03.08.11
A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that a Mediterranean diet can prevent metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components.
Study authors conducted a systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials; 50 original research studies (35 clinical trials, two prospective and 13 cross-sectional), with 534,906 participants, were included in the analysis.
The combined effect of prospective studies and clinical trials showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with reduced risk of MS. Additionally, results from clinical studies revealed the protective role of the Mediterranean diet on components of MS, like waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glucose, whereas results from epidemiological studies also confirmed those of clinical trials.
Authors concluded these results are of considerable public health importance, because this dietary pattern can be easily adopted by all population groups and various cultures.
Study authors conducted a systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials; 50 original research studies (35 clinical trials, two prospective and 13 cross-sectional), with 534,906 participants, were included in the analysis.
The combined effect of prospective studies and clinical trials showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with reduced risk of MS. Additionally, results from clinical studies revealed the protective role of the Mediterranean diet on components of MS, like waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glucose, whereas results from epidemiological studies also confirmed those of clinical trials.
Authors concluded these results are of considerable public health importance, because this dietary pattern can be easily adopted by all population groups and various cultures.