Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Population and Its Relationship with Early Vascular Aging according to Sex and Age: EVA Study

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MDA) and its components on early vascular aging (EVA) in a Spanish population sample free of cardiovascular disease and to analyze the differences by sex. Methods: We recruited 501 individuals aged 35–75 without cardiovascular disease by random sampling (55.90 ± 14.24 years, 49.70% men). EVA was defined in two steps: Step 1: subjects with vascular damage in carotid arteries or peripheral artery disease were classified as EVA. Step 2: subjects at the percentile of the combined Vascular Aging Index (VAI) were classified; ≥ p90 was considered EVA and < p90 was considered normal vascular aging (NVA), estimated using the following formula (VAI = (log (1.09) × 10 cIMT + log (1.14) cfPWV) × 39.1 + 4.76 by age and sex. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphigmoCor System® and carotid intima-media thickness by Sonosite Micromax® ultrasound and classified thus: values ≥ Percentile 90 were considered EVA and those < Percentile 90 as NVA, with population percentiles analyzed. The principal result variable was assessed using the 14-item MEDAS questionnaire, developed and validated by the PREDIMED group, comprising 12 questions about the frequency of food consumption and two questions regarding the Spanish population’s typical eating habits. Results: MDA was observed by 25% (17% men and 34% women). EVA was present in 17% (29% men and 4% women). The adjusted logistic regression models showed that an increase in MDA decreases the probability of EVA in the global analysis (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.16–0.82). In the analysis by sex, this association was only seen in men (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.86), but not in women (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.04–2.50). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet decreases the probability of presenting EVA. In the analysis by sex, this association applies only to men.

Persistent Moderate-to-Weak Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Low Scoring for Plant-Based Foods across Several Southern European Countries: Are We Overlooking the Mediterranean Diet Recommendations?

“…We found evidence of both positive and negative features in the MED populations taking part in this study. On the favorable side, and in good agreement with earlier studies also conducted in the general adult population from SP [ 15 , 16 , 28 , 30 , 37 , 42 ], PT [ 44 , 45 ], IT [ 17 ], or GR [ 19 ], our results supported a clear preference for OO against butter, with OO displaying more than 90% of subjects within the MD recommendations, and between ≈60% and 95% consuming less than one portion of butter or cream per day. Nonetheless, the target quantity for OO (≥4 tbsp/day) was reached by ≤30% of the participants.…”

“…Regarding the MED participant countries, analogous results with scores in the midrange of the scale were previously reported in SP [ 15 , 16 , 28 , 30 , 37 , 42 , 43 ], PT [ 22 , 44 , 45 ], IT [ 17 , 18 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ], GR [ 50 , 51 ], and CY [ 52 ]. Other Southern European as well as some non-European MED countries [ 23 , 27 , 53 ] have also been attributed a moderate value of MD adherence.…”

Eating Habits and Physical Activity of the Spanish Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

“…This diet should be rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and healthy fats. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) follows this eating pattern and it has shown different benefits like reduction in ischemic cardiopathology, an improved lipid profile, lower blood pressure, insulin resistance, and less risk of cancer and strokes [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Dietary habits, food consumption patterns, and physical activity knowledge may help national governments make more effective and efficient health policies during a potential new period of confinement.…”

Impact of the Mass Media on Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity. Structural Equation Analysis

“…Thus, this leads individuals into an unhealthy lifestyle and reduces their emotional wellbeing [ 16 , 17 ]. Age and socio-economic factors are therefore a key issue in the adult population, as it has been shown that increasing age advocates a healthy state and improved quality of life, responsible use of mass media, consolidation of mental and emotional processes and improved psychological well-being [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”