The association between consumption of a mediterranean diet and shortness of breath in older adults: a cross-sectional NHANES analysis

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a prevalent and disabling symptom in older adults, often linked to cardiopulmonary and metabolic conditions. Although the mediterranean diet has been associated with improved cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes, limited evidence exists on its relationship with respiratory symptoms among older U.S. adults. This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the mediterranean diet and shortness of breath using nationally representative data. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2002 and 2005–2018, including 8,976 adults aged ≥65 years. Adherence to the mediterranean diet was measured using the alternate mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, and dyspnea was self-reported. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate associations between aMED scores and dyspnea, adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and cardiopulmonary factors. Higher adherence to the mediterranean diet was significantly associated with lower odds of shortness of breath (adjusted OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, p = 0.022). Greater nut consumption and lower red meat intake were independently protective. Greater adherence to the mediterranean diet was associated with reduced shortness of breath in older adults, supporting the potential role of Mediterranean-style dietary counseling in promoting respiratory health in aging populations.