Table 1_Synergistic effects of Mediterranean diet combined with phytosterol-based supplements and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profiles: a pilot study in menopausal women.docx

ObjectivesMenopause marks the cessation of ovarian function, preceded by perimenopause, a transitional phase characterized by hormonal fluctuations and metabolic changes, including dyslipidemia. Therefore, a targeted nutritional approach is essential. In this retrospective, observational, pilot study, we evaluated the impact of a Mediterranean-based dietary regimen supplemented with specific natural compounds on lipid profiles and body composition in perimenopausal and menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia.
MethodsAn individual dietary plan based on the Mediterranean diet, supplemented with a phytosterol-based formula containing bergamot, prickly pear extract, and vitamin B1, was recommended for each study participant. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was recommended due to its well-documented benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, including elevated lipid levels. Lipid profile, body composition, and anthropometric values were recorded and carefully analyzed.
ResultsOur findings indicated that this combined dietary approach significantly improved lipid profiles, as evidenced by reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides and by an increment in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values. Furthermore, the dietary plan positively impacted overall body composition and morphometric parameters.
ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggest that a personalized, nutritionally targeted approach may be an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors during the menopausal transition and postmenopausal period. Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to confirm these results and explore long-term outcomes.

研究目的：绝经标志着卵巢功能的终止，此前会经历围绝经期（perimenopause）——这一过渡阶段以激素波动及包括血脂异常在内的代谢改变为特征。因此，针对性营养干预手段至关重要。本项回顾性观察预试验，旨在评估添加特定天然复合物的地中海饮食（Mediterranean diet）方案，对合并高胆固醇血症的围绝经期及绝经后女性血脂谱与身体成分的影响。
研究方法：为每位研究对象推荐基于地中海饮食的个性化膳食计划，该计划添加了含佛手柑、仙人掌果提取物及维生素B1的植物甾醇（phytosterol）复合制剂。此外，鉴于ω-3脂肪酸（omega-3 fatty acid）在降低包括血脂升高在内的心血管疾病危险因素方面已有充分研究证据支持，故同时推荐补充ω-3脂肪酸。研究人员记录并细致分析了受试者的血脂谱、身体成分及人体测量学指标。
研究结果：本研究结果显示，该联合膳食干预方案可显著改善受试者血脂谱，具体表现为总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C）及甘油三酯水平降低，高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C）水平升高。此外，该膳食计划对整体身体成分及形态计量学参数亦产生了积极影响。
研究结论：本项初步研究结果表明，个性化靶向营养干预手段，可作为围绝经期及绝经后女性管理心血管与代谢危险因素的有效非药物策略。未来需开展大规模对照研究，以验证本研究结果并探索该干预方案的长期疗效。