Adherence to Mediterranean-Like Dietary Pattern in Association with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adolescents

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common esophageal disorder affecting adolescents. Recent studies have indicated that the risk of GERD may be influenced by different dietary patterns. This study aimed to examine the relationship between an adherence to Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and GERD in a large group of adolescents from central Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 5141 adolescents aged 13–14 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency method which included in a reliable and valid Global Asthma Network (GAN) core questionnaire. GERD symptoms and the frequency of their occurrence over the last week were assessed using a validated GERD questionnaire. A binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between adherence to Mediterranean-like dietary pattern and GERD and its related symptoms. Results: The results showed that after controlling for potential confounding variables including age, sex, watching TV and computer, and BMI, the adolescents in the highest adherence to the Mediterranean style diet (MedDiet) score had lower odds of GERD [odds ratio (OR)=0.53; 95% CI 0.35–0.80, P_trend=0.005)], sense of reflux (OR=0.45; 95% CI 0.26–0.77, P_trend=0.01) and poor sleep (OR=0.54; 95% CI 0.31–0.96, P_trend=0.02) compared with those in the lowest adherence. No significant association found between MedDiet and other GERD symptoms. Conclusions: This study found a negative relationship between following a MedDiet and having GERD among Iranian adolescents. Following the MedDiet may be a useful strategy to prevent GERD in adolescents.