Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Status: Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

Abstract

Malnutrition is associated to poor clinical outcomes, especially in hospitalized patients. High prevalence of low-grade chronic inflammation, low skeletal muscle mass, and insulin resistance are often found in malnourished patients. Increasing evidence shows how these effects can be partially reverted through an adequate intake of food or using specific dietary supplementation. In this scenario, Mediterranean Diet (MD) demonstrated positive effects on the nutritional status, with important clinical finding in hospitalized patients such as low rate of length of stay and in-hospital mortality. The aim of this review is the summary of the main evidence about the role of Mediterranean diet on health and clinical outcomes in hospitalized elderly patients.