Traditional Mediterranean diet and longevity in the elderly: a review

AbstractObjective:To review the evidence that the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with longevity.Setting:Elderly persons of both genders in Greece, Spain, Denmark and Australia studied by different groups of investigators.Methods:Adherence to the principles of the Mediterranean diet was operationalised through a score devised a priori, and study participants were followed up until death or the end of the study. Proportional hazard models were used.Results:Closer adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a significant decrease in general mortality among the elderly persons studied.Conclusion:The Mediterranean diet is positively associated with longevity among the elderly. If the assumption holds that there is no interaction between age and diet with respect to general mortality, it can be inferred that the traditional Mediterranean diet represents a healthy nutritional pattern.

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Are the advantages of the Mediterranean diet transferable to other populations? A cohort study in Melbourne, Australia

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114599001129 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 82 (1) ◽

pp. 57-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 115

Author(s):

Antigone Kouris-Blazos ◽

Charalambos Gnardellis ◽

Mark L. Wahlqvist ◽

Dimitrios Trichopoulos ◽

Widjaja Lukito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

A Priori ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Mediterranean Countries ◽

Unit Increase ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Traditional Mediterranean Diet ◽

Diet Score ◽

Overall Mortality

A prospective cohort study, involving 141 Anglo-Celts and 189 Greek-Australians of both sexes aged 70 years or more, was undertaken in Melbourne, Australia. The objective was to evaluate whether adherence to the principles of the Mediterranean diet affects survival of elderly people in developed non-Mediterranean countries. Diet was assessed using an extensive validated questionnaire on food intake. A one unit increase in a diet score, devised a priori on the basis of eight key features of the traditional common diet in the Mediterranean region, was associated with a 17 % reduction in overall mortality (two-tailed P value 0·07). Mortality reduction with increasing diet score was at least as evident among Anglo-Celts as among Greek-Australians. We conclude that a diet that adheres to the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with longer survival among Australians of either Greek or Anglo-Celtic origin.

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Social capital, tolerance of diversity and adherence to Mediterranean diet: the Rhea Mother–Child Cohort in Crete, Greece

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898001400144x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 1300-1307 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

George Kritsotakis ◽

Leda Chatzi ◽

Maria Vassilaki ◽

Vaggelis Georgiou ◽

Manolis Kogevinas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

A Priori ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽

Similar Dose ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Study Participants ◽

Sectional Analysis

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the associations of individual maternal social capital and social capital dimensions (Participation in the Community, Feelings of Safety, Value of Life and Social Agency, Tolerance of Diversity) with adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy.DesignThis is a cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective mother–child cohort (Rhea Study). Participants completed a social capital questionnaire and an FFQ in mid-pregnancy. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated through an a priori score ranging from 0 to 8 (minimal–maximal adherence). Maternal social capital scores were categorized into three groups: the upper 10 % was the high social capital group, the middle 80 % was the medium and the lowest 10 % was the low social capital group. Multivariable log-binomial and linear regression models adjusted for confounders were performed.SettingHeraklion, Crete, Greece.SubjectsA total of 377 women with singleton pregnancies.ResultsHigh maternal Total Social Capital was associated with an increase of almost 1 point in Mediterranean diet score (highest v. lowest group: β coefficient=0·95, 95 % CI 0·23, 1·68), after adjustment for confounders. Similar dose–response effects were noted for the scale Tolerance of Diversity (highest v. lowest group: adjusted β coefficient=1·08, 95 % CI 0·39, 1·77).ConclusionsIndividual social capital and tolerance of diversity are associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet in pregnancy. Women with higher social capital may exhibit a higher sense of obligation to themselves and to others that may lead to proactive nutrition-related activities. Less tolerant women may not provide the opportunity to new healthier, but unfamiliar, nutritional recommendations to become part of their regular diet.

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The role of Mediterranean diet in the course of subjective cognitive decline in the elderly population of Greece: results from a prospective cohort study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521005109 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

George S. Vlachos ◽

Mary Yannakoulia ◽

Costas A. Anastasiou ◽

Mary H. Kosmidis ◽

Efthimios Dardiotis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Decline ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

The Elderly ◽

Protective Role ◽

Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽

Preventive Strategy ◽

Food Groups ◽

Medical Disorders ◽

The Mediterranean

Abstract Very few data are available regarding the association of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) evolution over time. A cohort of 939 cognitively normal individuals reporting self-experienced, persistent cognitive decline not attributed to neurological, psychiatric or medical disorders from the Hellenic Epidemiological Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD study) was followed-up for a mean period of 3.10 years. We defined our SCD score as the number of reported SCD domains (memory, language, visuoperceptual and executive), ranging from 0 to 4. Dietary intake at baseline was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire; adherence to the MeDi pattern was evaluated through the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) that ranged from 0 to 55, with higher values indicating greater adherence to the MeDi. The mean SCD score in our cohort increased by 0.20 cognitive domains during follow-up. After adjustment for multiple potential confounders, we showed that an MDS higher by 10 points was associated with a 7% reduction in the progression of SCD within one year. In terms of food groups, every additional vegetable serving consumption per day was associated with a 2.3% reduction in SCD progression per year. Our results provide support to the notion that MeDi may have a protective role against the whole continuum of cognitive decline, starting at the first subjective complaints. This finding may strengthen the role of the MeDi as a population-wide, cost-effective preventive strategy targeting the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.

