Effects of a short-term intervention with a paleolithic diet in healthy volunteers.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the short-term effects of a Paleolithic diet on cardiovascular health markers in healthy volunteers.
Results Summary
The study found significant reductions in weight, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, along with changes in nutrient intake, including both favorable (fat composition, antioxidants) and unfavorable (calcium) effects.
Population
Healthy volunteers (14 completed the study, with dietary data available for 6).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
3 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
paleolithic diet | decrease | mean weight | healthy volunteers | 2.3 kg | decreased | #1 |
paleolithic diet | decrease | body mass index | healthy volunteers | 0.8 | decreased | #2 |
paleolithic diet | decrease | waist circumference | healthy volunteers | 0.5 cm | decreased | #3 |
paleolithic diet | decrease | systolic blood pressure | healthy volunteers | 3 mm Hg | decreased | #4 |
paleolithic diet | decrease | plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 | healthy volunteers | 72% | decreased | #5 |
paleolithic diet | decrease | intake of energy | healthy volunteers | 36% | decreased | #6 |
paleolithic diet | neutral | fat composition | healthy volunteers | - | showed favourable effects | #7 |
paleolithic diet | neutral | antioxidants | healthy volunteers | - | showed favourable effects | #8 |
paleolithic diet | neutral | potassium-sodium rate | healthy volunteers | - | showed favourable effects | #9 |
paleolithic diet | neutral | calcium | healthy volunteers | - | showed unfavourable effects | #10 |
OBJECTIVES: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases by paleolithic or hunter-gatherer diets has been discussed during recent years. METHODS: Our aim was to assess the effect of a paleolithic diet in a pilot study on healthy volunteers during 3 weeks. The intention was to include 20 subjects, of whom 14 fulfilled the study. Complete dietary assessment was available for six subjects. RESULTS: Mean weight decreased by 2.3 kg (P<0.001), body mass index by 0.8 (P<0.001), waist circumference by 0.5 cm (P=0.001), systolic blood pressure by 3 mm Hg (P=0.03) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by 72% (P=0.020). Regarding nutrient intake, intake of energy decreased by 36%, and other effects were also observed, both favourable (fat composition, antioxidants, potassium-sodium rate) and unfavourable (calcium). CONCLUSION: This short-term intervention showed some favourable effects by the diet, but further studies, including control group, are needed.