In a significant advancement for public health, the first official guidelines on the Mediterranean Diet in Italy have been completed, marking a collaborative effort among leading health organizations. Professor Vincenza Gianfredi, a specialist in Hygiene and an associate professor at the University of Studies of Milan, played a pivotal role in developing these guidelines, which were officially published on April 14, 2025.
The initiative was a joint effort between the Fondazione Dieta Mediterranea, the Società Italiana di Nutrizione Artificiale e Metabolismo (Sinpe), and the Società Italiana per la Prevenzione Cardiovascolare (Siprec). Gianfredi coordinated the methodological group for the project, ensuring that the guidelines are rooted in scientific evidence. The document is a result of over a year of extensive research, analyzing more than 40,000 scientific articles.
These guidelines stand as a crucial tool for healthcare professionals and the public alike, providing over 80 recommendations aimed at guiding dietary choices and preventing chronic degenerative diseases. "The commitment and expertise of the multidisciplinary team have made it possible to achieve a result that will serve as a reference for the future of public health in our country," Gianfredi stated proudly.
The Mediterranean Diet, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2010, emphasizes the habitual consumption of cereals, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and olive oil, while limiting red meat and animal fats. It promotes moderate intake of fish, white meats, legumes, eggs, dairy, and sweets, favoring local, seasonal, and minimally processed products. Furthermore, it embodies a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, adequate rest, and social interactions.
Notably, the new guidelines also address the use of the Mediterranean Diet in the primary prevention and management of various chronic diseases. Based on the analysis of over 3,800 clinical studies, 81 specific recommendations have been drawn up, covering areas from cardiovascular health to oncology and metabolic disorders.
These guidelines were also promoted by Sinpe, the Fondazione Dieta Mediterranea, and Siprec, with the backing of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). They include economic assessments, environmental sustainability considerations, and suggestions for educational applications to promote public health.
According to Professor Nicola Veronese, an associate professor at the Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences and a member of the Scientific Committee of Sinpe, a rigorous adherence to the Mediterranean Diet correlates with a 9% reduction in overall mortality, a 9% reduction in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, and a 6% reduction in the incidence and mortality from tumors. Veronese remarked, "A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates how strict adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is associated with a significant improvement in overall health status."
Despite the wealth of evidence supporting the diet's benefits, Veronese noted a lack of specific guidelines on how to leverage these advantages effectively. The newly developed guidelines aim to fill this gap by providing healthcare professionals with practical recommendations for adopting the Mediterranean Diet.
The collaborative effort involved contributions from over 30 scientific societies, clinical experts, researchers, and health economists, marking an unprecedented endeavor in standardizing nutritional approaches in public health. This collective input ensures that the guidelines are comprehensive and applicable across various clinical contexts.
As the Mediterranean Diet continues to gain recognition for its health benefits, these guidelines are expected to serve as a vital resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and individuals seeking to improve their dietary habits.
The publication of these guidelines is not just a milestone for Italy but also a significant step in promoting a healthier lifestyle globally. By emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and the cultural significance of the Mediterranean way of eating, the guidelines aim to inspire individuals to make informed dietary choices that can lead to improved health outcomes.
In conclusion, the release of the Mediterranean Diet guidelines represents a concerted effort to enhance public health through informed dietary practices. With the backing of extensive research and expert collaboration, these guidelines are poised to make a lasting impact on the health of the Italian population and beyond.
