Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Its Associations With Circulating Cytokines, Musculoskeletal Health and Incident Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Men

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Mediterranean dietary patterns may exert favorable effects on various health conditions. This study aimed to determine associations of adherence to Mediterranean diet with circulating cytokine levels, musculoskeletal health and incident falls in community-dwelling older men. Methods Seven hundred ninety-four (794) community-dwelling men with mean age 81.1 ± 4.5 years, who participated in the five-year follow-up of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) were included in the cross-sectional analysis, and 616 attended follow-up three years later. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was assessed using MEDI-LITE (literature-derived Mediterranean diet) score which was derived using a validated diet history questionnaire. Twenty-four evaluable circulating cytokines were analyzed using Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-plex Assay kit. Appendicular lean mass (ALM) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Three-year changes in gait speed and hand grip strength were assessed by walking a 6-meter course and using a dynamometer respectively. Incident falls over three years were determined through telephone interviews every four months. Results A higher MEDI-LITE score, indicating greater adherence to Mediterranean diet, was associated with higher appendicular lean mass adjusted for body mass index (ALMBMI) (β: 0.004 kg/kg/m2; 95% CI: 0.000, 0.008), and lower serum interleukin-7 (IL-7) (β: −0.017 pg/mL; 95% CI: −0.031, −0.003), and incident falls rates (IRR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.99). Higher consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids (IRR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.98) and monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio (IRR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.90) were associated with 24%, and 28% lower falls risk in older men respectively. MEDI-LITE scores were not associated with bone mineral density or physical function parameters. Conclusions Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with higher ALMBMI, lower levels of serum IL-7, and fewer falls in community-dwelling older men. Monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids were the most important contributors to the association between Mediterranean diet and falls risk. Funding Sources The CHAMP study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, and the Ageing and Alzheimer's Institute.