A recent study has hinted at a possible link between following a vegan diet and slowed aging. The research, conducted on 21 pairs of identical twins, observed changes in DNA methylation patterns – chemical tags that affect gene expression – in those who adopted a vegan diet for eight weeks.
The study design involved one twin in each pair following a vegan diet, while the other maintained an omnivorous diet. This approach allowed researchers to isolate the influence of diet on aging markers, given the twins’ shared genetics. The twins, averaging around 40 years old, primarily women, consumed researcher-prepared meals for the first month, followed by self-prepared meals after receiving nutrition classes.
The researchers analyzed blood samples taken before, during, and after the dietary intervention, focusing on DNA methylation changes. They observed a significant reduction in methylation levels in the vegan group, compared to their omnivorous counterparts. These changes were linked to “younger” scores for organs like the heart and liver, as well as improved indicators for inflammation and metabolism.
While these findings suggest potential anti-aging effects of a vegan diet, experts emphasize the need for caution due to the study’s limitations. The two-month duration raises concerns about the long-term impact of these epigenetic changes. Additionally, the vegan group experienced a greater weight loss due to lower calorie intake, which could have contributed to the observed methylation changes.
Future research is needed to determine whether the observed effects are sustained over longer periods and whether they are independent of calorie restriction. Further investigations could also explore the impact of other diets, such as keto or paleo, on epigenetic aging markers.
Despite the need for further study, this research highlights the potential role of epigenetics in understanding the relationship between diet and aging. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, including dietary modifications, for promoting longevity and healthspan.
