Experimental models showed consistently a modulation of carcinogenesis by omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 PUFA). Fish intake is often described as part of a beneficial dietary pattern. However, observational epidemiological studies on the relationship between ω3 PUFA reported conflicting results. The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether there exists any progress in the evaluation of the causal relationship between dietary ω3 PUFA and cancers since the previous FAO/OMS expert consultation and whether it is possible to propose preventive and/or adjuvant therapeutic recommendations. Prospective and case-control observational studies published since 2007 and meeting validity criteria were considered together with RCT. Experimental studies are mentioned to provide for biological plausibility. When evaluating the level of evidence, a portfolio approach was used, weighted by a hierarchy giving higher importance to prospective studies followed by RCT if any. There is a probable level of evidence that ALAper seis neither a risk factor nor a beneficial factor with regards to cancers. Observational studies on colorectal, prostate and breast cancers only provided limited evidence suggesting a possible role of LC-ω3PUFA in cancer prevention because insufficient homogeneity of the observations. Explanation for heterogeneity might be the inherent difficulties associated with epidemiology (confounding and dietary pattern context, measurement error, level of intake, genetic polymorphism). The role of LC-ω3PUFA as adjuvant, might be considered of possible use, in view of the latest RCT on lung cancers even if RCT on other cancers still need to be undertaken.

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for protecting against chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease are usually attributed to high consumption of certain food groups such as vegetables, and low consumption of other food groups such as meat. The influence of food processing techniques such as food preparation and cooking on the nutrient composition and nutritional value of these foods is not generally taken into consideration. In this narrative review, we consider the mechanistic and epidemiological evidence that food processing influences phytochemicals in selected food groups in the MD (olives, olive oil, vegetables and nuts), and that this influences the protective effects of these foods against chronic diseases associated with inflammation. We also examine how the pro-inflammatory properties of meat consumption can be modified by Mediterranean cuisine. We conclude by discussing whether food processing should be given greater consideration, both when recommending a MD to the consumer and when evaluating its health properties.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) emerged as a healthy food regimen long before it could be recognised which nutrients or foods were responsible for its observed benefits, and it was only in the middle of the last century that the first scientific approach ‘The Seven Countries Study’ appeared. Epidemiological and anthropological studies of the MD converged, first by investigating at single nutrients or foods, then by adopting the more holistic approach of dietary patterns (DP), and now with a molecular approach. These studies resulted in convincing evidence that a MD decreases the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality and incidence. A risk reduction of developing type 2 diabetes is probable. Evidence is less stringent for other metabolic diseases and all cancers but from possible to probable for some cancer sites. Although DP showed that the MD has to be considered in its totality, olive oil could have a specific role. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity for energy balance, outdoor life for vitamin D synthesis and conviviality are also probably partly responsible for the health benefits. The MD is a lifestyle well suited for coping not only with personal health but also with wider societal concerns in relation to environment, public health and economy.

This article presents a systematic review of the scientific evidence linking sugar consumption and health in the adult population performed by a group of experts, mandated by the French Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement, et du travail (ANSES). A literature search was performed by crossing search terms for overweight/obesity, diabetes/insulin resistance, dyslipidemia/cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and uric acid concentrations on one hand and for intake of sugars on the other. Controlled mechanistic studies, prospective cohort studies, and randomized clinical trials were extracted and assessed. A literature analysis supported links between sugar intake and both total energy intake and body weight gain, and between sugar intake and blood triglycerides independently of total energy intake. The effects of sugar on blood triglycerides were shown to be mediated by the fructose component of sucrose and were observed with an intake of fructose >50 g/day. In addition, prospective cohort studies showed associations between sugar intake and the risk of diabetes/insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, NAFLD, and hyperuricemia. Based on these observations, ANSES proposed to set a maximum limit to the intake of total sugars containing fructose (sucrose, glucose–fructose syrups, honey or other syrups, and natural concentrates, etc.) of 100 g/day.

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