Mediterranean Diet: Inflammation Fell Only After Fasting Began
Graded Moderate — participants were assigned at random, but only 53 adults took part for 16 weeks, which limits how far the results reach.
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Participants
- 53
- Duration
- 4 months
- Funding
- Australian Youth & Health Foundation, National Health and Medical Research…
Eight weeks of Mediterranean eating alone did not lower the inflammation marker; it fell in that group only after fasting days began.
The Mediterranean diet has a reputation for calming inflammation. But it was unclear whether that comes from the food itself or from the weight people lose along the way. In a small trial, the diet alone did not change the main inflammation marker over eight weeks. It only dropped once fasting days were added.
The trial included 53 adults with risk factors for metabolic disease, average age about 55. They were chosen at random to get a fully delivered Mediterranean diet or to stay on their usual Western diet. After eight weeks, two fasting days a week were added. The main measure was C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker in the blood. Without fasting, only blood fats improved. Once fasting began, the marker fell more in the Mediterranean group than in the comparison group. That group also lost more weight, had lower blood pressure and responded better to insulin.
The authors conclude that eating less energy and losing weight during fasting seem to matter more than diet quality alone. Gut bacteria stayed largely the same. With 53 people over 16 weeks, longer-term effects remain open.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.