Effects of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on the free amino acid composition of wax-stimulated whole human saliva.
The free amino acid composition of whole saliva was determined for nine lacto-ovo-vegetarians and their age- and sex-matched controls. Concentrations of glycine, serine, proline, glutamic acid plus glutamine and delta-aminovaleric acid were significantly higher in the lacto-ovo-vegetarians than in the controls. Elevated proline levels in saliva were associated with increased concentrations of delta-aminovaleric acid and glycine. The results are discussed in terms of increased protein breakdown and/or altered metabolism of salivary microorganisms due to a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet.
D000328:Adult; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003728:Dental Calculus; D003773:Dental Plaque; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
D000596:Amino Acids