Three decades of the Mediterranean diet pyramid: A narrative review of its history, evolution, and advances

Abstract

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) pyramid was officially published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1995. Since then, our understanding of the role of the MedDiet and its role in reducing risk of chronic diseases has grown substantially.

Objectives: This article aims to provide a narrative review of the historical context of the MedDiet and its environmental impact, summarize health-related evidence from the past 3 decades, and explore its practical applications and cultural adaptations.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified through searches of PubMed and other major databases. We prioritzed publications from the past 3 decades, while also including influential earlier studies where appropriate. Evidence was synthesized qualitatively to summarize key findings and identify gaps for future research.

Results: A large body of evidence from prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic studies consistently supports the benefits of the MedDiet for the prevention of chronic diseases, particularly cardiometabolic diseases and the improvement of healthy aging. Growing evidence demonstrates that the MedDiet promotes favorable changes in circulating metabolites and gut microbiome composition, providing novel insights into biological mechanisms underlying its health benefits and informing the development of precision nutrition strategies. The MedDiet aligns with the principles of the planetary health diet recommended by the EAT-Lancet Commission, which aims to promote both human health and environmental sustainability. The development of the MedDiet pyramid 30 y ago inspired the creation of the Asian, African, and Latin-American heritage diet pyramids.

Conclusions: Over the past 3 decades, substantial evidence has accumulated to strongly support the benefits of the MedDiet in preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging. Despite robust evidence, further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and adaptability of the MedDiet across diverse populations, cultural settings, and food environments.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; cardiovascular disease; cohort studies; metabolomics; nutritional epidemiology; olive oil; randomized controlled trials; sustainability.