Inflammation and Chronic Disease: The Mediterranean Diet in Precision and Personalized Nutrition

Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) is a shared biological pathway for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and clinical manifestations, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity-related complications, some cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions. Diet is a powerful modulator of inflammatory status. This summary article synthesizes mechanistic and clinical evidence linking LGCI to NCDs, with emphasis on the role of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) and outlines pragmatic prescription guidelines within precision and personalized nutrition bases. Meta-analytic evidence indicates that MedDiet interventions reduce interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β, with a trend toward lower C-reactive protein. The Mediterranean diet promotes beneficial shifts in gut microbiota (gut microbiome) composition, increasing short-chain fatty acid production and supporting epithelial barrier integrity, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, these data endorse the Mediterranean Diet as a primary cardiometabolic protective approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating straightforward, equity-focused strategies to translate biological potential into measurable benefits at the population level.