Weekly Education Sessions Improve Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet
Once-weekly education sessions improve fruit and vegetable intake among older women in the United States, according to new data presented at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo 2020.
“Adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern is associated with positive health outcomes,” the researchers wrote. “High fruit and vegetable intake is one aspect of a [Mediterranean diet] pattern, yet most Americans fail to meet recommended intakes.”
To determine whether a 4-week intervention would improve fruit and vegetable intake, the research team randomly assigned 23 older women (average age 69.43+/-7.39 years [mean +/-standard deviation]) to either lecture-style nutrition education sessions or lecture-plus-hands-on nutrition education sessions.
The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the cooking-related questions on the National Diet and Nutrition Survey were administered to participants at baseline, at study conclusion (week 4), and 4 weeks post study period (week 8).
The results showed no significant differences in MEDAS scores between the groups.
“The lack of difference between groups can be partially explained by the confidence in, and daily or near daily (5-6 days per week) cooking in this sample of women,” the researchers wrote.
However, after the data from the groups were combined, the researchers noted that the average MEDAS scores had improved over the 4-week intervention.
“A 4-week nutrition education class that focuses on increasing [fruit and vegetable] intake can promote an increase in [Mediterranean diet] adherence in older women,” the researchers concluded. “Larger studies are needed to understand links between hands-on nutrition education, cooking behaviors, and [Mediterranean diet] adherence.”
—Amanda Balbi
Reference:
Hutchins-Wiese HL. A 4-week fruit and vegetable nutrition education program can increase Mediterranean diet adherence in older women. Paper presented at: Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo 2020; October 17-20, 2020; Virtual. https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/FNCE2020/fsPopup.asp?efp=TENUR0JSUVgxMDc3MQ&PosterID=287311&rnd=0.3551527&mode=posterinfo