Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, especially in developed countries where an estimated 60% of all cases occur. There is evidence of a higher risk for CRC in Western society, where people tend to eat more red and processed meat than those living along the Mediterranean coast, who have a decreased overall cancer mortality, which is correlated to their eating habits, such as Mediterranean diet. The aim of this review was to evaluate the correlation between three components of the Mediterranean diet (olive oil, red wine, and tomatoes) and incidence and progression of colorectal cancer. As such, we conducted a literature search using keywords "colorectal cancer," "dietary pattern," "Mediterranean diet," "olive oil," "protective effects," "resveratrol," and "lycopene." Olive oil polyphenols, red wine resveratrol, and tomato lycopene showed several characteristics in vitro that interfere with molecular cancer pathways. At the same time, many clinical studies have reported an association of these components with a reduction in cancer initiation and progression. More clinical studies are needed to identify the precise dose and administration of single agents or their combination to produce a coadjutant treatment to those already applied in chemoprevention and oncologic treatment.

Menopause is not a disease, but a physiologic phase of a woman's life, due to the changes of their hormonal status. Fastidious symptoms may be associated with changes in the metabolism together with new cardiovascular risk factors, particularly aggressive for the female cardiovascular system, unprepared because of the protection due to the fertile period. Changes of the lipid profile, obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus may intervene as severe risk factors. Cardiovascular disease represents therefore the most frequent cause of mortality and morbidity also in the female gender more than cancer either in the United States as in Europe. The risks related to post-menopause are mainly due to the abrupt interruption of estrogen, which has indirect protective effects on lipid, glycidic metabolism and direct effects on vessel function. They have, in fact, vasodilator action due to nitric oxide release, calcium-antagonist like action and an antiproliferative effect on smooth muscle cells. Post-menopause is also frequently associated with hypertension, the most frequent related factor to coronary artery disease. Hypertension is due to increased body mass index, with insulin-resistance, sodium retention, increased blood viscosity and estrogen deficiency with increased smooth muscle cell proliferation which determines an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Age and estrogen deficiency are together the most important cause of cardiovascular risk in post-menopause. The discovery of alpha and recently beta estrogen receptors on coronary female vessels unaffected by atherosclerosis either during pre and post-menopause phase are possible key of interpretation of pathophysiology of coronary artery disease in women, with important therapeutic consequence.

The Mediterranean Diet (MedD) is considered a very healthy diet useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The present study aims to evaluate adherence to MedD in unselected premenopausal women and its relation with ankle-brachial index (ABI), an index of preclinical atherosclerosis. A group of 425 patients (age range 45-54 years) was investigated. They were enrolled only if they were asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease. Nutritional parameters were assessed by a self-administered food frequency validated questionnaire (116 items) completed by an interviewer administered 24 h diet recall. They all underwent ABI measurement. The mean MedD Score was 32.2 ± 6.1 (Q1-Q3 range 26-37) comparing with data from Italian population (46 ± 8.3) was significantly lower. Intake of food categories sources of antioxidants was higher in patients with a greater adherence to Med D and was mainly related to fruit and vegetables. Patients were categorized in quartile according to MedD Score and we evaluate the distribution of ABI index within quartile. 31.4% of women in Q1 (lower adherence to MedD) had an ABI lower than 0.9 compared to 18.3% of women in Q4 (higher adherence to MedD): p < 0.01. Obesity was more frequent in Q1 compared to Q4 and in women with lower ABI. Women with a low MedD Score were more obese and showed instrumental sign of preclinical peripheral atherosclerosis. MedD rich in antioxidants from fruit, vegetables and nuts influenced the development of atherosclerosis and was associated with a lower incidence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis.

Vitamin D is increasingly recognized for its role in cardiovascular health beyond its well-established effects on bone metabolism. This review synthesizes findings from observational studies, interventional trials, and meta-analyses to clarify the mechanisms through which vitamin D impacts cardiovascular health, including its influence on vascular function, inflammation, and metabolic pathways. Additionally, this review emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach to vitamin D supplementation, integrating individual cardiovascular risk profiles, baseline vitamin D levels, and comorbid conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. While current evidence supports the association between low vitamin D levels and increased cardiovascular mortality, this work contributes novel insights by proposing tailored strategies for supplementation, particularly for high-risk subgroups. Practical recommendations for implementing these strategies in clinical practice are also discussed, providing a framework for optimizing cardiovascular outcomes through individualized vitamin D management.