The Mediterranean diet within the Verdify ID is based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet [1]. It is recommended for people who need to improve the quality of fat intake and the intake of calcium- and iron-rich products. With this diet option, the use of saturated fats will be limited and unsaturated fats, also known as ‘healthy’ fats, will be present prioritised over saturated fats. A Mediterranean diet rich in iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids and low in “unhealthy” fats is for example advised for people with rheumatoid arthritis [2].

The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole grains, unprocessed products, all types of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, lean protein sources like eggs, fish, meat and dairy products and generous consumption of extra virgin olive oil [1]. On nutrient level, this leads to high fibre, omega-3 polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat intake which may help to reduce inflammation and, therefore, reduce symptoms related to joint disease [2].

Furthermore, iron-rich foods can be helpful against fatigue and anaemia, which can be symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium-rich foods can also be important for the maintenance of normal bones [3]. This is of relevance when using glucocorticoids as part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment, which significantly increases the risk of developing osteoporosis [2].

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Diet principles

 

• The recipes in the diet option ‘Mediterranean diet’ from Verdify are based on the national Eat Well Guide [4];

• Since this diet option is based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet, recipes will only make use of whole grains, unprocessed products, all types of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, lean protein sources like eggs, fish, meat and dairy products and extra virgin olive oil;

• Saturated fats will be limited to a maximum of 8% of total recipe energy;

• The polyunsaturated fat content in recipes will be larger than the saturated fats content.

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Scientific background

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The ‘Mediterranean diet’ offered by Verdify is based on the Guidelines for a Healthy Diet of the British National Health Service [4], the principles of the Mediterranean diet [1] and the recommendation of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) for Rheumatoid Arthritis [2].

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Disclaimer

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The Verdify diets do not have a medical function and are not a substitute for doctor's advice. Verdify recommends following this diet only under the guidance of an experienced dietitian. Find a local dietitian here.

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References

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1. Davis, C. Bryan, J. Hodgson, J. & Murphy, K. (2015). Definition of the Mediterranean Diet; a Literature Review. Nutrients, 7(11), 9139–9153. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7115459

2. British Dietetic Association (BDA). (2018). Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis Food Fact Sheet. Consulted on 13 March 2021, from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/rheumatoid-arthritis-diet.html

3. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. (2012). Establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health. Consulted on 18 February 2021, from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32012R0432

4. National Health Service (NHS) (2019). The Eatwell Guide. Consulted on 18 February 2021, from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/