A randomised, family-focused dietary intervention to evaluate the Atlantic diet: the GALIAT study protocol

Abstract

BackgroundThe traditional diet of northwestern Spain and northern Portugal follows an ‘Atlantic diet’ pattern. Adherence to the Atlantic diet has been related to the good metabolic health and low coronary mortality recorded for these regions.MethodsThe GALIAT (Galicia Alimentación Atlántica [Galicia Atlantic Diet]) study is a randomised, controlled, dietary intervention clinical trial designed to examine the effect of the Atlantic diet on the lipid profile, glucose metabolism, inflammation makers and adiposity of the general population. The trial involved 250 randomly selected families (715 adults and children over 3 years of age) from a town in Spain’s northwest, randomly allocated to follow either a control diet (C group) or the Atlantic diet (AD group) for a period of 6 months.The families of the AD group received educational sessions on food, diet and gastronomy and were provided written supporting material with nutritional recommendations and recipes for the preparation of menus. They also attended cooking classes. Throughout the study period, these families were provided a range of foods (free of charge) that form part of the traditional Atlantic diet. The C group families took part in none of the above activities, nor were they provided with any food.Lipid profile variables (primary variables), and anthropometric, inflammation marker and glucose metabolism status (secondary variables), were measured at baseline, three and six months.DiscussionThe GALIAT study is the first clinical trial to examine the effects of the Atlantic diet on metabolic and cardiovascular health and adiposity. If the study hypothesis is confirmed, this dietary pattern could be included in strategies to promote health.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02391701 on March 18, 2015.

The Relationship of the Atlantic Diet with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Markers of Arterial Stiffness in Adults without Cardiovascular Disease

“…This relationship may be mediated by the increase in some inflammatory markers such as insulin resistance or C-reactive protein [15]. The GALIAT clinical trial [18] will clarify these issues as it is the first clinical trial to analyse the effects of AD on adiposity markers.…”

“…Based on the results, we estimated the daily energy consumption (kcal), as well as the daily intake of macro and micronutrients (g). With the data of the FFQ, we have calculated an index of adherence to the Atlantic Diet, adapting the recommendations provided by Oliveira et al [14], Calvo-Malvar et al [18] and Vaz Velho et al [13]. Oliveira et al [14] developed an index based on a food frequency questionnaire.…”

“…This index consists of nine food groups (fresh fish, dried salt cod, red meat and pork products, dairy products, legumes and vegetables, vegetable soup, potatoes, whole-grain bread, and wine). Subsequently, Calvo-Malvar et al [18] established a series of recommendations for good compliance with this dietary pattern which, in addition to previous ones, included olive oil, fruit, eggs, nuts and other additional items to reduce the consumption of foods rich in animal fats, sweets or sugar-sweetened beverages. Finally, Vaz Velho [13], and Tojo et al [19] included in the AD pyramid performing daily physical activity moderate to high intensity.…”

Rebuilding the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem

“…The Mediterranean and Atlantic diets should be distinguished from the Western diet. The Mediterranean and Atlantic diets are both considered to preserve a good health status [ 134 ]. The Mediterranean diet is an assortment of habitual eating behaviors followed by people in the countries contiguous to the Mediterranean Sea.…”

Dynamic Macronutrient Meal-Equivalent Menu Method: Towards Individual Nutrition Intervention Programs

“…As mentioned before, it is important that the HCP and RDN have sufficient experience, knowledge, and empathy to adapt the MEM to the patient’s individual characteristics, and are aware of seasonal foods, and food availability and prices at local supermarkets and grocery stores to be able to guide each patient. Moreover, the involvement of the family will improve the patient’s long-term adherence and eating habits; therefore, it should be encouraged and considered [16,31].…”