Health Outcomes Associated with Olive Oil Intake: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Existing research suggests a negative association between olive oil (OO) consumption and chronic disease risk.
• A comprehensive synthesis of health outcomes linked to OO consumption is currently lacking.
• Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, recognized for its health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate existing evidence on all health outcomes associated with olive oil consumption.
• To consolidate findings from meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies on olive oil's health effects.
• To provide an organized overview of the benefits of olive oil for non-communicable diseases and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Umbrella review methodology adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to April 5, 2024.
• Included meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies evaluating olive oil consumption and chronic disease outcomes in adults.

Main Results:

• Olive oil consumption demonstrated primary health benefits for cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors.
• Significant positive associations were found for cancer, mortality, and diabetes.
• Improvements in biomarkers related to anthropometric status and inflammation were also observed.

Conclusions:

• Olive oil consumption is associated with numerous positive health outcomes, particularly in cardiovascular health.
• The evidence supports olive oil as a beneficial dietary choice for reducing chronic disease risk and improving overall health.
• Incorporating olive oil, especially as part of the Mediterranean diet, is recommended for promoting well-being.