Physiological effects of a short-term lifestyle intervention based on the Mediterranean diet: comparison between older and younger healthy, sedentary adults

Abstract

Improvements in physiological function were observed after a short-term dietary intervention based on the MD in a younger population. These were not statistically matched in an older group. Our findings suggest that different durations should be applied when designing dietary interventions in different age groups, with expectations in physiological improvement differing.

Effects of Long-Versus Short-Term Exposure to the Mediterranean Diet on Skin Microvascular Function and Quality of Life of Healthy Adults in Greece and the UK

“…For the purposes of this study, we concentrated on endothelial dysfunction, as it is a common phenomenon of all major CVD risk factors (e.g., high blood cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, etc.). To determine cutaneous microvascular function, we used LDF, combined with local heating of the skin, as previously described in the literature [3]. This allows us to obtain information primarily on neurone-mediated axon reflex function (initial peak; [19]) and NO bioavailability (secondary rise and plateau phase; [19]).…”

“…This allows us to obtain information primarily on neurone-mediated axon reflex function (initial peak; [19]) and NO bioavailability (secondary rise and plateau phase; [19]). Tests in both groups were conducted in temperature-controlled rooms, with an ambient temperature of 22–24 °C, as previously described by our lab [3]. Tests in all participants were undertaken in the upper right forearm in skin sites without visible veins, body hair, and damaged or irritated skin.…”

“…The research team also created and moderated an “invitation-only” social media group, to support intervention group participants, in addition to the provision of extensive support via regular phone-calls and e-mail exchange. To achieve a low attrition rate, we used our ‘six pillars of adherence’ framework, based upon ‘social support’, ‘education’, ‘reachability’, ‘small groups intervention implementation’, ‘reminders’, and ‘simplicity’, which has been previously applied with excellent results in lifestyle interventions (achieving more than 90% of retention and 79% of completion rates) i.e., [3,4].…”

“…Therefore, the importance of reducing CVD and CVD risk remains high. Lifestyle interventions either based on diet [3], exercise [4], or in combination [5], have been proposed as a means for improving cardiovascular health in clinical and healthy-but-at-risk populations. Amongst those, the ones that markedly stand out are based on the Mediterranean diet (MD) model [5,6,7,8].…”

Assessment of the knowledge and application of the Mediterranean diet among students of dietetics

“…The multicenter trial in Spain, involving older high-risk persons without cardiovascular disease showed, that an energyunrestricted MedDiet supplemented with either extra-virgin olive oil or nuts has a better effect on the incidence of major cardiovascular events over a period of 5 years than a low-fat diet [8]. Recent intervention study have shown statisticallysignificant improvements in axon-mediated microvascular vasodilation and endothelialmediated nitric oxide synthesis in the younger group of patients after 4 week application of MedDiet [9].…”