An Indian adapted Mediterranean diet: A feasibility study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality in India.
• The Mediterranean Diet (MD) demonstrates cardioprotective effects, partly due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• This study investigated the feasibility of an Indian Adapted Mediterranean Diet (IAMD) using North Indian cuisine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing an IAMD in Indian patients with CAD.
• To evaluate the impact of IAMD on the Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) and key biomarkers.
• To determine the acceptability and compliance of the IAMD among participants.

Main Methods:

• Developed culturally relevant North Indian recipes for the IAMD.
• Prescribed a 7-day cyclic diet plan to 57 participants with stable CAD.
• Assessed changes in E-DII scores, biomarkers (lipids, HbA1c, insulin, inflammatory markers, ghrelin), acceptability, and compliance over 3 months.

Main Results:

• The IAMD was found to be feasible, acceptable, and adhered to by most participants (83%).
• Significant reductions were observed in body mass index (BMI), median E-DII scores, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), leptin, and ghrelin levels.
• Participants with CAD or high INTERHEART Score showed positive changes in inflammatory and metabolic markers.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of an IAMD based on North Indian cuisine is feasible for CAD patients.
• The IAMD shows potential for reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health in this population.
• Further clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of IAMD in managing CAD.