Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2025
04:46
'Boden Food Plate': Novel Interactive Web-based Method for the Assessment of Dietary Intake
Published on: September 18, 2018
7.3K
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet: A Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study.
Elisa Mattavelli1,2, Elena Olmastroni2,3, Manuela Casula2,3
1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Nutrients
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Mediterranean diet adherence declined overall, with 48% worsening their score by eating less fruit, legumes, fish, and nuts. This highlights the need for improved dietary interventions, especially post-COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
- Nutritional epidemiology
- Dietary patterns
Background:
- Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
- Recent studies indicate a concerning decline in adherence to the MedDiet.
- Understanding changes in MedDiet adherence determinants is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate changes in individual determinants of MedDiet adherence over time.
- To assess variations in MedDiet adherence score (MEDAS) within a cohort.
- To identify factors associated with MedDiet adherence improvement or worsening.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study (PLIC study) with 711 participants (mean age 68 ± 10 years).
- Two data collection visits, approximately 4.5 years apart, assessing clinical information and MEDAS.
- Analysis of score changes (ΔMEDAS) and proportion of subjects meeting MEDAS criteria.
Main Results:
- Overall MedDiet adherence decreased; 34% improved (ΔMEDAS: +1.87) consuming more olive oil, legumes, fish, and sofrito.
- 48% worsened (ΔMEDAS: -2.02) consuming less fruit, legumes, fish, and nuts.
- Worsening was higher in women and those aged 50-65; improvement linked to obesity, higher glucose, and metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions:
- A significant decrease in MedDiet adherence was observed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Specific dietary components like fruit, legumes, fish, and nuts saw reduced consumption.
- There is an urgent need for targeted dietary interventions to promote MedDiet adherence.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
16
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
16
02:20Longitudinal Research
12.0K
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
12.0K
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
96
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
96
01:26Longitudinal Studies
194
Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
194
01:23Dietary Connections
51.5K
In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used...
51.5K
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
406
Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:
406