A new study suggests that the health benefits of a vegetarian diet may vary based on your genetics.
While many people experience lowered cholesterol and reduced risks of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes from a vegetarian diet, some might not benefit as much, according to researchers.
The study, led by Michael Francis from the University of Georgia, looked at how genetic differences influence a person’s response to nutrients and potential diet-related diseases.
This research is paving the way for personalized nutrition, where diet recommendations are tailored to individual genetic profiles.
Francis, who was a vegetarian for seven years, analyzed data from over 150,000 participants, including 2,300 strict vegetarians.
The study found that most vegetarians had lower cholesterol levels, which is good for heart health.
However, they also had lower Vitamin D levels and higher triglycerides, which could pose health risks.
Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function, while high triglycerides can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study revealed that specific gene variants, called minor alleles, can change how people respond to a vegetarian diet.
For example, a variant of the gene MMAA, related to calcium metabolism, caused some vegetarians to have higher calcium levels, which can improve bone and dental health but also increase the risk of kidney stones and cardiovascular issues.
Additionally, while most vegetarians saw a decrease in testosterone levels, those with another gene variant experienced an increase in testosterone. The study also found a gene variant affecting kidney function. This variant altered the impact of vegetarianism on kidney filtration rates, potentially decreasing kidney function for some people.
Francis emphasizes the importance of understanding these genetic differences to find the best diet for individual needs. He suggests that people with specific nutritional concerns should consider genetic testing to determine if a vegetarian diet is right for them.
This study supports future research in nutrigenetics and clinical trials, helping scientists better understand how diet affects different groups of people.
The research was published in PLOS Genetics and included contributions from Harvard University and the University of Georgia. This groundbreaking work highlights the potential of personalized nutrition to optimize health outcomes based on individual genetic profiles.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity, and the harm of vitamin D deficiency you need to know.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about the connection between potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing why turmeric is a health game-changer.
