Table 1 Comparison of scientific-based studies related to clinical research on the Mediterranean diet and K-diet

Differences in data accumulated from clinical trials

• Lots of clinical trial data

accumulated

• Based on the accumulated clinical data, meta-analysis, and systemic reviews are emerging a lot

• Insufficient clinical trial data

•Still working on an intervention study

A field of study

• Much has already been done regarding cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, cognitive function, and gut microbiome changes

•In addition, studies in various fields such as rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging delay are steadily being carried out

• Study fields are gradually diversifying, but studies on cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes are still the main focus

• Recently, studies such as gut microbial changes, gastritis, colitis, and cognitive function improvement have been conducted

Subject to clinical trial

• Research is being conducted in many countries around the world

• Large-scale studies involving more than 1,000 people

• Studies mainly focused on Koreans

Study period

• There are also long-term studies of more than 1 year

•Short-term studies, usually 12 weeks or so

Steady studies for the application of dietary patterns

• The Mediterranean diet is being tried out in many geographical and cultural areas

•Efforts to modify dietary patterns according to changes in food ingredients caused by environmental changes

• Studies on the utilization of the Mediterranean diet in other countries

• Research on the derivation of dietary patterns that prevent diseases in Korea is the main focus