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

Stefanos Tyrovolas, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

107 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-130
Number of pages9
JournalMaturitas
Volume65
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Elderly
  • Mediterranean diet
  • Risk factors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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