Maturitas
Volume 65, Issue 2 , Pages 122-130, February 2010

The role of Mediterranean type of diet on the development of cancer and cardiovascular disease, in the elderly: A systematic review

Department of Nutrition-Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece

Received 19 May 2009; received in revised form 6 July 2009; accepted 7 July 2009. published online 30 July 2009.

Abstract 

Background

The proportion of elderly worlwide is increasing. This increase in life expectancy, is staggering posing tremendous challenges in disease burden, especially, in chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited studies investigate the effect of Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular risk and cancer in older populations. In this review, findings from observational studies are summarized to evaluate the effect of Mediterranean diet on cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in elderly people.

Methods

Published results from observational studies that assessed food habits on cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in elderly were retreived and summarized.

Results

In all studies diet had an effect on cardiovascular disease risk. The Mediterranean diet, a high-qulaity diet and increased fruit and vegetable consumption were all found to be cardioprotective.

Conclusion

The systematically reviewed studies reveal that a high adherence to a Mediterranean type of diet or “prudent diet” is associated with reduced risk of CVD and some types of cancer, even in the elderly. Also dietary intervention strategies can prevent morbidity, premature mortality and improve quality of life in older persons worldwide.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Risk factors, Elderly

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PII: S0378-5122(09)00230-8

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.07.003

Maturitas
Volume 65, Issue 2 , Pages 122-130, February 2010