The impact of Mediterranean diet adherence on allergic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisJournal of nutritional science· 2026

Eleftheria Panagiotou, Eleni Andreou, Stella A Nicolaou

Allergy & ImmunologyMeta-analysisQ2IF 2.1

Mediterranean diet adherence associated with lower odds of rhinitis.

Eleftheria Panagiotou … Stella A Nicolaou

Journal of nutritional science · 2026

Background

Allergies are a growing public health concern worldwide.

Methods

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO-CRD42023408724.

n = 111,583 participants

Results

less likely to have rhinitis with higher Mediterranean diet adherence

OR by subgroup · 95% CI

More results

Eligible studies reported OR with 95% CI for asthma, wheezing (respiratory symptom associated with allergic airway disease), rhinitis, or eczema.

A total of twenty-three studies involving 111,583 participants met the inclusion criteria.

No significant association was observed with eczema (pooled log OR: 0.09; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.20).

More results

These findings suggest that MD adherence was associated with lower odds of asthma, wheezing, and rhinitis, but does not influence eczema risk.

“

Conclusion

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO-CRD42023408724.