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

Abstract

Objectives: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases by paleolithic or hunterer-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 0.5cm (P=0.001), systolic blood pressure by 3mm 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.