties of the application of MedDiet. This review aims to explore the motivations and challenges for using MedDiet in patients with CVD and T2DM. Design: An electronic search was conducted for articles about MedDiet published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2021, particularly on CVD and T2DM patients. From a total of 1536 studies, the final eligible set of 108 studies was selected. Study selection involved three iterations of filtering. Results: Motivation to apply MedDiet was driven by the importance of studying the entire food pattern rather than just one nutrient, the health benefits, and the distinct characteristics of MedDiet. Challenges of the application of MedDiet include lacking universal definition and scoring of MedDiet. Influences of nutritional transition that promote shifting of traditional diets to Westernized diets further complicate the adherence of MedDiet. The challenges also cover the research aspects, including ambiguous and inconsistent findings, the inexistence of positive results, limited evidence, and generalization in previous studies. The review revealed that most of the studies recommended that future studies are needed in terms of health benefits, describing the potential benefits of MedDiet, identifying the barriers, and mainly discussing the effect of MedDiet in different populations. Conclusions: In general, there is consistent and strong evidence that MedDiet is associated inversely with CVD risk factors and directly with glycemic control. MedDiet is the subject of active and diverse research despite the existing challenges. This review informs the health benefits conferred by this centuries-old dietary pattern and highlights MedDiet could possibly be revolutionary, practical, and non-invasive approach for the prevention and treatment CVD and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Salim AlAufi
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.S.A.); (Y.S.C.); (B.-N.M.Y.)
| | - Yoke Mun Chan
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.S.A.); (Y.S.C.); (B.-N.M.Y.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mostafa I. Waly
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-khod 50123, Oman;
| | - Yit Siew Chin
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.S.A.); (Y.S.C.); (B.-N.M.Y.)
| | - Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.S.A.); (Y.S.C.); (B.-N.M.Y.)
| | - Norliza Ahmad
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
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Zaidalkilani AT, Alhaj OA, Serag El-Dine MF, Fekih-Romdhane F, AlRasheed MM, Jahrami HA, Bragazzi NL. Arab Women Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Insomnia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 58:medicina58010017. [PMID: 35056325 PMCID: PMC8778319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: Sleeping difficulties affect the overall health, nutrition, and wellbeing. The Mediterranean diet has proven effective in improving the quality of life and overall health of people of all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to reduced insomnia in Arabic-speaking female adults in Jordan. Materials and Methods: A self-administered, cross-sectional survey was used to detect the relationship between MD and sleep quality in Arabic-speaking female adults. Data were collected from 917 Arabic-speaking female participants of 14 Arab nationalities in Jordan between March and May 2021 via social media. All participants answered the whole questionnaire, including questions on sociodemographic aspects, Mediterranean diet adherence, sleeping habits measured with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and lifestyle components such as smoking and dietary patterns. Results: The mean age of the 917 Arabic-speaking female participants was 36 ± 10 years. Most participants were unemployed (85%) single females (64%) with an undergraduate degree (74%). Most of them (86%) were non-smokers. More than half of the participants were Jordanians (57%). The BMI was normal for 52% of the participants, whereas 26% of them were overweight, and 12% were obese. One-way ANCOVA showed a statistically significant difference between MD adherence score categories and AIS, F (2, 914) = 3.36, p = 0.015. Among the MD adherence score categories, we found that between groups, MD scores above or equal to 10 were associated with a statistically significant difference in AIS. Cohen's value was calculated for the three MD score categories and indicated a 'small' effect size association between all adherence scores of the MD categories and AIS. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings provide preliminary evidence that participants' adherence to the MD was significantly associated with better sleep and reduced insomnia symptoms, highlighting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayah T. Zaidalkilani
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 11196, Jordan;
| | - Omar A. Alhaj
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 11196, Jordan;
- Correspondence: (O.A.A.); (N.L.B.)
| | - Mohamed F. Serag El-Dine
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Menofia University, Shibin el Kom 11925, Menofia Governorate, Egypt;
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- Psychiatry Department “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, Manouba 2010, Tunisia;
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Maha M. AlRasheed
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Haitham A. Jahrami
- Ministry of Health, Manama 410, Bahrain;
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 323, Bahrain
| | - Nicola L. Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Departments and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: (O.A.A.); (N.L.B.)
