A recent review published in PLOS One highlights potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of Covid-19. Researchers from Indonesia examined how adherence to this diet might influence the likelihood of contracting the virus and the severity of the disease.
The Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, was scrutinized in relation to Covid-19 due to the disease’s association with inflammation. “Our study supports the hypothesis that the Mediterranean diet, with its known anti-inflammatory effects, could reduce the risk of Covid-19,” said Andre Siahaan, senior author of the review and lecturer at the University of North Sumatra.
The review analyzed six studies encompassing over 55,400 participants from five countries, with data collected between 2020 and 2023. Participants reported their adherence to the Mediterranean diet through questionnaires. Covid-19 cases were determined either through self-reports or antibody testing, with symptom severity also based on participants’ recollections.
The findings were mixed: three studies indicated a significant reduction in Covid-19 risk associated with the Mediterranean diet, while two studies reported inconclusive results. The evidence regarding symptom severity was less clear, with only one study showing a significant link between diet adherence and reduced symptoms.
Key dietary components linked to lower Covid-19 risk included high consumption of olive oil, fruits, and nuts, and lower intake of cereals and red meats. Increased intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish, and whole grains was associated with a decreased likelihood of severe Covid-19.
Dr. Jordi Merino of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, who was not involved in the review, emphasized the potential public health implications. “Optimal nutrition could play a crucial role in preventing both communicable and noncommunicable diseases,” he said.
However, the review’s authors acknowledge limitations in their findings. All included studies were observational, meaning they only establish correlations rather than causations. Confounding factors such as obesity, diabetes, and access to healthy food were not always accounted for, which may affect the reliability of the results.
Lisa Drayer, a nutritionist not involved in the study, pointed out that observational studies can only suggest associations and do not prove cause-and-effect relationships. Self-reporting of dietary habits and health conditions also introduces potential biases.
Despite these limitations, experts agree that a Mediterranean diet has broader health benefits. Dr. Sara Seidelmann from Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons noted that this diet’s components, rich in antioxidants and fiber, may enhance immune function and reduce inflammation.
Siahaan recommends gradual incorporation of Mediterranean diet elements such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and olive oil, while reducing red meat and processed foods. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that vaccination remains the most effective measure for protecting against Covid-19-related severe outcomes.
In conclusion, while the Mediterranean diet may offer some protection against Covid-19, further research is needed to establish definitive connections and understand the diet’s impact on disease severity.