Mediterranean diet links to autoimmune disease risk were inconsistent
A review found associations for multiple sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome, but no statistically significant links for several other autoimmune diseases; certainty was low throughout.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with lower multiple sclerosis risk and lower odds of Sjögren's syndrome. The review found no statistically significant associations for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Evidence certainty was low for every outcome, so these results neither establish prevention by the diet nor prove the other diseases are unaffected.
This abstract-based account lacks participant characteristics, follow-up lengths and details of dietary measurement. Low certainty limits confidence in both the favorable associations and the statistically nonsignificant findings.
What researchers found
Multiple sclerosis risk
Higher versus lower Mediterranean diet adherence: risk was 0.91 times the comparison group's risk. Follow-up duration was not reported.
Reading the relative risk
The estimate compares multiple sclerosis risk between dietary adherence groups. The abstract provides no baseline absolute risks, so it cannot show the difference in people's absolute chances of developing the disease.
Quality and certainty differ
The authors rated the studies highly for quality but judged certainty low for every outcome. Favorable associations for some diseases and statistically nonsignificant findings for others do not establish broad autoimmune disease prevention.
The original publication
Efficacy of Mediterranean Diet for the primary prevention of autoimmune diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis featured in the Italian National Guidelines "La Dieta Mediterranea".
Gianfredi V, Baldini L, Deledda A et al.
Nutrition · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41308432
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.