Mediterranean diet tied with low frailty risk: study

Essentially, following a Mediterranean diet means eating the way people in the Mediterranean region traditionally eat. A traditional diet from the Mediterranean region includes plenty of fresh produce, whole grains and legumes, as well as some healthy fats and fish. The benefit of a Mediterranean-style diet in reducing frailty is not well established in older Americans.

The researchers sought to determine the relationships between the fragile onset and worsening of the Fried phenotype and the Mediterranean diet and related antioxidants in adults.

This prospective study included 2384 non-frail adults with a Mediterranean diet score (MSDPS) from the Framingham Offspring Study and data on their estimated antioxidant intakes (vitamins C, E, and total carotenoids) from an FFQ in the index review and one pre-exam (if applicable) and frailty assessment at index examination and at least one follow-up. The onset of frailty was defined as ≥3 of the 5 Fried frailty phenotype criteria at follow-up, and worsening of the Fried frailty phenotype was defined as an increase in the number of frailty criteria at follow-up (yes or no). Logistic regression with generalized prediction equations estimated ORs and 95% CIs, adjustment for confounding factors. Analyzes were stratified by age (<60 and ≥60 years) for significant interactions.

Results of the study:

• Mean ± SD age was 60 ± nine years (range, 33-86 years), and 55% were female.

• On adjusted models, 1 unit higher MSDPS reduced the probability of fragility by 3%.

• Each 10 mg higher intake of total carotenoids and vitamin E reduced the likelihood of frailty by 16% and 1%, respectively.

• No association was observed with vitamin C (P = 0.36).

• Associations among participants under 60 years of age were stronger than those observed in older subjects for each 1 unit higher MSDPS and total carotenoid intake

Thus, Courtney L Millar et al. The findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and higher total carotenoid intake are associated with the prevention of frailty over time, particularly in adults <60 years of age.

Reference:

Courtney L Millar, Elise Costa, Paul F Jacques, Alyssa B Dufour, Douglas P Kiel, Marian T Hannan, Shivani Sahni, Adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet and high intake of total carotenoids reduces the odds of frailty over 11 years in older adults: Results from the Framingham Offspring Study, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2022;, nqac130, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac130

Keywords:

Adherence, Mediterranean, style, diet, high, intake, total, carotenoids, reduces, odds, frailty, 11 years, older, adults, Framingham, Offspring, Arrow Courtney L Millar, Elise Costa, Paul F Jacques, Alyssa B Dufour, Douglas P Kiel, Marian T Hannan, Shivani Sahni, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, nutrition, frailty, Mediterranean diet, carotenoids, dietary antioxidants, prospective cohort study, aging