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Review
. 2024 Apr 25;16(9):1286.
doi: 10.3390/nu16091286.

The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet on Inflamm-Aging in Childhood Obesity

Valeria Calcaterra  1   2 , Elvira Verduci  2   3 , Chiara Milanta  2 , Marta Agostinelli  2 , Federica Bona  2 , Stefania Croce  4 , Chiara Valsecchi  4 , Maria Antonietta Avanzini  4 , Gianvincenzo Zuccotti  2   5
Affiliations
Review

The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet on Inflamm-Aging in Childhood Obesity

Valeria Calcaterra et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

(1) Background: Numerous elements of the Mediterranean diet (MD) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. (2) Methods: We present a narrative review of the potential benefits of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MD) in mitigating aging-related inflammation (inflamm-aging) associated with childhood obesity. The mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation in obesity are also discussed. A total of 130 papers were included after screening abstracts and full texts. (3) Results: A complex interplay between obesity, chronic inflammation, and related comorbidities is documented. The MD emerges as a promising dietary pattern for mitigating inflammation. Studies suggest that the MD may contribute to weight control, improved lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with obesity. (4) Conclusions: While evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of the MD in pediatric obesity is still evolving, the existing literature underscores its potential as a preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, MD adherence remains low among children and adolescents, necessitating targeted interventions to promote healthier dietary habits. Future high-quality intervention studies are necessary to elucidate the specific impact of the MD on inflammation in diverse pediatric populations with obesity and associated comorbidities.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; childhood obesity; children; inflamm-aging; nutrition; pediatric.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Manuscript selection and exclusion process used in writing this narrative review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chronic low-grade inflammation-related complications. Created with BioRender.com. Abbreviations: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); systemic lupus erythematosus (LES).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Anti-inflammatory properties of MD are schematized. Created with BioRender.com. ↓ decrease; ↑ increase.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Possible actions to spread the Mediterranean diet. Created with BioRender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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