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Trajkovska Petkoska A, Trajkovska-Broach A. Mediterranean diet: a nutrient-packed diet and a healthy lifestyle for a sustainable world. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2021; 101:2627-2633. [PMID: 33140412 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet (MD), as a sustainable diet and a healthy way of living, is in a good agreement with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (2015). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anka Trajkovska Petkoska
- St Clement of Ohrid University of Bitola, Faculty of Technology and Technical Sciences, Veles, Republic of North Macedonia
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Martini D, Godos J, Marventano S, Tieri M, Ghelfi F, Titta L, Lafranconi A, Trigueiro H, Gambera A, Alonzo E, Sciacca S, Buscemi S, Ray S, Galvano F, Del Rio D, Grosso G. Nut and legume consumption and human health: an umbrella review of observational studies. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2021; 72:871-878. [PMID: 33541169 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1880554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of nuts and legumes has been associated with several health benefits. The aim of this study was to systematically review existing meta-analyses of observational studies on nut and legume intake and non-communicable diseases, and assess the level of evidence. Out of the six meta-analyses focussed on legume and 15 on nut intake, a possible association with decreased risk of colorectal adenoma and coronary heart disease was found for higher legume consumption, and a decreased risk of cardiovascular and cancer mortality, colon cancer, hypertension and ischaemic stroke for higher nut consumption. The association between legume consumption and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as nut consumption and risk of cancer, CVD incidence and all-cause mortality, was deemed as "limited" due to heterogeneity between results and/or potential confounding factors. General benefit towards better health can be observed for nut and legume consumption. Further studies are needed to better elucidate potential confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental, and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Marventano
- Childhood and Adolescent Department, Rimini Women's Health, AUSL Romagna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Maria Tieri
- SmartFood Program, Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghelfi
- Fondazione De Marchi-Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucilla Titta
- SmartFood Program, Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lafranconi
- University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Helena Trigueiro
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angelo Gambera
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Alonzo
- Food and Nutrition Security and Public Health Service, ASP Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sciacca
- Integrated Cancer Registry of Catania-Messina-Siracusa-Enna, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvio Buscemi
- Biomedical Department of Internal and Specialist Medicine (DIBIMIS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sumantra Ray
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK.,Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.,Human Nutrition Research Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC), Cambridge, UK
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Del Rio
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK.,Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,School of Advanced Studies on Food and Nutrition, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, UK
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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Maltese Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010010. [PMID: 33375013 PMCID: PMC7792766 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Populations living in Mediterranean islands are experiencing a nutrition transition process from traditional to Westernized dietary patterns. No information on this matter regarding individuals living in Malta have been published to date. The aim of this study was to assess the level of adherence of the Maltese people to the Mediterranean diet and which factors were associated with it. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in the island of Malta between 2014 and 2016. A literature-based Mediterranean diet adherence score was used to assess the level of adherence to the dietary pattern. Results: Out of 3947 adults, the overall Mediterranean diet adherence score mean was 7.19 (SD 1.91): being female, non-smoker, and having older age was associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Less clear pattern of association was found for educational and occupational status, for which medium educational level and a high occupational level were associated with lower adherence to Mediterranean diet. Higher adherence was finally associated with consumption of healthier food groups (more rice and dark bread and less pasta and white bread; more all plant-food groups and fish, less animal-food sources, including fast foods; more light cheeses and yogurt were more frequently consumed among higher adherent individuals in spite of regular ones). Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Malta is lower than in those of populations living in companion Mediterranean islands. Given the lack of data on this topic, further studies should be conducted among the Maltese people and public health nutrition interventions should be planned to improve current eating habits toward more traditional dietary patterns.
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Insights on Mediterranean Diet from the SUN Cohort: Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051332. [PMID: 32397062 PMCID: PMC7284864 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence has demonstrated the association between dietary factors and non-communicable diseases. Great attention has been payed to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, given its richness in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules. Numerous reports from the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad De Navarra) cohort have shown that higher adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern may be inversely associated with mortality, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, a link with mental health outcomes, such as depressive symptoms, cognitive status and quality of life was also found, suggesting its beneficial effects toward brain health.
