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Can going vegan reverse aging? Study says yes!


A new study suggests that a short-term vegan diet may lead to reductions in biological age, as measured through DNA methylation.

WEB DESK: A new study suggests that a short-term vegan diet may lead to reductions in biological age, as measured through DNA methylation.

The research was conducted by Stanford University and TruDiagnostic Inc. It involved 21 pairs of identical twins. One twin from each pair followed a vegan diet for eight weeks, while the other adhered to an omnivorous diet.

Read more: Study: Cutting daily sugar can reverse biological age

The study found that participants on the vegan diet experienced decreases in their estimated biological age, which is derived from DNA methylation levels—a process that involves chemical modifications of DNA that affect gene expression.

The decrease was observed in several biological systems including the heart, hormone regulation, liver, and inflammatory and metabolic systems.

In contrast, no similar reductions in biological age were observed in the twins who maintained an omnivorous diet.

Those on the vegan diet also lost an average of two kilograms more than their omnivorous counterparts, attributed to a daily intake of approximately 200 fewer calories during the initial four weeks of the study.

Researchers conceded that while the vegan diet appeared to reduce biological age markers, the observed weight loss and calorie reduction might have contributed to these results. The study’s short duration and limited sample size also raised concerns.

Long-term effects of a vegan diet on biological aging and overall health remain uncertain.

The findings suggest that increased vegetable, fruit, legume, nut, and seed intake associated with a plant-based diet could play a role in reducing biological age. However, experts note that the study’s short timeframe and unaccounted factors such as potential nutritional deficiencies warrant further investigation.

Tom Sanders, Professor Emeritus of Nutrition and Dietetics at King’s College London, pointed out that while the study indicates potential benefits, it does not address long-term nutritional adequacy of a vegan diet.

He raised concerns about vitamin B12 and calcium deficiencies, which are vital for maintaining healthy blood, nervous systems, and bone density. Sanders noted that long-term vegan diets may lead to adverse health effects, particularly in older adults.

Read more: New research shows blocking a protein slows aging in mice

While the study provides intriguing insights into the potential effects of a vegan diet on biological age, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications and nutritional balance required for maintaining overall health.

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