Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Arterial Blood Pressure in Schoolchildren: The Role of Parental Eating Habits
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the systolic (SBP) as well as diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels of school-aged children and the adherence of both children and their parents to the Mediterranean Diet. <b>Methods&l...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Children |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/7/844 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives</b>: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the systolic (SBP) as well as diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels of school-aged children and the adherence of both children and their parents to the Mediterranean Diet. <b>Methods</b>: Detailed data on sociodemographic characteristics, eating habits, and anthropometry were collected from each child (N = 102) and their accompanied parent or legal guardian (N = 102). KIDMED (range: −4 to 12) was used to evaluate children’s level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and MedDietScore (range: 0–55) was used for parents. Children’s blood pressure (BP) was measured using a validated automated oscillometric device. <b>Results</b>: Children with higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet had significantly lower SBP (<i>p</i> < 0.001), DBP (<i>p</i> = 0.009), and hip circumference (<i>p</i> = 0.01) compared to those with lower adherence. Similarly, children of parents with high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet exhibited lower body weight (<i>p</i> = 0.03), waist circumference (<i>p</i> = 0.03), SBP (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and DBP (<i>p</i> = 0.004). In fully adjusted models, for each unit increase in children’s KIDMED scores, a 1.33 unit reduction in SBP (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and a 0.77 unit reduction in DBP were found. Similarly, parental MedDietScore was independently associated with significant reductions in children’s SBP (1.01 mmHg) and DBP (0.75 mmHg) (all <i>p</i>’s < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern by children and parents seems to be associated with lower BP in childhood, supporting the potential value of a family-based approach, particularly involving mothers. |
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| ISSN: | 2227-9067 |