Effects of leptin on intake of specific micro- and macronutrients in a woman with leptin gene deficiency studied off and on leptin at stable body weight.

In this report, we examine the effects of leptin on the intake of specific macro- and micronutrients in a female patient with leptin gene deficiency. The patient was studied off and on leptin at stable body weight, within the normal to mildly overweight range. The data were obtained by detailed dietary assessments, measuring dietary intakes by weighed food and fluid consumption records, and analyzed using nutrition analysis software. Overall, significant differences were found in the off versus on leptin treatment periods in the following categories: (i) macronutrients: kilocalories, protein, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fats, MFA 18:1 oleic and total fiber; (ii) vitamins: vitamin C, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid; (iii) minerals: potassium, magnesium, copper and chromium; and amino acids: threonine, lysine and histidine. The nutritional data from this study indicates a direct link between the effects of leptin and ingestion of several specific micronutrients. The mechanisms underlying these effects warrant further investigation and study.