EFFECTS OF VEGETARIAN DIET ON LIPID PROFILE AND SERUM LEPTIN CONCENTRATION IN MALE SUBJECTS

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the influence of vegetarian diet on lipid profile and serum levels of leptin among vegetarian males. Methods: 93 males (age 16-78 years) with duration of vegetarian diet ranged 5-65 years, were screened for lipid profile and serum Leptin concentration and 86 non-vegetarian men (age 17-72 years) were control group. Results: The vegetarian group had lower serum total cholestrol (4.05 ± 0.92 vs 5.21 ± 1.21 mmol/l, p<0.01), lower LDL.C (2.07 ± 0.72 vs 3.39 ± 1.09 mmol/l, p<0.01), lower non-HDL.C (2.88 ± 0.96 vs 4.04 ±118 mmol/l, p<0.01), lower TC/HDL.C ratio (3.62 ± 1.18 vs 4.67 ± 1.33, p<0.01), and lower LDL.C/ HDL.C ratio (1.86 ± 0.81 vs 3.06 ± 1.15, p<0.05), respectively. Between the vegetarian and non-vegetarian men, there were no differences in TG (1.81 ± 1.04 vs 2.03 ± 1.16 mmol/l, p >0.05), in HDL.C (1.17 ± 0.25 vs 1.17 ± 0.31 mmol/l, p >0.05), and in TG/HDL.C (1.71 ± 1.26 vs 1.88 ± 1.25, p >0.05), respectively. Compared to male non-vegetarian group, the male vegetarian group had lower serum concentration of leptin (1.46± 1.48 vs 3.16 ±2.95 ng/ml, p < 0.01). Conclusions: A decrease in lipid profile was associated with vegetarian diet. However, long-term vegetarian diet could cause hypoleptinemia in male veretarians. Key words: vegetarian diet, serum leptin concentration, lipid profile