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Qualitative methods to evaluate Mediterranean diet in adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2007

Mariette Gerber
Mariette Gerber*
Affiliation:
Groupe d'Epidémiologie Métabolique, Centre de recherche en Cancérologie Centre Régional de Lutte contre le Cancer, Val d'Aurelle–Paul Lamargue, 34298 , Montpellier Cedex 5, France
*
*Corresponding author: Email mariette.gerber@wanadoo.fr
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Abstract

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Objective

To fulfil a comprehensive approach to consumption, which is necessary to characterise food habits and their relationship to diseases, using a diet quality index (DQI) developed for a Mediterranean region (Med-DQI).

Setting

A cross-sectional nutritional survey provided the data for the construction of the DQI.

Subjects

A representative sample made up of 964 subjects from a French Mediterranean area, Hérault département.

Methods

Foods such as olive oil, fish and cereals were used instead of nutrients to build up scores which constructed the Med-DQI. Biochemical analysis identified biomarkers used to validate the Med-DQI. Correspondence factorial analysis illustrated the characteristics of subjects with different scores given by the Med-DQI.

Results

The subjects could be satisfactorily classified by the Med-DQI. The oldest age, less educated, overweight, manual workers, living in a rural area and male classes showed a better Med-DQI. For women, they were also from the oldest age class, but some of them were from the upper social class, with an ideal BMI and lived by the Mediterranean shore. A composite biomarker index, based on plasma carotene and vitamin E levels and the percentage of EPA and DHA in erythrocytes membranes, can identify subjects with good and poor Med-DQI.

Conclusion

Med-DQI G is a good instrument to identify groups at risk with regard to nutritional quality. Subjects with α+β-carotene levels > 1 mg/l, vitamin E > 30 mg/l, EPA > 0.65% and DHA > 4% of fatty acids in erythrocytes are likely to have a good diet.

Keywords

Diet Quality IndexDiet ProfilesMediterranean diet
Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 9 , Issue 1a , February 2006 , pp. 147 - 151
Copyright
Copyright © The Author 2006

References

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