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Martini D, Bes-Restrollo M. Is Mediterranean diet still a common dietary pattern in the Mediterranean area? Int J Food Sci Nutr 2020; 71:395-396. [DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2020.1763264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Martini
- Department of Food, Environmental, and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Maira Bes-Restrollo
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERobn), Spanish National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Grosso G, Fresán U, Bes-Rastrollo M, Marventano S, Galvano F. Environmental Impact of Dietary Choices: Role of the Mediterranean and Other Dietary Patterns in an Italian Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1468. [PMID: 32106472 PMCID: PMC7084186 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Current scientific literature suggests healthy dietary patterns may have less environmental impact than current consumption patterns, but most of the studies rely on theoretical modeling. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on resources (land, water, and energy) use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of healthy dietary patterns in a sample of Italian adults. METHODS Participants (n = 1806) were recruited through random sampling in the city of Catania, southern Italy. Dietary consumption was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); dietary patterns were calculated through dietary scores. The specific environmental footprints of food item production/processing were obtained from various available life-cycle assessments; a sustainability score was created based on the impact of the four environmental components calculated. RESULTS The contribution of major food groups to the environmental footprint showed that animal products (dairy, egg, meat, and fish) represented more than half of the impact on GHG emissions and energy requirements; meat products were the stronger contributors to GHG emissions and water use, while dairy products to energy use, and cereals to land use. All patterns investigated, with the exception of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), were linearly associated with the sustainability score. Among the components, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and Alternate Diet Quality Index (AHEI) was associated with lower GHG emissions, dietary quality index-international (DQI-I) with land use, while Nordic diet with land and water use. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the adoption of healthy dietary patterns involves less use of natural resources and GHG emissions, representing eco-friendlier options in Italian adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Ujué Fresán
- CIBER-ESP, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Salud Pública y Laboral de Navarra, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maira Bes-Rastrollo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- IdiSNA, Navarra’s Health Research Institute, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERobn, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefano Marventano
- Department of Childhood and Adolescent, AUSL Romagna, Rimini Women’s Health, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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13
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Bhat S, Mocciaro G, Ray S. The association of dietary patterns and carotid intima-media thickness: A synthesis of current evidence. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2019; 29:1273-1287. [PMID: 31669106 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dietary pattern (DP) analysis has emerged as a holistic method to understand the effects of food intake on health outcomes. Though dietary intake has been associated with cardiovascular disease, the association of DPs and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a robust early marker of cardiovascular disease progression has not been comprehensively investigated. This study systematically explores the association of a posteriori and a priori DPs and CIMT. DATA SYNTHESIS Through a systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science, twenty studies that derived DPs using a posteriori or a priori methods with CIMT as an outcome were included. Four cross-sectional studies and 1 cohort paper reported a statistically significant association between increased consumption of 'unhealthy' foods (i.e processed meat, soda drinks and refined grain) and increased CIMT. While four cross-sectional studies reported a statistically significant association of DPs characterized by increased consumption of 'healthy' foods (i.e fruit and vegetables, fish) and decreased CIMT. DPs derived from each study varied depending on derivation method, study design and use of dietary data collection method. CONCLUSION Findings from this review are generally supportive of a trend between DPs with higher consumption of 'healthy' foods and lower consumption of 'unhealthy' foods and decreased CIMT; however, the association was largely not statistically significant. Evidence was overwhelmingly heterogeneous due to differences seen in DPs based on location and culture, sample characteristics and adjustment for confounders. Long-term prospective observational and interventional studies with standardized sample selection and dietary data collection are needed to significantly establish the role of DPs on CIMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bhat
- Division of Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, CB1 9NL, UK; NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK.
