Vol 14, Issue 2

A Short-Term Paleolithic Dietary Intervention Does Not Alter Adipokines Linked to Adiposity

February 15, 2021 - By 

Authors

Rachel M. Graff, University of Houston
Kristofer Jennings, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Natalie A. Davies, Chatham University
Andres E. Carrillo, Chatham University
Emily C. LaVoy, University of Houston
Edward J. Ryan, Chatham University
Melissa M. Markofski, University of Houston
International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 113-122, 2021.
DOI: 10.70252/AESM3821

Abstract

The Paleolithic diet, characterized by an emphasis on hunter-gatherer type foods accompanied by an exclusion of grains, dairy products, and highly processed food items, is often promoted for weight loss and a reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Specific adipokines, such as adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin are reported to be dysregulated with obesity and may respond favorably to diet-induced fat loss. We aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight-week Paleolithic dietary intervention on circulating adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin in a cohort of physically inactive, but otherwise healthy adults. Methods: Seven inactive adults participated in eight weeks of adherence to the Paleolithic Diet. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric, and body composition data were collected from each participant pre- and post-intervention. Serum adiponectin, omentin, nesfatin, and vaspin were measured. Results: After eight weeks of following the Paleolithic diet, there were reductions (p<0.05) in relative body fat (-4.4%), waist circumference (-5.9 cm), and sum of skinfolds (-36.8 mm). No changes were observed in waist to hip ratio (WHR), or in adiponectin, omentin, and nesfatin (p>0.05), while serum vaspin levels for all participants were undetectable. Conclusions: It is possible that although eight weeks resulted in modest body composition changes, short-term fat loss will not induce changes in adiponectin, omentin, and nesfatin in apparently healthy adults. Larger, long-term intervention studies that examine Paleolithic diet-induced changes across sex, body composition, and in populations with metabolic dysregulation are warranted.

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