Mediterranean Diet and Health
Author Information
Author(s): Sofi Francesco, Cesari Francesca, Abbate Rosanna, Gensini Gian Franco, Casini Alessandro
Primary Institution: University of Florence
Hypothesis
Does adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduce mortality and incidence of chronic diseases?
Conclusion
Greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with significant improvements in health status, including reduced mortality and incidence of chronic diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- A two point increase in adherence score was significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality.
- Greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduced cardiovascular mortality by 9%.
- Adherence to the diet was linked to a 6% reduction in cancer incidence.
- Adherence to the diet was associated with a 13% reduction in incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Takeaway
Eating more like people in Mediterranean countries can help you live longer and stay healthier.
Methodology
Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding due to differences in study designs and adjustments.
Limitations
Variability in dietary adherence scores and differences in adjustment for confounders among studies.
Participant Demographics
Included diverse populations from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Confidence Interval
0.89 to 0.94
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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