In a recent meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, researchers have found that the Mediterranean diet can significantly improve cardiometabolic health among children and teenagers. The diet, which focuses on consuming fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish while avoiding ultraprocessed foods, has shown promising results in improving systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in young individuals.
Study Details
The meta-analysis included nine randomized clinical trials with a total of 577 participants between the ages of 3 and 18 years. The average study duration was 17 weeks, with participants being predominantly female. The trials focused on children and adolescents with various health issues such as excess weight, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and prediabetes, as well as apparently healthy individuals.
Participants who followed a Mediterranean diet intervention showed improvements in various health markers compared to those in the control group. These improvements included reductions in systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, as well as an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the diet did not show significant effects on diastolic blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance.
Implications for Healthcare Professionals
Lead researcher José Francisco López-Gil emphasized the importance of incorporating dietary counseling and Mediterranean diet-based interventions into clinical practice, especially for young patients at risk of cardiometabolic issues. Early intervention is crucial in preventing cardiovascular disease later in life, as evidenced by the link between childhood risk factors and adult heart disease.
Despite the positive findings, the meta-analysis had some limitations that need to be taken into account. Some trials included in the analysis had concerns regarding bias, and not all interventions focused solely on the Mediterranean diet. Additionally, the lack of data on participants’ adherence to the diet and the potential overestimation of associations due to publication bias are important factors to consider.
The Mediterranean diet shows promise in improving cardiometabolic health in children and teenagers. However, more research is needed to fully understand the diet’s impact on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating Mediterranean diet interventions into their practice to help young individuals maintain a healthy heart and prevent future cardiovascular issues.
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