Mediterranean Diet Tied to Improved Cardiometabolic Health in Youth: Daily Dose

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On July 19, 2024, we reported on findings from a study published in JAMA Network Open that examined the association of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)-based interventions with cardiometabolic biomarkers in children and adolescents.

The study

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 9 randomized clinical trials that included 577 participants aged 3 to 18 years (mean age 11 years). The mean study duration was 17 weeks with a range of 8 to 40 weeks. A total of 322 participants received MedDiet-based interventions.

The findings

Results showed that compared with control groups, those who received MedDiet-based interventions demonstrated a significant association with reductions in:

• Systolic blood pressure (SBP; mean difference -4.75 mmHg, 95% CI -8.97 to -0.52)

• Triglycerides (TGs; mean difference -16.42 mg/dL, 95% CI -27.57 to -5.27)

• Total cholesterol (TC; mean difference -9.06 mg/dL, 95% CI -15.65 to -2.48)

• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; mean difference -10.48, 95% CI -17.77 to -3.19 mg/dL)

Investigators also reported increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; mean difference 2.24 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.34-4.14) among participants in the intervention group compared to those in the control group.

Authors' comment

"These results underscore the importance of promoting healthy eating habits in youths, as these habits may lead to substantially improved cardiometabolic health, even during the early stages of life."

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