Mediterranean Diet and White Blood Cell Count-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Cardiovascular Health
• Hematology

Background:

• Abnormal white blood cell counts are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.
• The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), rich in antioxidants, is known for its cardiovascular benefits.
• Investigating the impact of MedDiet on white blood cell count alterations is crucial for preventive cardiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of an antioxidant-rich Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on white blood cell count abnormalities.
• To determine if MedDiet interventions modify the incidence of leukocytosis and leukopenia.
• To examine MedDiet's influence on the association between leukocyte count alterations and all-cause mortality.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study) involving high cardiovascular risk participants.
• Comparison of MedDiet interventions (enriched with olive oil or nuts) against a low-fat control diet.
• Assessment of incidence rates for leukocytosis, mild leukopenia, and severe leukopenia, and their association with all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

• MedDiet interventions significantly reduced the risk of developing leukopenia (HR: 0.54) and severe leukopenia (HR: 0.25).
• High cumulative adherence to MedDiet was associated with a lower risk of leukocytosis (HRQ4-Q1: 0.29).
• MedDiet attenuated the association between leukopenia and all-cause mortality (P-interaction = 0.032).

Conclusions:

• The Mediterranean diet effectively decreases the incidence of white blood cell count alterations in high cardiovascular risk individuals.
• MedDiet adherence may play a protective role against hematological abnormalities linked to cardiovascular disease.
• These findings support MedDiet as a dietary strategy for managing cardiovascular risk factors, including leukocyte count abnormalities.