Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength, Body Composition, and Antioxidant Markers in Both Athletes and Non-Professional Athletes: A Systematic Review of Intervention Trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effects of the Mediterranean Diet on athletic performance, strength, body composition, and metabolic markers in both athletes and non-professional athletes.
Results Summary
The Mediterranean Diet improved muscle endurance, power, and anaerobic performance in CrossFit athletes, and enhanced strength performance (e.g., vertical jump height, hand grip strength). Effects on body composition were mixed, but the diet showed positive impacts on antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.
Population
Professional handball players and non-professional strength athletes (total 116 participants).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mediterranean Diet | increase | muscle endurance and power | athletes and non-professional athletes | - | may improve | #1 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | anaerobic performance | CrossFit athletes | - | may improve | #2 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | strength performance | - | - | was associated with enhanced | #3 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | vertical jump height | - | - | increased | #4 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | hand grip strength | - | - | increased | #5 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | shuttle run performance | - | - | increased | #6 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | fat-free mass | - | - | showing improvements | #7 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | skeletal muscle mass | - | - | showing improvements | #8 |
Mediterranean Diet | no change | body composition | - | - | found no significant changes | #9 |
Mediterranean Diet | increase | plasma total antioxidant activity | - | - | increased | #10 |
Mediterranean Diet | decrease | markers of oxidative stress | - | - | decreased | #11 |
Mediterranean Diet | decrease | markers of inflammation | - | - | decreased | #12 |
Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has gained attention for its potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance and overall health. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of the MD on athletic performance, strength, body composition, and metabolic markers in both athletes and non-professional athletes. Methods: The review included seven studies with a total of 116 participants, ranging from professional handball players to non-professional strength athletes. The studies assessed various aspects of athletic performance, including strength, power, endurance, and body composition. Results: The main key findings from the review showed that MD may improve muscle endurance and power, as well as anaerobic performance in CrossFit athletes, and MD was associated with enhanced strength performance, including increased vertical jump height, hand grip strength, and shuttle run performance. The results on the impact on body composition were mixed, with some studies showing improvements in fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, while others found no significant changes. The MD also demonstrated positive effects on several markers, such as increased plasma total antioxidant activity and decreased markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: In conclusion, while the MD seems to represent a viable dietary strategy for enhancing athletic performance and overall health, more rigorous studies are necessary to clarify its impact across diverse athletic populations.