| | - G Mocciaro
- MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, CB1 9NL, UK; NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK
| | - S Ray
- MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, CB1 9NL, UK; NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK
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Lee S. Associations Between Dietary Patterns and Handgrip Strength: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2016. J Am Coll Nutr 2019; 39:488-494. [DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2019.1691955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sunghee Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Health Science, Kangwon National University, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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15
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Palomeras-Vilches A, Viñals-Mayolas E, Bou-Mias C, Jordà-Castro M, Agüero-Martínez M, Busquets-Barceló M, Pujol-Busquets G, Carrion C, Bosque-Prous M, Serra-Majem L, Bach-Faig A. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Bone Fracture Risk in Middle-Aged Women: A Case Control Study. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2508. [PMID: 31635237 PMCID: PMC6835915 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention of bone mass loss and related complications associated with osteoporosis is a significant public health issue. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is favorably associated with bone health, a potentially modifiable risk factor. The objective of this research was to determine MD adherence in a sample of women with and without osteoporosis. In this observational case-control study of 139 women (64 women with and 75 without osteoporosis) conducted in a primary-care health center in Girona (Spain), MD adherence, lifestyle, physical exercise, tobacco and alcohol consumption, pathological antecedents, and FRAX index scores were analyzed. Logistic multilinear regression modeling to explore the relationship between the MD and bone fracture risk indicated that better MD adherence was associated with a lower bone risk fracture. Non-pharmacological preventive strategies to reduce bone fracture risk were also reviewed to explore the role of lifestyle and diet in bone mass maintenance and bone fracture prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palomeras-Vilches
- Medicina Familiar i Comunitària (MFiC), Institut Català de la Salut, EAP Santa Clara, 17001 Girona, Spain.
| | | | - Concepció Bou-Mias
- Medicina Familiar i Comunitària (MFiC), Institut Català de la Salut, EAP Santa Clara, 17001 Girona, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Georgina Pujol-Busquets
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Open University of Catalonia, UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7725 Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Carme Carrion
- UOC eHealth Center (eHC), Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
- eHealth Lab Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Bosque-Prous
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Open University of Catalonia, UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lluís Serra-Majem
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Anna Bach-Faig
- FoodLab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Open University of Catalonia, UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
- Food and Nutrition Area, Barcelona Official College of Pharmacists, 08009 Barcelona, Spain.
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D'Innocenzo S, Biagi C, Lanari M. Obesity and the Mediterranean Diet: A Review of Evidence of the Role and Sustainability of the Mediterranean Diet. Nutrients 2019; 11:E1306. [PMID: 31181836 PMCID: PMC6627690 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several different socio-economic factors have caused a large portion of the population to adopt unhealthy eating habits that can undermine healthcare systems, unless current trends are inverted towards more sustainable lifestyle models. Even though a dietary plan inspired by the principles of the Mediterranean Diet is associated with numerous health benefits and has been demonstrated to exert a preventive effect towards numerous pathologies, including obesity, its use is decreasing and it is now being supplanted by different nutritional models that are often generated by cultural and social changes. Directing governments' political actions towards spreading adherence to the Mediterranean Diet's principles as much as possible among the population could help to tackle the obesity epidemic, especially in childhood. This document intends to reiterate the importance of acting in certain age groups to stop the spread of obesity and proceeds with a critical review of the regulatory instruments used so far, bearing in mind the importance of the scientific evidence that led to the consideration of the Mediterranean Diet as not just a food model, but also as the most appropriate regime for disease prevention, a sort of complete lifestyle plan for the pursuit of healthcare sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santa D'Innocenzo
- Prochild Project, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the recent scientific evidence regarding the wellness-promoting capacity of the Mediterranean lifestyle (ML), with a special focus on physical, social and environmental wellness. DESIGN Narrative review of English-language publications in PubMed, Scopus and Embase, from 1 January 2010 to 31 October 2018. SETTING Prospective cohort studies, interventional studies, meta-analyses and reviews of those investigating the effect of at least one component of the ML on wellness parameters. PARTICIPANTS General population. RESULTS Although an explicit definition of ML is missing, compliance with various combinations of its components improves metabolic health and protects against or ameliorates disease state. However, there is heterogeneity in the healthy behaviours that the ML-focused studies include in their design and the way these are assessed. Also, despite that features of the ML could contribute to other wellness dimensions, there are no studies exploring the effect this healthy lifestyle could confer to them. CONCLUSIONS Chronic lifestyle diseases are of multifactorial aetiology and they warrant multifaceted approaches targeting the general way of living. ML, if thoroughly evaluated, can provide a valuable tool to holistically promote health and wellness.
