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Yang Q, Wu X, Duan J, Chen Y, Yang T. Inflammatory parameters mediates the relationship between dietary index for gut microbiota and frailty in middle-aged and older adults in the United States: findings from a large-scale population-based study. Front Nutr 2025; 12:1553467. [PMID: 40308632 PMCID: PMC12040679 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1553467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Frailty is a prevalent geriatric syndrome marked by diminished physiological reserves and heightened vulnerability to stressors, leading to adverse health outcomes and imposing significant economic burdens on healthcare systems. Methods This study investigates the relationship between the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM) and the risk of frailty in middle-aged and older adults, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected from 2007 to 2018. Weighted logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were performed to evaluate the relationship between DI-GM and frailty risk. Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of relevant inflammatory parameters from complete blood count, including leukocyte count, neutrophil count, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), to elucidate how DI-GM may influence the onset and progression of frailty. Results In this cross-sectional analysis of 8,695 participants with a mean age of 65.56 years, 3,173 individuals were classified as frail. After adjusting for all covariates, a significant inverse relationship was observed between DI-GM and the risk of frailty. Quartile analysis revealed that participants in the highest quartile of DI-GM had significantly lower odds of frailty compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.99, p = 0.04). Trend analyses across all models demonstrated a consistent inverse relationship between higher DI-GM quartiles and frailty odds (p < 0.0001 for the crude model; p = 0.001 for Model 1; p = 0.04 for Model 2). Subgroup analyses confirmed the stability of the impact of DI-GM on frailty risk across various subgroups. RCS showed that the risk of frailty decreased linearly with increasing DI-GM levels. Mediation analysis indicated significant effects for leukocyte count, neutrophil count, NLR, and SIRI, with mediation proportions of 5.7, 7.9, 4.4, and 5.5%, respectively (all p < 0.001). Conclusion The levels of DI-GM are inversely associated with the risk of frailty, with part of this association mediated by inflammatory parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijiang Yang
- Department of General Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jinlan Duan
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yiyin Chen
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tianrui Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Balasubramanian P, Kiss T, Gulej R, Nyul Toth A, Tarantini S, Yabluchanskiy A, Ungvari Z, Csiszar A. Accelerated Aging Induced by an Unhealthy High-Fat Diet: Initial Evidence for the Role of Nrf2 Deficiency and Impaired Stress Resilience in Cellular Senescence. Nutrients 2024; 16:952. [PMID: 38612986 PMCID: PMC11013792 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
High-fat diets (HFDs) have pervaded modern dietary habits, characterized by their excessive saturated fat content and low nutritional value. Epidemiological studies have compellingly linked HFD consumption to obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the synergistic interplay of HFD, obesity, and diabetes expedites the aging process and prematurely fosters age-related diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these associations remain enigmatic. One of the most conspicuous hallmarks of aging is the accumulation of highly inflammatory senescent cells, with mounting evidence implicating increased cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Our hypothesis posits that HFD consumption amplifies senescence burden across multiple organs. To scrutinize this hypothesis, we subjected mice to a 6-month HFD regimen, assessing senescence biomarker expression in the liver, white adipose tissue, and the brain. Aging is intrinsically linked to impaired cellular stress resilience, driven by dysfunction in Nrf2-mediated cytoprotective pathways that safeguard cells against oxidative stress-induced senescence. To ascertain whether Nrf2-mediated pathways shield against senescence induction in response to HFD consumption, we explored senescence burden in a novel model of aging: Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2+/-) mice, emulating the aging phenotype. Our initial findings unveiled significant Nrf2 dysfunction in Nrf2+/- mice, mirroring aging-related alterations. HFD led to substantial obesity, hyperglycemia, and impaired insulin sensitivity in both Nrf2+/- and Nrf2+/+ mice. In control mice, HFD primarily heightened senescence burden in white adipose tissue, evidenced by increased Cdkn2a senescence biomarker expression. In Nrf2+/- mice, HFD elicited a significant surge in senescence burden across the liver, white adipose tissue, and the brain. We postulate that HFD-induced augmentation of senescence burden may be a pivotal contributor to accelerated organismal aging and the premature onset of age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Balasubramanian
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Tamas Kiss
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, First Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal Gulej
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Adam Nyul Toth
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
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Ungvari A, Gulej R, Csik B, Mukli P, Negri S, Tarantini S, Yabluchanskiy A, Benyo Z, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. The Role of Methionine-Rich Diet in Unhealthy Cerebrovascular and Brain Aging: Mechanisms and Implications for Cognitive Impairment. Nutrients 2023; 15:4662. [PMID: 37960316 PMCID: PMC10650229 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As aging societies in the western world face a growing prevalence of vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), understanding their underlying causes and associated risk factors becomes increasingly critical. A salient concern in the western dietary context is the high consumption of methionine-rich foods such as red meat. The present review delves into the impact of this methionine-heavy diet and the resultant hyperhomocysteinemia on accelerated cerebrovascular and brain aging, emphasizing their potential roles in cognitive impairment. Through a comprehensive exploration of existing evidence, a link between high methionine intake and hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and accelerated epigenetic aging is drawn. Moreover, the microvascular determinants of cognitive deterioration, including endothelial dysfunction, reduced cerebral blood flow, microvascular rarefaction, impaired neurovascular coupling, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, are explored. The mechanisms by which excessive methionine consumption and hyperhomocysteinemia might drive cerebromicrovascular and brain aging processes are elucidated. By presenting an intricate understanding of the relationships among methionine-rich diets, hyperhomocysteinemia, cerebrovascular and brain aging, and cognitive impairment, avenues for future research and potential therapeutic interventions are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ungvari
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal Gulej
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Boglarka Csik
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Mukli
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sharon Negri
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Zoltan Benyo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
- Cerebrovascular and Neurocognitive Disorders Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Translational Medicine, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.G.); (B.C.); (P.M.); (S.N.); (S.T.); (A.Y.); (A.C.); (Z.U.)
