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The VIIIth International Conference on the Mediterranean Diet brings together world experts in Barcelona

On March 24th and 25th, the FDM held in Barcelona the VIII International Conference on the Mediterranean Diet, within the framework of Alimentaria 2010 and under the Presidency of Honour of Professor Igor de Garine, whose letter to the conference was read at the beginning of the sessions During the two day s of presentations and panel discussions, relevant academics, scientists and institutions from different countries put together the latest advances and discoveries on the benefits of the combination of a balanced diet and the practice of moderate physical activity, both basic elements of this traditional lifestyle shared by the people of the Mediterranean.

The opening of the eighth edition of the Conference reflected the broad support of the institutions to the FDM’s work. In the opening ceremony were present the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Water, Josep Puxeu, the coucillor of Agriculture, Food and Rural Action, Joaquim Llena, the Deputa Mayor for Economic Development of the City of Barcelona, Jordi William Carnes, Josep Lluís Bonet, president of Alimentaria, Lluís Serra-Majem, president of the Mediterranean Diet Foundation and Francisco Sensat, president of the Association for the Development of the Mediterranean Diet.

The Conference was opened with a recorded communication from Geneva by the Director of Public Health and Environment of the WHO, Dr. Maria Neira, in support of the Mediterranean Diet as cultural heritage to be protected, and the presentation of the new food pyramid in words of the FDM President, Dr. Serra, “involves an update by a group of experts of a key tool in nutritional education.”

The papers of the 8 sessions of the Conference revised and updated aspects related to nutrition, food and culture of significant products of the Mediterranean Diet such as cereals, bread, olive oil, nuts, wine, dairy, fish and fruits and vegetables.

The papers that analyzed the Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable resource for the entire Mediterranean and as an acient heritage to transmit to future generations, closed the Conference which brought together a large audience interested in the subject.

Aside from the seven sessions devoted to the main products of the Mediterranean Diet, the first edition of the Practical Workshop on Dietary interviews and Basic Anthropometry, applied to the practice and a wine tasting were held.

Once again, the poster call was a success, with the participation of 35 communications. The winners were:

First place: Vitamina D y cáncer de colon y recto. Estudio de casos y controles. Authors: Marta Banqué Navarro, Blanca Raidó Quintana, Isabel Roman Romera, Andra Juliana Sanabria Uribe, Darío López Gallego,Cristina Masuet Aumatell, Josep Maria Ramon Torrell.

Second place: The Mediterranean dietary pattern and mortality in the EPIC-Spain cohort study. Authors: Genevieve Buckland, Carlos A Gonzalez, Antonio Agudo, Miren Dorronsoro, Aurelio Barricarte, Carmen Navarro, María-José Sanchez and Laudina Rodriguez on behalf of the EPIC group.

Third place: Influence of salt percentage on bread rheological properties. Optimum salt dosage based on sensorial, nutritional and technological criteria. Authors: Zulueta, A., Aja, S., Cervera-Valle, L.

Best communication in the field of culture and anthropology: Alimentos del Mediterráneo, diversidad lingüístico. Authors: Emma Martinell y Mª Teresa Lirio.

For more information:

http://congresodietamediterranea.info

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