Background: Dietary modifications, like changing macronutrient distribution and improving food quality, are the main therapeutic approaches for managing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. Mediterranean diet is scientifically endorsed as promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of cognitive decline when compared to the Western-style diet pattern. Objective: Analyzing the beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on anthropometric indices, inflammatory markers, lipid profiles in psychiatric patients with metabolic syndrome, compared to the standard hospital diet (HD). Methods: The study was designed as a crossover study; 15 male and 15 female participants with psychiatric disorders were enrolled, and they were intervened with either MD or HD for 8 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, and metabolic markers were measured with two stages of pre- and post-intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
144
Mediterranean Diet Total Calories: \~1,980 kcal Protein: \~110 g Carbohydrates: \~132 g Fat: \~117 g Diet Type: Mediterranean: Moderate-calorie, high in unsaturated fats, includes fermented dairy Omega-3 Sources: Present: Fish, Olive Oil, Nuts Oil/Fat Types: Olive oil, tahini, nuts (mostly monounsaturated \& polyunsaturated)
Hospital diet Total Calories: \~3,100 kcal Protein: \~160 g Carbohydrates: \~280 g Fat: \~150 g Diet Type: High Protein, High Calorie: High in saturated fats, refined carbs, and animal proteins Omega-3 Sources: Minimal: Mostly absent Oil/Fat Types: Animal fats (saturated), dairy fat, minimal unsaturated fat
Mental Health Hospital
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Change in Anthropometric measurement
Four visits were conducted to measure anthropometric parameters using the Tanita Model BC-418® body composition analyzer (Tokyo, Japan). The participants were positioned standing, and electrodes were affixed to their hands and feet. Before the test, participants were allowed to fast for 10 h, and following each measurement, their palms and soles were cleansed. Height (cm), body weight (Kg), body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), percentage body fat (PBF), muscle mass percentage (MMP), and visceral fat (VF) were automatically measured by the preprogrammed instrument when it was connected to an ultrasonic height meter.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, 11 week, and Week 18
Blood pressure
Blood pressure was monitored three times a day, specifically between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, and from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 PM. All hypertensive readings were taken at least 30 minutes following each meal using an Omron HEM-7136 blood pressure monitor (Omron Health Care Co, Ltd, Matsusaka, Japan). Triplicate readings were collected at each time point on the upper right arm with a one-minute interval.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, week 11, and Week 18
Change in Fasting Blood Glucose
Serum glucose measured via venous blood sample after 10-hour overnight fast, analyzed using automated chemistry analyzer.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, week 11 and Week 18
Change in Serum Lipid Profile
Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides measured via enzymatic colorimetric methods.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, week 11 and Week 18
Changes in Hormones
Insulin, testosterone, serotonin, norepinephrine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine T4, triiodothyronine T3, prolactin, and cortisol. A standard solution was used to produce a standard curve for all hormones
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, week 11 and Week 18
Change in Inflammatory Markers
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-12, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, and IL-31) were quantitatively analyzed using the ELISA method. The concentrations of plasma α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), and agouti-related protein (AgRP) were also analyzed using the ELISA method following the manufacturer's protocol (Bioassay Technology Laboratory, Shanghai, China).
Time frame: Baseline, Week 8, week 11 and Week 18
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