Bayesian Sequential Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial Design for PrEventive Effect of MEditerranean Diet in Children: PEMED Trial Research Protocol.
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
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.