What is the association of Mediterranean diet–based interventions with cardiometabolic biomarkers in children and adolescents?

In a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open , a group of researchers reviewed and meta-analyzed the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) (Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil)-based interventions on cardiometabolic biomarkers (Indicators of metabolic and cardiovascular health) in children and adolescents. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention should start early, as childhood and adolescent cardiovascular risk factors are linked to CVD in later life. In 2020, metabolic syndrome affected about 3% of children and 5% of adults.

Lifestyle factors, especially diet, significantly influence cardiometabolic health. Unhealthy diets are linked to cardiometabolic issues in children and adolescents, while healthy diets, like the MedDiet, have positive effects. The MedDiet reduces the risk of noncommunicable diseases.

However, its cardiometabolic effects in youth have been studied less. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the long-term cardiometabolic effects of MedDiet interventions in children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

It included studies with participants aged 18 or younger, assessing cardiomet.