Depression has been addressed as a predictor of worse outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Nutritional status plays a great role in treatment of this population. The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the rate of depression and its correlations to nutritional status and dietary habits according to the MeDi in Dalmatian KTRs. We included 115 KTRs, and data about body composition and anthropometric, laboratory and clinical parameters were obtained for each study participant. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaire was used to assess depressive symptoms and the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) was used to assess adherence to the MeDi. We found the presence of depressive symptoms in 21.73% of the Dalmatian KTRs. BDI-II score was reciprocally associated with fat mass, trunk visceral fat, anthropometric parameters of obesity, triglyceride levels and olive oil consumption. Inverse associations were found between BDI-II score and skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, MCV, hemoglobin levels and consumption of fish and white meat, as suggested by the MeDi. Our results showed the interconnections between nutritional status, dietary habits and depression in Dalmatian KTRs.

Phase angle (PhA) levels are often lower than normal because both disease-specific parameters and disease-related inflammatory status, metabolic syndrome (MetS) included, can affect PhA. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare body composition, metabolic profile and dietary patterns of participants with arterial hypertension (AH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and MetS with regard to PhA values. A total of 208 participants were included, of whom 53.6% were males. For each participant, data about body composition and anthropometric parameters, clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) were obtained. MC-780 Multi Frequency Segmental Body Mass Analyzer (Tanita) was used to assess body composition. Furthermore, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The results showed that 75 (36.06%) participants had low PhA values and 133 (63.94%) had high PhA values. Participants with higher PhA values had significantly higher body fat percentage (p = 0.04), fat-free mass (kg; p < 0.001), muscle mass (kg; p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (% and kg; p < 0.001), sarcopenic index (SMI; p < 0.001) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; p = 0.04), as well as lower fat mass percentage (p = 0.04). Regarding food frequency consumption, significantly higher intakes of red meat (p = 0.003), poultry (p = 0.02) and fast food (p = 0.003) were noticed in participants with higher PhA values. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) was exceptionally low in both groups of participants, with significantly higher fish intake noticed in participants with high PhA (p = 0.03). In conclusion, our results showed that body composition could be the indicator of PhA in MetS as well as overall low adherence to the MeDi principles. These findings highlight the importance of adequate nutritional strategies and novel approaches to maintaining optimal body composition and adopting proper eating habits within the framework of one’s disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and possible correlation of MeDi adherence and nutritional status parameters in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). One hundred and sixteen KTRs were included in this study. Data about Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), body mass composition, anthropometric parameters, clinical and laboratory parameters were collected for each study participant. The results showed 25% adherence to the MeDi in Dalmatian KTRs. MDSS showed association with higher serum albumin and phosphorus level and higher skeletal muscle mass. Also, significant association between diabetic status and MDSS was found. Adherence to olive oil intake suggested by the MeDi showed significant association with lower level of triglycerides and adherence to nuts suggestions was associated with lower level of fat mass. Following MeDi recommendations for consumption of other foods (cereals, potato, eggs, vegetables, fruits and dairy) were also associated with body mass composition parameters and laboratory findings. In conclusion, low adherence to the MeDi in Dalmatian KTRs raises high concerns. The results showed that MeDi can have favorable effects on nutritional status in KTRs. A structured nutritional approach is needed to enhance adherence to the MeDi and prevent possible adverse effects in this patient population.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), nutritional status parameters, muscle strength, and periodontal status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). 89 KTRs were included in this analysis, 40 (45%) women, with a mean age of 61 years (IQR = 13) and a mean time since kidney transplantation of 5 years (IQR = 6.6). An OHIP-14 questionnaire and questionnaire-based periodontal history were obtained from all participants, a comprehensive periodontal examination was performed. Body composition data, anthropometric and clinical parameters were collected for each study participant. The Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) was used to assess MeDi adherence, and handgrip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Our results showed low adherence to MeDi in KTRs (28%) and almost 50% of KTRs suffer from severe forms of periodontitis. We also found a low OHIP-14 score and poor oral hygiene habits. KTRs with a less severe form of periodontitis had higher muscle mass and handgrip strength. MDSS score was associated with a higher number of teeth, and everyday cereal intake was inversely associated with the periodontitis stage. Our results demonstrate the associations between nutritional status, muscle strength, dietary habits, and periodontal health in Dalmatian KTRs.

Obesity is a rapidly growing problem in European countries, Croatia being among them. According to the latest CroCOSI data, every third child in Croatia aged 8.0–8.9 years is overweight or obese. The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and its impact on nutritional status and health has been the focus of recent research. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional, observational study was to determine the nutritional status and adherence to the MeDi of preschool children in Split, Croatia. We included 598 preschool children aged 3 to 7 years and, for each child, parents completed a lifestyle questionnaire and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) in order to assess adherence to the MeDi. The anthropometric assessment included the measurement of weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC) and the z-score was calculated. According to the z-score, 420 (70.2%) children had a healthy body weight with 54 (9%) underweight and 124 (20.8%) overweight or obese children. Almost half (49%) of the study participants had a low KIDMED index score, indicating a low MeDi adherence, 37% had an average score, while only 14% had high MeDi compliance. Statistically significant negative correlations between MUAC and WC and the consumption of a second daily serving of fruit (p = 0.04) as well as a daily serving of vegetables (p = 0.03) were found. In conclusion, low compliance to the MeDi principles in preschool children is concerning. Considering the beneficial effects of the MeDi on overall health, further education, and the adoption of healthy eating habits in preschool children in this Mediterranean region are required.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of depression and nutritional status and their associations in patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the differences according to the type of treatment. There were fifty-three patients treated with maintenance HD and twenty patients treated with PD enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Body composition, anthropometric parameters, and clinical and laboratory parameters were collected for each participant. Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and risk of malnutrition with the Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). The results suggest a positive association between the level of depression and the percentage of fat mass and obesity parameters in PD and HD participants. Muscle mass and fat-free mass in HD, phase angle (PhA), and serum albumin levels in PD were negatively associated with the value of BDI-II. Participants treated with HD were found to have higher levels of pessimism and loss of interest in sex compared with PD. There is a need to integrate multidisciplinary psychological and nutritional assessment into the usual care of dialysis patients.