J Nutr. 1985 May; 115(5): 588-92.

Effects of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on the free amino acid composition of wax-stimulated whole human saliva.

Linkosalo E, Markkanen H, Syrjänen S.

The free amino acid composition of whole saliva was determined for nine lacto-ovo-vegetarians and their age- and sex-matched controls. Concentrations of glycine, serine, proline, glutamic acid plus glutamine and delta-aminovaleric acid were significantly higher in the lacto-ovo-vegetarians than in the controls. Elevated proline levels in saliva were associated with increased concentrations of delta-aminovaleric acid and glycine. The results are discussed in terms of increased protein breakdown and/or altered metabolism of salivary microorganisms due to a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet.