RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Caloric restriction is the only well-documented nutritional intervention prolonging the life of mammals. This method modifies the lipid levels in blood, controlling obesity and delaying the onset of many medical conditions associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of lipid profile in patients on Mediterranean or CRON (Caloric Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) diets, before and after six weeks of dieting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following parameters were compared: total cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and BMI. Additionally, we measured the levels of insulin, HOMA score, and anthropometric parameters. The comparative analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between mild caloric restriction and blood lipid profile. Results from studies on patients who underwent six-week dietetic intervention indicated statistically significant changes in biochemical parameters due to caloric restrictions. Such changes were not found in subjects following the Mediterranean diet. The greatest decrease in the blood level of triglycerides was found in subjects on the CRON diet, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and total lipid levels also decreased. No significant changes if biochemical parameters were found in patients on the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: A comparative analysis of all parameters demonstrated that the use of mild caloric restrictions with ensured supply of all necessary nutrients seems to be the most effective solution for reducing fatty tissue.