title: Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Evaluation of A Priori Dietary Indexes.
abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the a priori dietary indexes used in the studies that have evaluated the role of the Mediterranean Diet in influencing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. All the studies show that this dietary pattern protects against cardiovascular disease, but studies show quite different effects on specific conditions such as coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. A priori dietary indexes used to measure dietary exposure imply quantitative and/or qualitative divergences from the traditional Mediterranean Diet of the early 1960s, and, therefore, it is very difficult to compare the results of different studies. Based on real cultural heritage and traditions, we believe that the a priori indexes used to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet should consider classifying whole grains and refined grains, olive oil and monounsaturated fats, and wine and alcohol differently.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinologist, General Practitioner, General Medicine ASL BA/4 D.S.S. 8, viale Japigia 38/G, Bari 70126, Italy. a.dalessandro2011@libero.it.
authors.forename: Annunziata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Alessandro
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Oncology, School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari 70124, Italy. gdepergola@libero.it.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Pergola
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean / Q000208:ethnology; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D000069463:Olive Oil / Q000145:classification; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011379:Prognosis; D065840:Protective Factors; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D000067348:Whole Grains / Q000145:classification; D014920:Wine / Q000145:classification
chemical_list: D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D000069463:Olive Oil
keywords: Mediterranean diet; a priori dietary indexes; cardiovascular disease; cerebrovascular disease; coronary heart disease