Chocolate Consumers and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio: A Working Hypothesis from a Preliminary Report of a Pilot Study in Celiac Subjects

Abstract

Background and aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) with habitual consumption of dark chocolate in a group of celiac subjects in which chocolate consumption and lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) association had already been observed. Additionally, due to the known anti-nutrient effect on iron absorption, we evaluated red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) values. Methods: Chocolate consumers and non-consumers were matched for sex, menopausal status, NLR values over the previously suggested cut off (2.32) for celiac patients, and co-morbidities. Results: Chocolate consumers had high LMR compared to non-consumers, whereas no differences were observed between chocolate consumers and non-consumers in RBC, MCV, Hb and PLR. However, similar number of subjects had PLR higher than the previously suggested cut off (143.7) for celiac disease. Conclusions: This preliminary report suggests a working hypothesis for larger studies aimed at establishing cut off values for LMR in celiac patients and the modulation of this marker by dietary antioxidants.

Preoperative Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio as a Predictive Biomarker for Disease Severity and Spinal Fusion Failure in Lumbar Degenerative Diseases Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion

“…Thirdly, LMR may also vary considerably during hospitalization and follow-up depending on age, diet, and other factors. 41,42 This study revealed a borderline positive correlation (p = 0.053) between LMR and albumin, an indicator of nutritional status. Therefore, our future research should be able to detect LMR dynamically rather than just preoperatively.…”

New light on changes in the number and function of blood platelets stimulated by cocoa and its products

“…Another study revealed that four-week consumption of 50 g dark chocolate with low and high flavanols results in no change in blood platelet count in patients with chronic heart failure. Recently, Raguzzini et al (2019) found no differences in blood platelet count between chocolate consumers (1–3 times/week) and non-consumers; however, the authors did not describe the kind of chocolate or its chemical content.…”

Dietary Antioxidants: Micronutrients and Antinutrients in Physiology and Pathology

“…Although, among celiac individuals, chocolate consumers had a higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [11] and a lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [12], two hematological indexes of inflammation [13], while no differences were observed between chocolate consumers and non-consumers in red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, and hemoglobin values [11], a nutrition or health claim should not be made if it is inconsistent with generally accepted nutrition and health principles or if it encourages or condones excessive consumption of any food or disparages good dietary practice [1]. The COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 488/2014 (amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006) as regards maximum levels of cadmium in foodstuffs reported the following: "Chocolate and cocoa powder sold to the final consumer can contain high levels of cadmium and are an important source of human exposure.…”