Genes might play a role in determining one's commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified potential genetic factors that may influence a person's choice to follow a vegetarian diet. The study, conducted on participants from the UK Biobank, examined the correlation between genetic predispositions, dietary patterns, and health outcomes.
The study retained 5,324 vegetarians and 329,455 control subjects. By integrating large-scale genetic data with detailed dietary patterns, the researchers were able to explore how adherence to healthy plant-based diets, including strict vegetarianism, impacts both genetic predispositions and health outcomes.
The study used adherence scores to a healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) and an unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) to characterize dietary patterns. Higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet was associated with significant reductions in the risk for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis (8% risk reduction per standard deviation increase in hPDI) and Crohn’s disease (14% risk reduction).
The protective effects of such diets appear partially mediated through reductions in systemic inflammation and improvements in metabolic and liver function. The study suggests that adherence to a healthy plant-based diet might modify the natural history of these diseases, particularly in people with moderate or high genetic risk.
While the exact genetic variants or loci implicated in strict vegetarian diet adherence were not detailed in the study, the linkage between genetic risk profiles and dietary patterns in UK Biobank participants was established. This enables the researchers to conclude that whole-food plant-based diets might exert beneficial effects by interacting with individual genetic risks related to inflammation and metabolism.
However, experts advise caution when interpreting the study's results. The study's findings are not generalizable due to the participants being female, older, healthier, and of high socioeconomic status. Moreover, the study does not show a causational role of the identified genes in determining a vegetarian diet.
Vegetarianism, defined as vegan in the study, which means not eating any animal flesh or product at all, has been practiced for thousands of years for various reasons. However, possible nutrient deficiencies that may occur with a vegetarian diet include low vitamin B12, low iron, low calcium, low omega-3 fatty acids, and inadequate protein intake.
Dr. Amanda Velazquez recommends gradually transitioning if you're considering switching to a meatless diet and suggests including vegetarian protein sources such as beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Jordan Hill, the lead registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, suggests that vegetarian, pescatarian, or omnivorous with small portions of sustainably raised meat are the most health-promoting diets for the majority of people.
Wroe, a nutrition expert, suggests aiming to minimize factory-farmed meat and including grass-fed or pasture-raised meats on a regular basis for the quality nutrients they provide. The World Cancer Research Fund International recommends limiting red meat consumption to three 4- to 6-ounce servings per week.
A vegetarian diet may include more fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants than a non-vegetarian diet. Vegetarians make up less than 5% of the population in the United States. Genetics are only one factor in determining health outcomes.
In conclusion, the UK Biobank study provides valuable insights into the genetic factors associated with vegetarianism and its health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand these factors, the study highlights the potential benefits of adhering to a healthy plant-based diet, particularly for those genetically predisposed to inflammatory bowel diseases.
- The UK Biobank study suggests that adherence to a healthy plant-based diet, such as vegetarianism, might modify the natural history of inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly in people with moderate or high genetic risk.
- Dr. Amanda Velazquez suggests gradually transitioning if you're considering switching to a meatless diet and includes vegetarian protein sources like beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds in her recommendations.
- Jordan Hill, a lead registered dietitian, suggests that vegetarian, pescatarian, or omnivorous with small portions of sustainably raised meat are the most health-promoting diets for the majority of people, emphasizing quality over quantity in meat consumption.