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Mediterranean Diet Effects on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, Disease Progression, and Related Mechanisms. A Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082236 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2236 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sandra Martín-Peláez ◽

Montse Fito ◽

Olga Castaner

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Diabetes Type 2 ◽

Antioxidant Compounds ◽

Published Evidence ◽

Quality Diet ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Traditional Mediterranean Diet

The search for a quality diet has grown over the past decade. Diet is considered one of the pillars for the prevention and progression of several diseases, among them: diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an epidemic of western countries that increases the vulnerability of other diseases, such as cardiovascular and cancer. T2D is associated with lifestyle and diet. The traditional Mediterranean diet has proven its benefits over several cardiovascular risk factors, and specifically on diabetes. This review compiles recent published evidence on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on the incidence and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its relation with several other cardiovascular healthy diets. We will also focus on how the Mediterranean diet could play a role in T2D-related mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory or antioxidant compounds, glucagon-like peptide agonist compounds, and changes in gut microbiota. Each component of the Mediterranean diet could be involved in processes related to diabetes homeostasis, many of them sharing common physio-pathological pathways. The importance of this diet within the set of habits of a healthy lifestyle must be emphasized.

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Changes in food supply in Mediterranean countries from 1961 to 2001

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2005757 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 53-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 89

Author(s):

Reina Garcia-Closas ◽

Antoni Berenguer ◽

Carlos A González

Keyword(s):

Olive Oil ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Food Supply ◽

Dietary Pattern ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Geographical Differences ◽

Mediterranean Countries ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Traditional Mediterranean Diet ◽

The 1960S

AbstractObjectiveTo describe geographical differences and time trends in the supply of the most important food components of the traditional Mediterranean diet.DesignFood supply data collected from national food balance sheets for the period 1961–2001.SettingSelected Mediterranean countries: Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.ResultsDifferences of almost 30-fold and five-fold were found in the supply of olive oil and fruits and vegetables, respectively, among the Mediterranean countries studied during the 1960s. A favourable increasing trend for the supply of fruit and vegetables was observed in most Mediterranean countries. However, an increase in the supply of meats and dairy products and a decrease in the supply of cereals and wine were observed in European Mediterranean countries from 1961 until 2001. Only in African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries were cereals the base of food supply. During the 1990s, Greece's food supply pattern was closest to the traditional Mediterranean diet, while Italy and Spain maintained a high availability of fruits, vegetables and olive oil, but were losing the other typical components. Among African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries, only Turkey presented a traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern except with respect to olive oil, the supply of which was very low. France showed a Western dietary pattern, with a high supply of animal products and a low supply of olive oil.ConclusionsDietary supplies in the Mediterranean area were quite heterogeneous in the 1960s and have experienced a process of Westernization, especially in European Mediterranean countries.

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Diet and cancer in Mediterranean countries: carbohydrates and fats

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980009990425 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 12 (9A) ◽

pp. 1595-1600 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Cristina Bosetti ◽

Claudio Pelucchi ◽

Carlo La Vecchia

Keyword(s):

Cancer Risk ◽

Olive Oil ◽

Digestive Tract ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

A Priori ◽

Glycaemic Index ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Mediterranean Countries ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Mediterranean

AbstractObjectiveSeveral aspects of the diet characteristic of the Mediterranean countries are considered favourable not only on cardiovascular disease, but also on cancer risk. We considered some aspects of the Mediterranean diet (including, in particular, the consumption of olive oil and carbohydrates) on cancer risk.Design, Setting and SubjectsData were derived from a series of case-control studies, conducted in Italy since the early 1990s, on over 10 000 cases of thirteen cancer sites and over 17 000 controls.ResultsOlive oil, and other mono- and unsaturated fats, appear to be favourable indicators of breast, ovarian, colorectal, but mostly of upper aero-digestive tract cancers. Whole grain foods are also related to reduced risk of upper aero-digestive tract and various other cancers. In contrast, refined grain intake and, consequently, glycaemic index and glycaemic load were associated to increased risk for several cancer sites. Fish, and hence a diet rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tended to be another favourable diet indicator, while frequent red meat intake was directly related to some common neoplasms. An a priori defined Mediterranean diet score was inversely related to upper digestive and respiratory tract cancers.ConclusionsThese data provide additional evidence that major characteristics of the Mediterranean diet favourably affect cancer risk.

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Antonio Capurso, Gaetano Crepaldi and Cristiano Capurso, Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in the Elderly Patient (Cham: Springer, 2018)

Nordicum-Mediterraneum ◽

10.33112/nm.15.1.7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dianne Campbell

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patient ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

The Elderly ◽

The Mediterranean

A review of the book: Antonio Capurso, Gaetano Crepaldi and Cristiano Capurso, Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in the Elderly Patient (Cham: Springer, 2018)

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

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1079/bjn20061824 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 96 (2) ◽

pp. 384-392 ◽

Cited By ~ 102

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.

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