Mediterranean Diet for cardiovascular risk reduction in chronic kidney disease

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a plant-based healthy diet similar to the vegetarian and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets. Unlike vegetarian and DASH diets, the MD encourages a lifestyle associated with physical activity, and social connections . In addition, the MD is not based on restriction of nutrients but does limit intake of processed foods. Prospective studies have confirmed that the MD confers primary and secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in the general population. The benefits of the MD with the MD lifestyle reduces risk of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and lowers blood pressure. In adults with CKD, adherence to the MD is associated with a lower risk of CKD progression and its complications such as hyperphosphatemia, and metabolic acidosis and reduces production of uremic toxins, and inflammatory mediators when compared to omnivore dietary patterns. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to confirm the CVD prevention with the MD in adults with CKD. Medical nutrition therapy remains a cornerstone of CKD management and the MD could be utilized to slow CKD progression and complications.