Background: The possible consequences of a fasting-mimicking schedule on certain immune constituents or haematological variables have not been extensively documented. Aim: To analyze the effect of an intervention based on Mediterranean diet, with a 5-day semi-fast, on immunology biomarkers in overweight type II (BMI >27) or obesity (BMI >30) people. Methods: During 6 weeks, levels of immune biomarkers (leukocytes, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils) and haematological factors (hematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cells, RDW, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, MPV, PDW) were monitored in 44 overweight type II or obesity subjects, aged 30 to 65 years. Results: Leukocytes were significantly decreased (p=0.033) during semifasting in comparison with non-semi-fasting, while monocytes only decreased significantly (p=0.006) in the non-semi-fasting group. Lymphocytes were significantly (p < 0.01) increased after semi-fasting. No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found for granulocytes. No differences were observed between both groups for haematological parameters. Conclusion: Therapeutic fasting may provide substantial benefit for reducing clinical risk; however further research is needed.
