Impact of Mediterranean Diet Adherence on Lipid Profiles in Pediatric Primary Dyslipidemia: Insights from the Updated KIDMED Score

Abstract

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, as demonstrated in adults, but data on hyperlipidemic children are scanty. This study assessed the impact of MD adherence, evaluated with the updated KIDMED score, on the lipid profiles of pediatric patients affected by primary hyperlipidemias. Methods: This retrospective study included data on 157 children (mean age: 10.01 ± 3.54 years) dating from 2016 to 2020. Dietary adherence and lipid levels were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 6 months (T1) of dietary counseling. Adherence was categorized using the KIDMED score: ≥8 (optimal), 4–7 (improvement needed), and ≤3 (very low). Results: KIDMED scores improved for 65% of patients, with adherence classes increasing for 33.8%. Significant reductions in LDL-C and non-HDL-C (p < 0.0001) levels were associated with even a one-point score increase, beyond which no additional benefits were observed. Conclusions: MD adherence, as measured using the updated KIDMED score, significantly improved the lipid profiles of children with dyslipidemia. These findings will support the performance of early dietary interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.