Inflammation and Chronic Disease: The Mediterranean Diet in Precision and Personalized Nutrition

Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) is a shared biological pathway for noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) and clinical manifestations, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity-related complications, some cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions. Diet is a powerful modulator of inflammatory status.

This review synthesizes mechanistic and clinical evidence linking LGCI to NCDs, with emphasis on the role of the Mediterranean dietary (MedDiet) pattern, and outlines pragmatic prescription guidelines within precision and personalized nutrition. Meta-analytic evidence indicates that MedDiet interventions reduce interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, with a trend toward lower C-reactive protein. The Mediterranean diet also promotes beneficial shifts in gut microbiota composition, increasing short-chain fatty acid production and supporting epithelial barrier integrity, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Current evidence supports the Mediterranean diet as a primary cardiometabolic protective dietary approach with anti-inflammatory potential. Integrating precision and personalized nutrition strategies may help optimize its implementation, while straightforward, equity-focused approaches remain essential to translate biological potential into measurable population-level benefits.