Effects of a short-term intervention with a paleolithic diet in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
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).


CONCLUSIONS
This short-term intervention showed some favourable effects by the diet, but further studies, including control group, are needed.
Osterdahl
M
M
Department of Neurobiology, Center for Family and Community Medicine, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Kocturk
T
T
Koochek
A
A
Wändell
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D005075:Biological Evolution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D012307:Risk Factors; D014675:Vegetables; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates