Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet among university students was associated with healthier body composition and improved vitamin intake adequacy, supporting promotion of the MD as an effective nutritional strategy to enhance micronutrient intake and overall diet quality in young adults.
Key Findings
Results
Overall adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Spanish university students was moderate.
Sample consisted of 145 Spanish university students (34 women and 111 men)
Mean BMI was 23 kg/m²
MD adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS)
Study was cross-sectional in design
Results
Participants with high MD adherence showed significantly lower body weight, BMI, fat mass, and fat mass percentage compared with those with low adherence.
Body weight difference: p < 0.05; d = 0.4
BMI difference: p < 0.01; d = 0.52
Fat mass difference: p < 0.05; d = 0.44
Fat mass percentage difference: p < 0.05; d = 0.38
Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis
Results
MD adherence was inversely correlated with body weight and BMI.
Inverse correlation with body weight: rs = -0.32; p < 0.01; r = 0.46
Inverse correlation with BMI: rs = -0.34; p < 0.01; r = 0.32
Results
Energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake per kilogram of body weight were higher in the high MD adherence group.
Energy intake per kg body weight: p < 0.05; d = 0.41
Protein intake per kg body weight: p < 0.05; d = 0.65
Carbohydrate intake per kg body weight: p < 0.05; d = 0.37
Dietary intake was evaluated through a three-day food record
Results
Fiber intake was significantly greater among participants with higher MD adherence.
Fiber intake difference between high and low adherence groups: p < 0.001; d = 0.82
This was among the largest effect sizes observed in the study
Results
Higher MD adherence was associated with greater intakes of vitamins C and E, retinol equivalents, and carotenoids.
Vitamin C intake: p < 0.05; d = 0.39
Vitamin E intake: p < 0.05; d = 0.62
Retinol equivalents: p < 0.05; d = 0.28
Carotenoids: p < 0.001; d = 0.79
Results
Fiber intake showed strong positive correlations with folate in both high and low MD adherence groups.
In the high adherence group (HAG): rs = 0.68; p < 0.001; r = 0.81
In the low adherence group (LAG): rs = 0.61; p < 0.001; r = 0.69
Fiber intake also showed positive correlations with several other water-soluble vitamins
Petisco-Rodríguez C, Barrientos-Vicho G, Alves-Vas F, Sánchez I. (2026). Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Vitamin Intake Adequacy in Spanish University Students: Associations with Body Composition and Physical Activity.. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040558