Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous research in adults has suggested that healthy dietary patterns could be an effective strategy for blood pressure (BP) control. However, during adolescence, the scientific literature examining this relationship is scarce and controversial since inverse and null associations have been reported. Thus, the aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables at baseline with changes in BP over a two-year period during adolescence. METHODS: The analyses included 197 adolescents (92 girls) aged 13.9 ± 0.3 years. Adherence to the MD and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire, respectively. BP values were measured using an automatic sphygmomanometer according to standardized procedures. RESULTS: Adolescents with high adherence levels to the MD, and high consumption of vegetables (but not fruits) at baseline, showed smaller increases in diastolic BP changes over two years (percentage of reduction ranging from ~48% to ~88%, all p < 0.026). No significant relationships were identified in systolic BP over the two-year period. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the importance of promoting MD and vegetable consumption to reduce diastolic BP during adolescence, contributing to lowering future cardiovascular risk.