Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of the Mediterranean diet on cardiometabolic health among individuals of all ages. Recently, a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials conducted by José Francisco López-Gil and his colleagues further affirmed the benefits of this diet on children and teenagers. The study focused on interventions that emphasized the consumption of fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and fish, as opposed to ultraprocessed foods. The results showed significant improvements in systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels among participants.
López-Gil emphasized the importance of incorporating dietary counseling and Mediterranean diet-based interventions into clinical practice, especially for young patients who are at risk of developing cardiometabolic issues. Preventing cardiovascular disease should begin early in life, as evidence has shown a direct link between atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood leading to future heart problems. With the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, interventions to improve cardiometabolic health in this population are urgently needed.
The meta-analysis included nine randomized clinical trials with a total of 577 participants aged 3-18 years. The majority of the participants were female, and the mean study duration was 17 weeks. Most of the trials focused on children and adolescents with excess weight, while some also targeted individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or prediabetes. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated in only four of the studies, highlighting a potential limitation in assessing the impact of diet quality on outcomes.
The results of the meta-analysis showed that Mediterranean diet-based interventions led to reductions in systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, while also increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These improvements in lipid profiles and blood pressure indicate the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in promoting cardiovascular health among young individuals. However, the impact on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism may require longer intervention periods to become apparent.
Despite the promising results, López-Gil and his colleagues acknowledged several limitations in their meta-analysis. Some trials had concerns about bias, and not all interventions focused exclusively on the Mediterranean diet, with some incorporating physical activity as well. Additionally, the lack of data on participants’ prior knowledge of or adherence to the diet may have influenced the outcomes. Publication bias and the limited number of studies prevented subgroup analyses to determine the consistency of results across different demographics.
The Mediterranean diet shows significant potential in improving cardiometabolic health among children and teenagers. The findings of this meta-analysis support the integration of dietary counseling and Mediterranean diet interventions into clinical practice to help young patients reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular issues. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of the diet on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism in this population.
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