title: Recent findings of studies on the Mediterranean diet: what are the implications for current dietary recommendations?
abstract: There is evidence from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials demonstrating that the Mediterranean dietary pattern reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the attendant risk factors. A Mediterranean-style diet reflects most food and nutrient goals in current dietary guidelines. Minor modifications to reduce sodium and saturated fat intake can be made to further meet recommendations. Including the Mediterranean diet in the list of recommended evidence-based dietary patterns offers an additional strategy for improving dietary habits, which may help individuals achieve better long-term adherence to dietary guidelines and sustain optimal reductions in CVD risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 110 Chandlee Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Chesney K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 110 Chandlee Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Ann C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Skulas-Ray
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 110 Chandlee Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA. Electronic address: pmk3@psu.edu.
authors.forename: Penny M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kris-Etherton
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy
keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Clinical trials; Dietary patterns; Dietary recommendations; Mediterranean diet