The impact of nutrition on the development and progression of peripheral artery disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: This systematic review sought to identify and summarize existing evidence for the impact of nutrition on the development, progression, and outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search of available studies published between January 1974 and December 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), observational studies, and cross-sectional studies reporting either the primary or secondary prevention of PAD with nutritional intake were included. The quality assessment was performed for the RCTs, without pooling a meta-risk estimate.

RESULTS

Among a total of 8502 records screened, 186 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 82 studies (30% RCT) were analyzed. The nutrients were structured in fruits, vegetables and antioxidants, fats and oils, dietary fiber, meat, proteins, vitamins and trace elements, and diets and lifestyle. The findings of the current systematic review indicate that the Mediterranean diet, nuts, and polyunsaturated fat are associated with a lower incidence of PAD and saturated fat, cholesterol, and processed meat were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular events in patients suffering from PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review found evidence of a beneficial impact of the Mediterranean diet including nuts in this target population. More RCTs and high-quality registries are needed that focus on nutritional habits among patients with PAD to design appropriate preventive programs.