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Bayesian Sequential Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial Design for PrEventive Effect of MEditerranean Diet in Children: PEMED Trial Research Protocol.

Journal of clinical medicine
January 3, 2025
Danila Azzolina et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the impact of the Mediterranean Diet on child health and establish preventive strategies for chronic diseases in an underserved community.

Results Summary

The study protocol outlines a plan to assess growth, microbiome composition, and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet over six years, but no results are reported yet. The trial will use Italy's Family Pediatrician network to implement dietary interventions in a real-world setting.

Population

Children in Scampia, a socioeconomically disadvantaged district in Naples, Italy, starting at weaning.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Six years

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Introducing solid foods in alignment with the Mediterranean Diet during weaning
increase
a preference for healthy foods early in life
children
-
fosters
#1
Mediterranean Diet-based dietary guidance starting at weaning
neutral
child health
children
-
evaluate the impact
#2
Mediterranean Diet-based dietary guidance starting at weaning
neutral
preventive strategies for chronic diseases
children
-
establish
#3
Mediterranean Diet-based dietary guidance starting at weaning
neutral
growth, microbiome composition, and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet
children
-
evaluate the efficacy
#4
Mediterranean Diet-based dietary guidance starting at weaning
decrease
nutritional disparities
the underserved Scampia community
-
address
#5
Mediterranean Diet-based dietary guidance starting at weaning
increase
childhood health
children
-
improving
#6
Abstract

Background: Childhood nutrition plays an important role in the promotion of long-term health. Introducing solid foods in alignment with the Mediterranean Diet during weaning fosters a preference for healthy foods early in life. However, access to nutritious diets remains a challenge in underserved communities. Scampia, a socioeconomically disadvantaged district in Naples, Italy, exemplifies a community where barriers to healthy eating persist. This research reports a trial protocol that plans for a study to evaluate the impact of the Mediterranean Diet on child health and to establish preventive strategies for chronic diseases. Methods: The PEMED (PrEventive effect of MEditerranean Diet in Children) trial is a Bayesian Sequential Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. Family Pediatricians (FPs) are randomized to deliver either Mediterranean Diet-based dietary guidance starting at weaning or standard dietary practices using typical baby foods. Children will be followed up for six years, with regular assessments of growth, microbiome composition, and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, using validated tools. Interim analyses will be conducted at three-year intervals to evaluate the efficacy and monitor adverse events. Saliva and stool samples will be collected for genetic and microbiome analyses, and adherence will be monitored through quarterly dietary recalls and biomarkers. Results: This trial will consider Italy's established FP network for implementing innovative dietary intervention in a real-world setting. Conclusions: This study will address nutritional disparities in the underserved Scampia community and provide a scalable model for early dietary interventions. The results will shed light on the role of the Mediterranean Diet in improving childhood health and informing public health strategies globally.

Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality85/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.70
Normalized Score0.67
Related Supplements
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