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Godos J, Vitale M, Micek A, Ray S, Martini D, Del Rio D, Riccardi G, Galvano F, Grosso G. Dietary Polyphenol Intake, Blood Pressure, and Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8060152. [PMID: 31159186 PMCID: PMC6616647 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8060152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dietary polyphenols, including flavonoids, have been the focus of major recent attentions due to their wide content in a variety of foods commonly consumed and the findings from numerous studies showing evidence of an association with positive outcomes on human health. Methods: A systematic search using electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE was performed to retrieve English language studies published from the earliest indexing year of each database to April 2019, reporting on the association between dietary flavonoids intake and hypertension. Results: The search strategy resulted in the final selection of 20 studies including 15 cross-sectional investigations and 7 prospective cohorts (1 study reported on 3 prospective cohorts). 5 prospective cohorts, comprising 200,256 individuals and 45,732 cases of hypertension were included in the quantitative analysis. Analysis by extreme quantiles of intake of flavonoid showed a non-significant association with decreased risk of hypertension (RR (risk ratio): 0.96, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.89, 1.03). Taking into consideration individual flavonoid subclasses, dietary anthocyanins intake was associated with 8% reduction in risk of hypertension, when comparing highest vs. lowest exposure (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.97). Conclusions: Further studies are needed to strengthen the retrieved association between anthocyanins consumption and decreased risk of hypertension and clarify whether total flavonoids or rather individual subclasses may exert beneficial effects on blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK; Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9BB, UK; Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health at Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Marilena Vitale
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, "Federico II" University, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Agnieszka Micek
- Department of Nursing Management and Epidemiology Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Sumantra Ray
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK; Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9BB, UK; Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health at Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Nutrition Research Unit, Cambridge CB1 9NL, UK.
| | - Daniela Martini
- The Laboratory of Phytochemicals in Physiology, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Daniele Del Rio
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK; Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9BB, UK; Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health at Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
- The Laboratory of Phytochemicals in Physiology, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Riccardi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, "Federico II" University, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK; Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9BB, UK; Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health at Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
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Real H, Queiroz J, Graça P. Mediterranean food pattern vs. Mediterranean diet: a necessary approach? Int J Food Sci Nutr 2019; 71:1-12. [PMID: 31122086 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1617838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
"Food pattern" and "diet" sometimes are referred with the same meaning. "Food pattern" can be defined by a priori and a posteriori approaches and refers to the characterisation of foods and frequency of consumption within a population combining with various characteristics. "Diet" may be represented as an individual way of life and considers the food consumption and others like culture, history, society, economy, sustainability, culinary activities, conviviality, physical activity and rest. Mediterranean diet fits on these two concepts. The question is if we are measuring Mediterranean diet as a whole, or whether we are only measuring one of its parts, neglecting the rest of components. Can this compromise the way we monitor its adherence and evolution, with the possibility of losing the perception of certain aspects? How can we preserve and promote the concept if we do not monitor all the pieces of the puzzle?
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Real
- Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição, Rua João das Regras, Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Queiroz
- Câmara Municipal de Tavira, Praça da República, Tavira, Portugal
| | - Pedro Graça
- Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Godos J, Castellano S, Marranzano M. Adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Higher Quality of Life in a Cohort of Italian Adults. Nutrients 2019; 11:E981. [PMID: 31035736 PMCID: PMC6566890 DOI: 10.3390/nu11050981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The observed rise in non-communicable diseases may be attributed to the ongoing changes of urban environment and society, as well as greater awareness of health-related issues and subsequent higher rates of diagnosis, which all contribute to the overall quality of life. The aim of the study was to test the association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and self-reported quality of life in a cohort of Italian adults. METHODS The demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and a Mediterranean diet adherence score were used to assess dietary intake. The Manchester Short Appraisal (MANSA) was used to assess self-rated quality of life. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the associations. RESULTS A significant linear trend of association was found for the overall quality of life and adherence to Mediterranean diet score. All of the components of the MANSA, with the exception of self-rated mental health, were individually associated with higher adherence to this dietary pattern. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is associated with the measures of better overall perceived quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Marina Marranzano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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Godos J, Ferri R, Caraci F, Cosentino FII, Castellano S, Galvano F, Grosso G. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is Associated with Better Sleep Quality in Italian Adults. Nutrients 2019; 11:E976. [PMID: 31035395 PMCID: PMC6566275 DOI: 10.3390/nu11050976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep quality has been associated with human health and diseases, including cognitive decline and dementia; however major determinants of sleep disorders are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sleep quality and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern in a sample of Italian adults. METHODS A total of 1936 individuals were recruited in the urban area of Catania during 2014-2015 through random sampling. A food frequency questionnaire and validated instruments were used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sleep quality (Pittsburg sleep quality index). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between exposure and outcome. RESULTS A total of 1314 individuals (67.9% of the cohort) reported adequate sleep quality: for each point increase of the Mediterranean diet score, individuals were 10% more likely to have adequate sleep quality. In an additional analysis stratifying the sample by weight status, the association between sleep quality and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed only among normal/overweight individuals but not in obese participants. CONCLUSIONS high adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with better sleep quality either toward direct effect on health or indirect effects through improvement of weight status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy.
