Adherence to Mediterranean Diet, Malnutrition, Length of Stay and Mortality in Elderly Patients Hospitalized in Internal Medicine Wards

Abstract

: This investigation aimed to explore the adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and its relationship with length of stay and in-hospital mortality, circulating interleukins, body composition, and frailty, in elderly patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards. Thus, a cross-sectional study in 194 acute hospitalized, community-dwelling elderly patients was performed. Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet was evaluated by the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI). Length of stay, but not in-hospital mortality rate, was higher in patients with a low IMI score, as compared to subjects with high IMI score. Markers of systemic inflammation, as well as circulating interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, were higher in patients with a low IMI score, with respect to patients with high IMI score. Furthermore, patients with low IMI score had increased fat mass and reduced lean mass, together with a higher prevalence of frailty, as compared to those presenting with high IMI score. In a multivariate logistic regression model, an IMI score < 3 resulted as an independent predictor of longer length of stay. In conclusion, low adherence to a Mediterranean Diet in elderly patients hospitalized in internal medicine wards is associated with higher length of stay and related to unfavorable changes in circulating pro-inflammatory markers and body composition.

Micronutrients, Phytochemicals and Mediterranean Diet: A Potential Protective Role against COVID-19 through Modulation of PAF Actions and Metabolism

“…Moreover, it has been suggested to be a potentially protective diet against COVID-19 [ 10 , 155 ]. It is noted that the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet decreases length of stay and mortality in hospitalized patients >65 y of age [ 156 , 157 ], which is of interest in the era of COVID-19 and the challenges of health systems.…”

Comparison of Three Nutritional Screening Tools with the New Glim Criteria for Malnutrition and Association with Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Older Patients

“…Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as the ratio between weight in kilograms and the square of height in meters. Body composition was assessed within 24 h from admission by bioelectrical impedance using a BIA 101-F device (Akern/RJL, Florence, Italy), as previously reported [17]. The BIA analyzer underwent calibration by the manufacturer, and the measurements were validated according to previously published equations [18].…”

Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity for Successful Aging: An Update for Nutritionists and Endocrinologists

“…The Mediterranean diet (MD) includes legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, olive oil, and fish, and also involves low meat ingestion and regular drinking of wine [58]. These foods contain vitamins E and B, oleic acid, polyphenolic, and Omega-3 fatty acids [58].…”

“…The Mediterranean diet (MD) includes legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, olive oil, and fish, and also involves low meat ingestion and regular drinking of wine [58]. These foods contain vitamins E and B, oleic acid, polyphenolic, and Omega-3 fatty acids [58]. According to the components of MD, in the analysis of two large studies, poultry, fish, dairy, vegetables, fruit, potatoes, cereals, olive oil, and alcohol had a positive association with the Successful Aging Index, whereas meat had an inverse association with successful aging [38,59].…”