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Department of Public Health, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Li J, Chhetri JK, Ma L. Physical resilience in older adults: Potential use in promoting healthy aging. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101701. [PMID: 35905815 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Physical resilience is a dynamic concept referring to the physiological response when the body is exposed to stressors. The level of physical resilience is the sum of underlying physiological reserves. Moreover, it may not only be determined by age, genetics, or exposure to a variety of diseases, but is also closely related to the psychological, social, and environmental factors of an individual. This paper summarizes our present understanding of the relationship between physical resilience and other concepts closely related to it. Furthermore, we illustrate the current research progress on physical resilience models and clinical resilience assessment. Besides, this paper intends to present a better understanding of physical resilience and its use in treatment decision-making, personalized diagnosis and disease management, and prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatong Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jagadish K Chhetri
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Lina Ma
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing 100053, China.
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Obeid CA, Gubbels JS, Jaalouk D, Kremers SPJ, Oenema A. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet among adults in Mediterranean countries: a systematic literature review. Eur J Nutr 2022; 61:3327-3344. [PMID: 35451614 PMCID: PMC9026058 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02885-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM While the Mediterranean diet (MD) is promoted in non-Mediterranean countries, inhabitants of Mediterranean countries seem to be shifting away from this healthy diet. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of MD adherence in the general adult population of Mediterranean countries. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines and registered in the Prospero database (CRD42020189337). Literature was searched in PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases for studies published from 2010 up to and including 2021. The following inclusion criteria were used: age 18 years and older, sample size > 1000 participants, and using a validated MD adherence score. Studies that only included participants with nutrition-related or other severe chronic disorders, as well as studies that only included specific subpopulations (e.g., pregnant women), were excluded in order to focus on the general adult population. A quality analysis of the included studies was done using the NCCMT scale. RESULTS A total of 50 studies were included. The number of participants in the included studies ranged between 1013 and 94,113. Most of the included studies pertained to the European Mediterranean countries, with fewer studies from the Middle Eastern and North African Mediterranean countries. The vast majority of the included studies reported low or moderate MD adherence, both based on the mean adherence as well as the low or moderate adherence category often being the most prevalent. There were no clear differences noted between sex and age groups. The quality assessment generally showed weak or moderate scores. CONCLUSIONS Mediterranean populations have been showing moderate adherence to MD in the past 10 years, indicating room for improving adherence to the MD in countries of its origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile A. Obeid
- grid.412966.e0000 0004 0480 1382Department of Health Promotion, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands ,grid.440405.10000 0001 0747 2412Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Notre Dame University, Zouk Mosbeh, PO Box 72, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon
| | - Jessica S. Gubbels
- grid.412966.e0000 0004 0480 1382Department of Health Promotion, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Doris Jaalouk
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Iraq Baghdad (AUIB), Airport Road, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Stef P. J. Kremers
- grid.412966.e0000 0004 0480 1382Department of Health Promotion, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Oenema
- grid.412966.e0000 0004 0480 1382Department of Health Promotion, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Maltese Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010010. [PMID: 33375013 PMCID: PMC7792766 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Populations living in Mediterranean islands are experiencing a nutrition transition process from traditional to Westernized dietary patterns. No information on this matter regarding individuals living in Malta have been published to date. The aim of this study was to assess the level of adherence of the Maltese people to the Mediterranean diet and which factors were associated with it. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in the island of Malta between 2014 and 2016. A literature-based Mediterranean diet adherence score was used to assess the level of adherence to the dietary pattern. Results: Out of 3947 adults, the overall Mediterranean diet adherence score mean was 7.19 (SD 1.91): being female, non-smoker, and having older age was associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Less clear pattern of association was found for educational and occupational status, for which medium educational level and a high occupational level were associated with lower adherence to Mediterranean diet. Higher adherence was finally associated with consumption of healthier food groups (more rice and dark bread and less pasta and white bread; more all plant-food groups and fish, less animal-food sources, including fast foods; more light cheeses and yogurt were more frequently consumed among higher adherent individuals in spite of regular ones). Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Malta is lower than in those of populations living in companion Mediterranean islands. Given the lack of data on this topic, further studies should be conducted among the Maltese people and public health nutrition interventions should be planned to improve current eating habits toward more traditional dietary patterns.
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