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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Autophagy-associated signal pathways of functional foods for chronic diseases. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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23
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Yang ZQ, Yang Z, Duan ML. Dietary approach to stop hypertension diet and risk of coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2019; 70:668-674. [PMID: 30810409 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1570490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qi Yang
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Paediatrics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mei-Li Duan
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Sotos-Prieto M, Jin Q, Rainey D, Coyle M, Kales SN. Barriers and solutions to improving nutrition among fire academy recruits: a qualitative assessment. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2019; 70:771-779. [PMID: 30764673 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1570087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The primary health concerns among US firefighters are cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression and occur in an occupational setting where dietary habits are suboptimal. To understand if a diet or lifestyle modification works in a fire academy training setting, it is important to evaluate the cultural barriers and challenges that might be faced. A semi-structured telephone interview method followed by a focus group was used to gather common themes among fire service leaders. Twelve leaders participated in the telephonic interviews and a subset of five in the subsequent group session. Five main themes were identified. The study identified a need for staff and recruits to develop a cohesive culture that facilitates long-term change. Participants reported that incentives for good choices and the elimination of certain poor choices from the food environment would promote healthier choices. The study supports an intervention using education of fire recruits and modifications of the fire academy food environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Sotos-Prieto
- a Division of Food and Nutrition Sciences, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness , Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA.,b The Diabetes Institute, Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA.,c Department of Environmental Health , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Qi Jin
- a Division of Food and Nutrition Sciences, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness , Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA
| | - David Rainey
- c Department of Environmental Health , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Maria Coyle
- a Division of Food and Nutrition Sciences, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness , Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA
| | - Stefanos N Kales
- c Department of Environmental Health , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
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Dietary Polyphenol Intake and Depression: Results from the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Lifestyle and Aging (MEAL) Study. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23050999. [PMID: 29695122 PMCID: PMC6102571 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23050999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The epidemiological evidence for a relation between dietary polyphenol intake and depression is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between habitual dietary intake of total polyphenols, their classes, subclasses and individual compounds and depressive symptoms among the participants of the Mediterranean healthy Eating, Lifestyle and Aging (MEAL) study. Methods: Demographic and dietary characteristics of 1572 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires and Phenol-Explorer were used to calculate habitual dietary intakes of polyphenols. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used as screening tool for depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test associations and were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 509 individuals reported having depressive symptoms. Based on multivariate logistic regression analyses, total polyphenol intake was not associated with depressive symptoms. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, dietary intake of phenolic acid (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.93), flavanones (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.91), and anthocyanins (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.89) showed significant inverse association with depressive symptoms, when comparing the highest with the lowest quartile. Moreover, flavanones and anthocyanins, were associated with depressive symptoms in a dose-response manner. Among individual compounds, inverse association was observed for quercetin (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.86) and naringenin (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.85), for the highest versus lowest quartile of intake. When taking into consideration the major sources of the polyphenols, only citrus fruits and wine consumption was inversely associated with depressive symptoms (Q4 vs. Q1: OR= 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.75; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.74, respectively). Conclusions: Higher dietary intake of flavonoid may be inversely associated with depressive symptoms. Further studies are needed to definitively confirm these observed associations.
