The Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Adequacy: a Review

Overview

Journal Nutrients

Date 2014 Jan 8

PMID 24394536

Citations 126

Authors

Itandehui Castro-Quezada

Blanca Roman-Vinas

Lluis Serra-Majem

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The Mediterranean dietary pattern, through a healthy profile of fat intake, low proportion of carbohydrate, low glycemic index, high content of dietary fiber, antioxidant compounds, and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces the risk of certain pathologies, such as cancer or Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Nutritional adequacy is the comparison between the nutrient requirement and the intake of a certain individual or population. In population groups, the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy can be assessed by the probability approach or using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method. However, dietary patterns can also be used as they have moderate to good validity to assess adequate intakes of some nutrients. The objective of this study was to review the available evidence on the Nutritional Adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet. The inclusion of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet and greater adherence to this healthy pattern was related to a better nutrient profile, both in children and adults, with a lower prevalence of individuals showing inadequate intakes of micronutrients. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet could be used in public health nutrition policies in order to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in the most vulnerable population groups.

Citing Articles

Associations Between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Incident Sarcopenia in Prospective Cohort Studies.

Dominguez L, Veronese N, Smith L, Ragusa F, Schiro P, Di Bella G Nutrients. 2025; 17(2).

PMID: 39861443 PMC: 11768633. DOI: 10.3390/nu17020313.

Knowledge, attitudes, and use of the Mediterranean diet in practice among dietitians in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

Abu-Qiyas S, Radwan H, Ismail L, Alameddine M, Muayyad M, Naja F Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1):2168.

PMID: 39820773 PMC: 11739465. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82458-9.

Does the Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) Predict Metabolic Profile and Glycemic Status Among the Obese Population?.

Sarghein M, Farhangi M, Nikrad N Nutr Metab Insights. 2025; 18:11786388241309847.

PMID: 39758454 PMC: 11694301. DOI: 10.1177/11786388241309847.

Metabolic syndrome therapy in pediatric age - between classic and modern. From diets to pipeline drugs.

Frasinariu O, Lupu V, Trandafir L, Streanga V, Jechel E, Bararu-Bojan I Front Nutr. 2024; 11:1475111.

PMID: 39723164 PMC: 11669255. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1475111.

The Key Nutrients in the Mediterranean Diet and Their Effects in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Narrative Review.

Deleu S, Becherucci G, Godny L, Mentella M, Petito V, Scaldaferri F Nutrients. 2024; 16(23).

PMID: 39683595 PMC: 11644409. DOI: 10.3390/nu16234201.

References

Elmadfa I, Meyer A, Nowak V, Hasenegger V, Putz P, Verstraeten R . European Nutrition and Health Report 2009. Forum Nutr. 2010; 62:1-405. DOI: 10.1159/000242367. View

Tabacchi G, Wijnhoven T, Branca F, Roman-Vinas B, Ribas-Barba L, Ngo J . How is the adequacy of micronutrient intake assessed across Europe? A systematic literature review. Br J Nutr. 2009; 101 Suppl 2:S29-36. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114509990560. View

Mesias M, Seiquer I, Navarro M . Is the Mediterranean diet adequate to satisfy zinc requirements during adolescence?. Public Health Nutr. 2012; 15(8):1429-36. DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011003429. View

Djazayery A, Pajooyan J . Food consumption patterns and nutritional problems in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nutr Health. 2000; 14(1):53-61. DOI: 10.1177/026010600001400106. View

King J, Vorster H, Tome D . Nutrient intake values (NIVs): a recommended terminology and framework for the derivation of values. Food Nutr Bull. 2007; 28(1 Suppl International):S16-26. DOI: 10.1177/15648265070281S103. View

Mejean C, Traissac P, Eymard-Duvernay S, El Ati J, Delpeuch F, Maire B . Diet quality of North African migrants in France partly explains their lower prevalence of diet-related chronic conditions relative to their native French peers. J Nutr. 2007; 137(9):2106-13. DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.9.2106. View

Sakamoto M . Mediterranean diet and life style: comparison with Japanese and other eastern diets. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2001; 71(3):159-65. DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831.71.3.159. View

Estruch R, Martinez-Gonzalez M, Corella D, Salas-Salvado J, Ruiz-Gutierrez V, Covas M . Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2006; 145(1):1-11. DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-145-1-200607040-00004. View

Weinstein S, Vogt T, Gerrior S . Healthy Eating Index scores are associated with blood nutrient concentrations in the third National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004; 104(4):576-84. DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2004.01.005. View

10.

Su Q, Rowley K, Itsiopoulos C, ODea K . Identification and quantitation of major carotenoids in selected components of the Mediterranean diet: green leafy vegetables, figs and olive oil. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002; 56(11):1149-54. DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601472. View

11.

Sofi F, Abbate R, Gensini G, Casini A . Accruing evidence on benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on health: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010; 92(5):1189-96. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.29673. View

12.

Bos M, de Vries J, Feskens E, van Dijk S, Hoelen D, Siebelink E . Effect of a high monounsaturated fatty acids diet and a Mediterranean diet on serum lipids and insulin sensitivity in adults with mild abdominal obesity. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009; 20(8):591-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2009.05.008. View

13.

Sofi F, Macchi C, Abbate R, Gensini G, Casini A . Mediterranean diet and health. Biofactors. 2013; 39(4):335-42. DOI: 10.1002/biof.1096. View

14.

Bemelmans W, Broer J, de Vries J, Hulshof K, May J, Jong B . Impact of Mediterranean diet education versus posted leaflet on dietary habits and serum cholesterol in a high risk population for cardiovascular disease. Public Health Nutr. 2000; 3(3):273-83. DOI: 10.1017/s1368980000000318. View

15.

Serra-Majem L, Ribas L, Garcia A, Perez-Rodrigo C, Aranceta J . Nutrient adequacy and Mediterranean Diet in Spanish school children and adolescents. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003; 57 Suppl 1:S35-9. DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601812. View

16.

Hu F, Rimm E, Smith-Warner S, Feskanich D, Stampfer M, Ascherio A . Reproducibility and validity of dietary patterns assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 69(2):243-9. DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/69.2.243. View

17.

Belgnaoui S, Belahsen R . Nutrient intake and food consumption among pregnant women from an agricultural region of Morocco. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2006; 57(1-2):19-27. DOI: 10.1080/09637480500465261. View

18.

Steyn N, Nel J, Nantel G, Kennedy G, Labadarios D . Food variety and dietary diversity scores in children: are they good indicators of dietary adequacy?. Public Health Nutr. 2006; 9(5):644-50. DOI: 10.1079/phn2005912. View

19.

Newby P, Weismayer C, Akesson A, Tucker K, Wolk A . Long-term stability of food patterns identified by use of factor analysis among Swedish women. J Nutr. 2006; 136(3):626-33. DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.3.626. View

20.

Zhang C, Schulze M, Solomon C, Hu F . A prospective study of dietary patterns, meat intake and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia. 2006; 49(11):2604-13. DOI: 10.1007/s00125-006-0422-1. View