Mediterranean Diet and Melatonin: A Systematic Review

• Main Authors: Elena Grao-Cruces (Author), Juan Ramon Calvo (Author), Maria Dolores Maldonado-Aibar (Author), Maria del Carmen Millan-Linares (Author), Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/antiox12020264; 2076-3921
• Keywords: antioxidant; beer; circadian rhythm; nuts; tomato; olive oil; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Antioxidants, Vol 12, Iss 2, p 264 (2023)

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.