In February 2019 researchers from Spain assessed the association between a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern and the risk of falling in older adults. A total of 2,071 participants, aged over 60 years, were included in the study. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed and each individual was allocated a Mediterranean dietary adherence score. Results showed that over an average follow-up of 3.5 years, 402 individuals experienced a fall. Of these 69% reported falling once whereas 31% had fallen twice or more. An analysis revealed that those with the highest dietary score fell less often than those with the lowest dietary score. Individuals consuming 2 or more servings/day of vegetables appeared to have a significantly reduced risk of falling. A higher consumption of fruit, red and processed meat, butter and margarine, wine, fish and nuts also showed some tendency to a slightly reduced risk of falls.
Ballesteros JM et al. Mediterranean diet and risk of falling in community-dwelling older adults. Clin Nutr. 2019 Feb 18. [Epub ahead of print]