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Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life in patients with Celiac Disease
Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-driven disorder that occurs in people with a genetic predisposition when they consume gluten, necessitating a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). However, even with strict dietary adherence, many individuals with CD report reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Recent studies suggest that overall diet quality could play a role in influencing HRQoL. Although the Mediterranean diet (MD) is widely known for its health benefits, its impact on CD has not been well studied. This research by Psylinakis et al. (2025) aimed to examine whether following the MD is linked to improved HRQoL in adults with CD. In this cross-sectional study, participants’ (n = 100 adults with CD plus 100 healthy controls) adherence to the MD was evaluated using the MedDiet Score, while HRQoL was measured through the Short Form-12 (SF-12), which assesses both physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health components. Both groups showed moderate adherence to the MD, with similar MedDiet Scores. Patients with CD had significantly lower physical health scores than controls, but mental health scores (MCS) did not differ significantly between groups. Within the CD group, higher adherence to the MD was significantly associated with better mental health, although no association was found with physical health. These findings suggest that incorporating a Mediterranean-style diet into a gluten-free regimen may support better mental well-being in individuals with celiac disease. [NPID: Celiac disease, gluten-free diet, Mediterranean diet, MedDiet Score, health-related quality of life, physical health, mental health]
Year: 2025
