Effects of the Mediterranean diet on oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is rich in antioxidant components that can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body and improve the oxidative stress status. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the ability of the MD to regulate oxidative stress status. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, and Chinese Clinical Trial databases were searched from their inception to November 2024. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the relationship between MD patterns and oxidative stress biomarkers were selected to assess the impact of the MD on oxidative stress markers. The 20 studies included in the analysis encompassed 2,208 participants and examined 13 indicators. The MD increased the total blood antioxidant capacity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31 to 0.83; p < 0.001), decreased urine F2-isoprostanes (SMD: -0.40, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.12; p = 0.005), and significantly decreased blood malondialdehyde levels (SMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.27; p = 0.001). These findings suggest that the MD can enhance the body's antioxidant capacity and improve lipid peroxidation. Therefore, an MD may be an effective method for reducing oxidative stress.