About this Research Topic
Background: In the last years the science of nutrition has progressed dramatically, focusing on overall dietary patterns rather than on isolated nutrients. This approach recognizes that foods are consumed in complex combinations and that nutritional health outcomes are often the consequence of multiple synergies among nutrients and, or, foods rather than just the sum of individual components. To date, numerous studies have examined the relationship between various dietary patterns and health status. Although the evidence from such studies is difficult to generalize, some common components have consistently emerged. For example, plant-based diets have been associated with positive effects on weight control and prevention of chronic diseases, while excess animal products, sodium and added sugars have emerged as common elements in dietary patterns associated with increased disease risk.
Goal: In the search for the “ideal diet” for health, the Mediterranean diet and dietary approaches to stop hypertension have been two of the most studied dietary patterns. The evidence base for other popular dietary patterns, such as vegetarian diets, is less consistent, and is often disease specific. Given the strong relationship between dietary habits, health, and quality of life, it is fundamental to understand how individual food choices can affect the risk of developing illnesses or health problems.
Scope: The aim of this Research Topic is to further explore benefits, concerns or harms of different dietary patterns. Studying dietary patterns instead of specific foods or nutrients could have important public health implications as recommendations based on dietary patterns are more accessible. Data obtained may be useful to promote healthy eating habits at a population level.
Details for Authors: Contributions to this Research Topic must have a clear focus on dietary patterns and health outcomes. Original research articles, reviews and meta-analyses are welcomed. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- association between dietary patterns and chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.), mortality, risk factors (e.g. total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, etc.);
- mechanisms linking dietary patterns and chronic diseases;
- relationship between dietary patterns and nutritional status;
- dietary patterns and pregnancy outcomes; and
- dietary patterns and health outcomes across the life-course from infancy to old age.
Keywords: Diet, Plant-Based Diets, Mediterranean Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Health, Prevention
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