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Fluid Intake and Beverage Consumption Description and Their Association with Dietary Vitamins and Antioxidant Compounds in Italian Adults from the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Aging and Lifestyles (MEAL) Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7040056. [PMID: 29642527 PMCID: PMC5946122 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the total water intake (TWI) from drinks and foods and to evaluate the correlation between the different types of drinks on energy and antioxidant intake. The cohort comprised 1602 individuals from the city of Catania in Southern Italy. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to assess dietary and water intake. The mean total water intake was 2.7 L; more than about two thirds of the sample met the European recommendations for water intake. Water and espresso coffee were the most consumed drinks. Alcohol beverages contributed about 3.0% of total energy intake, and sugar sweetened beverages contributed about 1.4%. All antioxidant vitamins were significantly correlated with TWI. However, a higher correlation was found for water from food rather than water from beverages, suggesting that major food contributors to antioxidant vitamin intake might be fruits and vegetables, rather than beverages other than water. A mild correlation was found between fruit juices and vitamin C; coffee, tea and alcohol, and niacin and polyphenols; and milk and vitamin B12. The findings from the present study show that our sample population has an adequate intake of TWI and that there is a healthy association between beverages and dietary antioxidants.
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Marranzano M, Ray S, Godos J, Galvano F. Association between dietary flavonoids intake and obesity in a cohort of adults living in the Mediterranean area. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2018; 69:1020-1029. [PMID: 29575952 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2018.1452900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Dietary polyphenols, including flavonoids, are abundantly present in a healthy and balanced diet. Evidence for their role in preventing non-communicable diseases is emerging. We examined the association between estimated habitual intake of dietary flavonoid and obesity in a cohort study. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, inverse association between total flavonoid intake and excess weight (BMI ≥25) was found (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.99); among individual classes of flavonoids, only flavanones were inversely associated with excess body weight (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.97). However, when considering adjustment for dietary factors (adherence to the Mediterranean diet), the associations were no more significant. When considering obesity as the outcome (BMI ≥30), individuals with high intake of total flavonoids and flavonols resulted less likely to be obese (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.66 and OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.99, respectively), even after adjustment for confounding factors. The results of the present study add to the current literature further evidence of the association between higher flavonoid intake and decreased body weight. Further studies are needed to confirm retrieved association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Marranzano
- a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia" , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Sumantra Ray
- b Human Nutrition Research Unit , Medical Research Council (MRC) , Cambridge , UK.,c NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health , (Affiliated with: Cambridge University Health Partners and the British Dietetic Association), St John's Innovation Centre , Cambridge , UK
| | - Justyna Godos
- a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia" , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.,d Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Fabio Galvano
- d Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
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Korre M, Sotos-Prieto M, Kales SN. Survival Mediterranean Style: Lifestyle Changes to Improve the Health of the US Fire Service. Front Public Health 2017; 5:331. [PMID: 29326915 PMCID: PMC5741604 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes almost half of all on-duty deaths in US firefighters and is an important and costly cause of morbidity. In addition, cancer is a growing health concern in this population. Obesity and obesity-associated, cardiometabolic risk clustering are major, modifiable risk factors for fire service CVD and cancer risk. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is proven effective in primary and secondary CVD prevention. It is also associated with a decreased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Moreover, it can be adapted into successful workplace interventions. Emerging data from our group regarding the US Fire Service show that greater compliance with the MedDiet is associated with improved CVD risk profiles and less weight gain among career firefighters. Moreover, the fact that career firefighters take a considerable number of meals communally on the job also represents an excellent opportunity for a workplace Mediterranean Diet Nutritional Intervention (MDNI). The devastating effects of obesity, CVD, and cancer on the US fire service are recognized, but currently few effective preventive programs exist. The consistently positive health benefits from following a MedDiet and promising preliminary data in the fire service justify translational research to determine the most effective means of delivering MDNIs to US firefighters. Therefore, a high priority should be assigned to efforts, which can help further disseminate and implement our program of novel behavior change strategies, "Survival Mediterranean Style," throughout the US fire service and eventually to other occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Korre
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mercedes Sotos-Prieto
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- The Diabetes Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Applied Heath Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Stefanos N. Kales
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine & Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
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