A Mediterranean diet lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function: Results from the MedLey randomized intervention trial

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Publisher

American Society for Nutrition

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

RAS ID

24597

Comments

Davis, C. R., Hodgson, J. M., Woodman, R., Bryan, J., Wilson, C., & Murphy, K. J. (2017). A Mediterranean diet lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function: Results from the MedLey randomized intervention trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(6), 1305-1313. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.146803

Abstract

Background: The consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, its impact on blood pressure and endothelial function is not clear.

Objective: We sought to determine the effects of adhering to the consumption of a MedDiet for 6 mo on blood pressure and endothelial function in older, healthy Australians.

Design: A total of 166 men and women aged >64 y were allocated via minimization to consume either a MedDiet (n = 85) or their habitual diet (HabDiet; control: n = 81) for 6 mo. The MedDiet comprised mainly plant foods, abundant extra-virgin olive oil, and minimal red meat and processed foods. A total of 152 participants commenced the study, and 137 subjects completed the study. Home blood pressure was measured on 5 consecutive days at baseline (n = 149) and at 3 and 6 mo. Endothelial function (n = 82) was assessed by flow-meditated dilatation (FMD) at baseline and 6 mo. Dietary intake was monitored with the use of 3-d weighed food records. Data were analyzed with the use of linear mixed-effects models to determine adjusted between-group differences.

Results: The MedDiet adherence score increased significantly in the MedDiet group but not in the HabDiet group (P < 0.001). The MedDiet, compared with the HabDiet, resulted in lower systolic blood pressure (P-diet × time interaction = 0.02) [mean: −1.3 mm Hg (95% CI: −2.2, −0.3 mm Hg; P = 0.008) at 3 mo and −1.1 mm Hg (95% CI: −2.0, −0.1 mm Hg; P = 0.03) at 6 mo]. At 6 mo, the percentage of FMD was higher by 1.3% (95% CI: 0.2%, 2.4%; P = 0.026) in the MedDiet group.

Conclusion: Australian men and women who consumed a MedDiet for 6 mo had small but significantly lower systolic blood pressure and improved endothelial function. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12613000602729.

DOI

10.3945/​ajcn.116.146803

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