The Mediterranean diet and mineral composition

Abstract

Mediterranean diet is a traditional dietetic model whose consumption is associated with beneficial effects on human health. This diet is typically high in fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nut and seeds, food sources rich in minerals. Therefore mineral requirements are probably reached with the consumption of diets based on the Mediterranean dietary patterns. However, it is important to consider not only the contribution of nutrients in the diet but also their bioavailability and absorption. This chapter aims to evaluate the mineral composition of the Mediterranean diet in terms of intake and bioavailability. It is concluded that diets based on Mediterranean dietary patterns have an adequate mineral contribution, and, moreover, bioavailability is improved thanks to the composition of the diet.