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New Clinical Trial Tests an Indian-Adapted Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health
The challenge: adapting a proven, plant-based diet for a South Asian population.
A new randomized controlled trial will test whether a version of the Mediterranean diet, tailored with Indian ingredients and spices, can reduce dietary inflammation and improve cardiometabolic health in South Asians living with or at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).
Study Design
This single-center, open-label trial will enroll 140 adults. Participants have either stable CAD or a moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk (scoring ≥10 on the INTERHEART risk score). The average participant is 51.9 years old, 79% are male, and 81% already have a CAD diagnosis.
Intervention
For six months, participants will follow either an Indian-Adapted Mediterranean Diet (IAMD) or receive standard dietary advice.
Primary Outcome
The main goal is to measure the change in the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) , both total and energy-adjusted.
Secondary & Exploratory Outcomes
Researchers will also track:
- Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, interleukins)
- Cardiometabolic markers (blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipids, uric acid, fatty acids)
- Anthropometric measures (BMI)
- Exploratory markers: adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, resistin, and GLP-1
How the Diet Was Adapted
Instead of olive oil, the IAMD uses Indian alternatives like mustard oil and groundnut oil. The diet emphasizes whole grains, legumes, seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts, and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and ginger. It strictly limits refined carbohydrates, red meat, and processed foods. Meal plans are individualized based on each participant’s caloric needs, BMI, comorbidities, and personal preferences.
Study Limitations
The trial’s open-label design and reliance on self-reported dietary intake are noted limitations. As a single-center study with limited statistical power for clinical endpoints, long-term adherence also remains uncertain.
Publication
The protocol for this trial is published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders.