Evaluation of Dietary Patterns and All-Cause Mortality

Key Points Question What is the association between dietary patterns consumed and all-cause mortality? Findings In this systematic review of 1 randomized clinical trial and 152 observational studies on dietary patterns and all-cause mortality, evidence demonstrated that dietary patterns characterized by increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, unsaturated vegetable oils, fish, and lean meat or poultry (when meat was included) among adults and older adults were associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality. These healthy patterns consisted of relatively low intake of red and processed meat, high-fat dairy, and refined carbohydrates or sweets. Meaning This review found that a dietary pattern with nutrient-dense foods was associated with reduced risk of death from all causes.