Mixed
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in older adults (65-79 years) modulates the gut microbiome to increase beneficial taxa (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia) and decrease harmful taxa, which is associated with reduced frailty, lower inflammation, and improved cognitive function.
For adults over 65, adopting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, olive oil, and fish, while limiting red meat and saturated fats, can positively alter gut bacteria. This shift is linked to reduced inflammation, better cognitive function, and lower risk of frailty. Consistency over a year is key, and including a Vitamin D supplement (as per the study's guidelines) may support this process.
Adherence to the diet was associated with specific microbiome alterations. Taxa enriched by adherence to the diet were positively associated with several markers of lower frailty and improved cognitive function, and negatively associated with inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein and interleukin-17.
Why this rating
Large multicenter randomized controlled trial (n=612 subset) with 1-year duration, though the primary analysis focuses on associations within the intervention group rather than a direct comparison of frailty rates between groups.
Source
Mediterranean diet intervention alters the gut microbiome in older people reducing frailty and improving health status: the NU-AGE 1-year dietary intervention across five European countries
Tarini Shankar Ghosh et al. · Gut · 2020
DOI 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319654
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