Physical Activity and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Increase Total Antioxidant Capacity: The ATTICA Study

Stavros A Kavouras, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos, Christos Pitsavos, Christina Chrysohoou, Giannis Arnaoutis, Yannis Skoumas, Christodoulos Stefanadis, Stavros A Kavouras, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos, Christos Pitsavos, Christina Chrysohoou, Giannis Arnaoutis, Yannis Skoumas, Christodoulos Stefanadis

Abstract

We studied the association of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, in total antioxidant capacity (TAC). A random sample of 1514 men and 1528 women was selected from Attica region. Physical activity was assessed with a translated version of the validated "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" (iPAQ), and dietary intake through a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the MedDietScore that incorporated the inherent characteristics of this diet. TAC was positively correlated with the degree of physical activity (P < .05). TAC was also positively correlated with MedDietScore (r = 0.24, P < .001). Stratified analysis by diet status revealed that the most beneficial results were observed to highly active people as compared to inactive, who also followed the Mediterranean diet (288 ± 70 μmol/L, 230 ± 50 μmol/L, resp.), after adjusting for various confounders. Increased physical activity and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with increased total antioxidant capacity.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
TAC levels and physical activity status (inactive, min-active, and HEPA active) by MedDietScore that assessed adherence to the Mediterranean diet (away, close, and very close).

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