Dietary fats in relation to depressive symptoms by cardiovascular disease risk factors status of elderly people living in Mediterranean islands.

Mental disorders are among the leading causes for disability, with depression a common compilation of hypertension, and other metabolic disorders (lipid abnormalities, diabetes, and obesity). Fat (lipid) intake plays a significant role in the prevention of various chronic diseases. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the role of fat intake in depression among hypertensive elderly people living in the Mediterranean Islands. Fish lipid intake was inversely associated with depression status among hypertensive participants (P <  0.01), while fat intake of sweets and legumes was positively associated with depression in participants with no clinical condition. The aforementioned findings may state hypotheses for further investigation about the role of dietary fat on the depression status of elderly people.

Level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet among elderly individuals living in Mediterranean islands: nutritional report from the Medis Study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this work was to evaluate the level of adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet among 1190 elderly adults living in the Greek islands and Cyprus. METHODOLOGY: The retrieved information included demographic, bio-clinical and dietary characteristics. RESULTS: The level of adherence to this dietary pattern was 61% in both men and women. People in rural areas had slightly higher level of adherence compared to those living in urban areas (62% vs. 60%). CONCLUSION: The level of adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was moderate. People living in rural areas seem to better hold these traditional dietary habits.