People suffering from Long COVID frequently experience chronic low-grade inflammation, increased insulin resistance, and greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been extensively studied for its cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential dietary intervention to blunt the adverse metabolic effects linked to Long COVID. Learn about the relationship between the MD and improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health among people diagnosed with Long COVID.*

Long COVID, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cardiovascular Risk

Long COVID has been closely linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of interrelated conditions including:

• Hypertension,  
• Central obesity, 
• Dyslipidemia, and 
• Impaired glucose metabolism. 

MetS significantly elevates the risk of:

• Cardiovascular disease, 
• Type 2 diabetes, and 
• Overall mortality. 

The MD, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, is rich in polyphenols, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients that have been shown to reduce systemic inflammation and improve metabolic health. 

Numerous studies have demonstrated that adherence to the MD is associated with a lower incidence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Given these established benefits, the MD may serve as an effective nutritional strategy to enhance metabolic resilience in people with Long COVID.

What the Researchers Did

This cross-sectional study (a research design in which data is collected from many different people at a single point in time) included 305 Caucasian individuals diagnosed with Long COVID. 

• Participants’ adherence to the MD was assessed using the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). 
• Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed through:
  • Blood pressure 
  • Glycemia (amount of sugar in the blood)
  • Triglycerides (a type of fat in the bloodstream)
  • HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
  • Waist circumference 

Additional cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, tobacco use, and uric acid levels were also analyzed.

What They Found

The findings revealed that:

• The average MEDAS score was 7.76 out of 14, indicating a moderate level of MD adherence. 
• Among participants, 23.6% met the criteria for MetS.
• There was a markedly higher prevalence in men (39.8%) than in women (15.9%).
• Greater adherence to the MD was associated with lower:
  • Uric acid levels, 
  • BMI, 
  • Waist circumference, and 
  • The number of MetS components. 

The researchers also observed a positive association between MD adherence and HDL cholesterol levels, reinforcing its role in promoting cardiovascular health.

What It Means

Given the interplay between MetS and Long COVID, these results strongly suggest the potential of the Mediterranean diet to temper some of the long-term health consequences associated with post-viral metabolic dysfunction. Specifically, it could serve as a dietary intervention for improving metabolic and cardiovascular health in people with Long COVID.

According to the study authors, while further research is necessary, healthcare providers may consider dietary counseling as part of Long COVID management strategies, emphasizing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for reducing cardiovascular risk and enhancing overall metabolic health.

*Suárez-Moreno, N., Gómez-Sánchez, L., Navarro-Caceres, A., Arroyo-Romero, S., et al. (2025, February 12). Association of Mediterranean Diet with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and with Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects with Long COVID: BioICOPER Study. Nutrients.  https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/4/656

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within.