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Qualitative methods to evaluate Mediterranean diet in adults
1Groupe d'Epidémiologie Métabolique, Centre de recherche en Cancérologie Centre Régional de Lutte contre le Cancer, Montpellier, France. mariette.gerber@wanadoo.fr
Public Health Nutrition
|March 4, 2006
Summary
A new Mediterranean diet quality index (Med-DQI) effectively identifies individuals with healthier eating habits. Biomarkers like carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids confirm good diet quality.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Mediterranean Diet Research
Background:
- Characterizing food habits is crucial for understanding disease relationships.
- A specific diet quality index (DQI) is needed for Mediterranean regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (Med-DQI).
- To assess food habits and their link to health outcomes in a Mediterranean population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional nutritional survey of 964 subjects in a French Mediterranean area.
- Developed the Med-DQI using food groups (olive oil, fish, cereals) instead of nutrients.
- Validated the Med-DQI using biochemical analysis of biomarkers and correspondence factorial analysis.
Main Results:
- The Med-DQI successfully classified subjects based on diet quality.
- Factors associated with better Med-DQI scores included older age, lower education, male sex, and rural living for men; older age, upper social class, ideal BMI, and coastal living for women.
- A composite biomarker index (plasma carotene, vitamin E, erythrocyte EPA/DHA) correlated with Med-DQI scores.
Conclusions:
- The Med-DQI is a valuable tool for identifying populations at nutritional risk.
- Specific biomarker levels (alpha+beta-carotene, vitamin E, EPA, DHA) indicate a good diet quality.