Mediterranean diet trend inspires new wave of heart healthy supplements

The market is witnessing activity around supplements inspired by the Mediterranean diet, rooted in the sun-soaked coasts of Southern Europe and often touted for its longevity and overall wellness benefits. The diet is based on fresh unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, which brands are emulating in botanical-based product development.

A key component of the Mediterranean diet’s efficacy lies in its richness in polyphenols, plant-derived antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them, is linked to numerous chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.

“Today, the Mediterranean diet has evolved from a cultural cornerstone to a globally recognized dietary gold standard, influencing the formulation of supplements for heart health, brain function and chronic disease prevention,” says Sam Lubbock-Smith, business development manager at ACI Group, an ingredients distributor keeping eyes on the trend.

Lubbock-Smith says in dietary supplement innovation, the Mediterranean diet’s principles offer a versatile platform for formulating solutions specifically for heart health, active nutrition and longevity.

Trending ingredients

ACI Group spotlights two key Mediterranean-inspired ingredients from its partner Alvinesa, which have been gaining market traction — Hytolive, an olive extract rich in Hydroxytyrosol, and Vintera, a grape extract packed with polyphenols. The ingredients are backed by cardiovascular benefit claims, rich antioxidant profiles and eco-conscious production.

Hytolive reflects the diet’s traditional staple olives. It is an extract approved by the European Food Safety Authority for protecting blood lipids against oxidative stress. It offers potent antioxidant activity and supports cardiovascular health by protecting LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from oxidation —  a critical step in preventing atherosclerosis.

“Extracted using a natural, clean-label process, Hytolive is a concentrated source of Hydroxytyrosol. [It] is non-GMO, halal, kosher and GRAS-certified, making it suitable for diverse consumer needs,” says Lubbock-Smith.

Vintera is derived from grape seeds and skins, and rich in proanthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins. These compounds have been shown to enhance endothelial function for better blood flow and lower blood pressure, while improving HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

“Vintera’s soft water extraction process ensures a high-quality, bioavailable product, free from solvents and rich in natural compounds. These features make it an ideal ingredient for heart health-focused supplements,” notes Lubbock-Smith.

“While olive oil and red wine are iconic emblems of the Mediterranean diet, its benefits extend beyond its best-known components. It emphasises a balanced approach to eating: seasonal produce, regional specialties and mindful consumption.”

A key component of the Mediterranean diet’s efficacy lies in its richness in polyphenols, plant-derived antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.Roots of Mediterranean Diet

Modern interest in the Mediterranean diet can be traced back to the pioneering work of Ancel and Margaret Keys in the 1950s.

“Their Seven Countries Study found that men in the Greek island of Crete had significantly lower rates of cardiovascular disease than their peers in other regions. Researchers attributed this disparity to dietary patterns that emphasized plant-based foods, moderate fish and red wine consumption, and olive oil as a primary fat source,” details Lubbock-Smith.

Further studies including the Lyon Diet Heart Study and the GISSI Prevenzione Trial reinforced these findings. Participants following the Mediterranean diet saw reductions of up to 70% in myocardial infarctions and significant decreases in mortality rates.

In its 15th annual diet evaluation released this month, U.S. News and World Report scored the Mediterranean diet as the “most highly rated” out of 38 diets examined. The 2025 edition evaluated 21 categories and the Mediterranean diet scored the highest across many of these. 

Conversely, mounting evidence supports that diets high in ultra-processed foods raise the risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiometabolic health problems.