Background and objectives: Depression often results in premature aging, which increases the risk of other chronic diseases, but very few studies have analyzed the association between epigenetic biomarkers of aging and depressive symptoms. Similarly, limited research has examined the joint effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and chronotype on depressive symptoms, accounting for sex differences. Therefore, these are the objectives of our investigation in a Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: We analyzed 465 older subjects (aged 55–75) with metabolic syndrome and assessed depressive symptoms by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). MedDiet adherence was measured with the 17-item MedDiet score, and chronotype with the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Blood DNA methylation was analyzed, and epigenomic biomarkers of age acceleration were determined. We focused on the Dunedin Pace of Aging Computed from the Epigenome (DunedinPACE). We fitted multivariable models with interaction terms. Results: Prevalence of depression was statistically higher in women (p < 0.001). MedDiet adherence was strongly and inversely associated with depressive symptoms in the whole population (p < 0.01), while the MEQ score was inversely associated (p < 0.05). In the joint analysis, both MedDiet adherence and chronotype remained statistically associated with the BDI-II score (p < 0.05), showing additive effects. No interaction effects were observed. In women, a higher score in depressive symptoms was significantly associated with faster age acceleration (measured with the DunedinPACE biomarker). This association remained significant even after adjustment for MedDiet adherence and chronotype. Conclusions: In older subjects with metabolic syndrome, the eveningness chronotype was associated with greater depressive symptoms, but a higher adherence to the MedDiet could potentially counteract the chronotype risk with additive effects. Women showed stronger associations, and importantly, we reported for the first time in this population that depressive symptoms were associated with accelerated aging.

Background and aims: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a healthy dietary pattern associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, adherence is declining, particularly among younger populations. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the main aspects that affect its adherence, particularly food preferences and sensory function, which have received insufficient attention. Our aims were to investigate the impact of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on adherence to the MedDiet among young individuals; to assess the association of taste preferences and food liking with MedDiet adherence; and to evaluate the associations between taste perception modalities, taste and food preferences, and adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study on young adults (aged 20.5 ± 4.7 years) in a Mediterranean country (n = 879) was carried out. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle characteristics, MedDiet adherence, taste preferences, and food preferences were assessed. Taste perception for bitter, salty, sweet, sour, and umami was determined by rating different concentrations of prototypical tastants. We computed a total taste perception score and three scores to combine food preferences. Results: We identified several socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with adherence to the MedDiet, as well as food preferences, taste preferences, and taste perception determinants. Food preferences were significantly associated with total adherence to the MedDiet. Higher preference for olive oil, oranges, broccoli, fish, and legumes was associated with higher MedDiet adherence (p < 0.05 for all). Conversely, higher preference for sweet foods, red meat, and butter was associated with lower adherence (p < 0.05 for all). The combined positive score for food preference was strongly associated with higher MedDiet adherence (p = 1.4 × 10⁻²³) in the multivariate adjusted model. The combined negative food preference score was inversely associated (p = 1.9 × 10⁻⁸). Likewise, taste preferences were significantly associated with adherence to the MedDiet (strong inverse association for sweet taste preference and direct association for bitter taste preference; both p < 0.001). Moreover, bitter taste perception was inversely associated with adherence to the MedDiet and with bitter foods (p < 0.05). In conclusion, future precision nutrition studies should measure food liking and taste preferences, which are crucial determinants of MedDiet adherence, especially in young people.