Mediterranean Diet: How Useful is it in Kidney Transplant Patients?

Kidney transplantation (KT) is a preferred treatment modality for most dialysis patients and is associated with better survival and quality of life. However, morbidity and mortality after transplant still exceed those of the healthy population, despite advancements in surgical techniques, post-operative management, immunosuppression, and patient surveillance. In this context, there is a growing interest in other factors that may influence graft and patient survival after KT, such as diet and other lifestyle factors. Among healthy diet patterns, the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is most extensively studied in KT recipients (KTRs). In this review we have summarized the current data about MedDiet in kidney transplant recipients.

Studies showed that in KTRs, MedDiet is associated with better lipid profile, low prevalence of metabolic syndrome, reduced oxidative stress, and better graft function, although the underlying mechanisms of these effects are not fully clarified in available studies. Studies are lacking or scarce regarding the association of MedDiet with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality rejection, hospitalization and infection complications. Knowledge of MedDiet is low both in patients and physicians, and available studies show low adherence to MedDiet. Summary: Preliminary studies showed that MedDiet is beneficial in KTRs with regard to kidney function and metabolic parameters. However, the relationship between MedDiet and other outcomes such as mortality, infections and cardiovascular events are lacking. More studies are needed to highlight these issues in KTRs.