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. 1995 Dec 2;311(7018):1457–1460. doi: 10.1136/bmj.311.7018.1457

Diet and overall survival in elderly people.

A Trichopoulou 1, A Kouris-Blazos 1, M L Wahlqvist 1, C Gnardellis 1, P Lagiou 1, E Polychronopoulos 1, T Vassilakou 1, L Lipworth 1, D Trichopoulos 1
PMCID: PMC2543726  PMID: 8520331

Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To assess the influence of a specific dietary pattern on overall survival. DESIGN--Cohort study. SETTING--Three rural Greek villages, the data from which were collected as part of an international cross cultural study of food habits in later life. SUBJECTS--182 elderly residents of the three villages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Overall mortality. RESULTS--Diet was assessed with a validated extensive semiquantitative questionnaire on food intake. A one unit increase in diet score, devised a priori on the basis of eight component characteristics of the traditional common diet in the Mediterranean region, was associated with a significant 17% reduction in overall mortality (95% confidence interval 1% to 31%). CONCLUSION--A diet meeting currently understood health criteria does predict survival among people.

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Selected References

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