Mediterranean Diet and Melatonin: A Systematic Review
Elena Grao-Cruces,
Juan Ramon Calvo,
Maria Dolores Maldonado-Aibar,
Maria del Carmen Millan-Linares,
Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz
Affiliations
Elena Grao-Cruces
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avenida Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
Juan Ramon Calvo
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avenida Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
Maria Dolores Maldonado-Aibar
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avenida Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
Maria del Carmen Millan-Linares
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avenida Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avenida Sanchez Pizjuan s/n, 41009 Seville, Spain
The Mediterranean diet (MD) has beneficial effects on human health, which is evidenced by the observation of lower incidence rates of chronic diseases in Mediterranean countries. The MD dietary pattern is rich in antioxidants, such as melatonin, which is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland and controls several circadian rhythms. Additionally, melatonin is found in foods, such as fruit and vegetables. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the melatonin content in Mediterranean foods and to evaluate the influence of the MD on melatonin levels in both humans and model organisms. A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and data were extracted. A total of 31 records were chosen. MD-related foods, such as tomatoes, olive oil, red wine, beer, nuts, and vegetables, showed high melatonin contents. The consumption of specific MD foods increases melatonin levels and improves the antioxidant status in plasma.
