A groundbreaking study has recently come to light, suggesting that turning to a vegan diet for a mere eight weeks could potentially reverse ageing indicators.

Adoption of Vegan Lifestyle

Conducted by a team of researchers, the study found that those who adopted a vegan lifestyle experienced notable reductions in their estimated biological age, measured by a biomarker known as DNA methylation.

Dr. Lucia Aronica, a key researcher in the study, explained to BBC Science Focus that DNA methylation and other epigenetic changes essentially act as regulators for our gene activity, either amplifying or diminishing it.

She noted that as we age, the arrangement of methyl groups on our DNA shifts in a way that scientists can monitor to gain insights into the ageing process. Through such analyses, they can estimate a person’s biological age, which might not align with their chronological age.

21 identical twins participation in Vegan diet and other diet

Published in BMC Medicine, this study drew participants from 21 sets of adult identical twins. In each pair, one twin was put on a vegan diet, while the other continued with a diet that included meat, eggs, and dairy.

The experiment spanned eight weeks, during which the participants initially received prepared meals and later prepared their meals after undergoing nutritional training.

Impact of the diets

Researchers analyzed the impact of the diets by measuring DNA methylation levels in blood samples from the participants.

They observed a decrease in epigenetic ageing markers solely among those on the vegan diet, in some instances reducing their biological age by nearly a year.

Furthermore, the vegan diet led to lowered age estimations for several organ systems, such as the heart and liver, amongst others.

Vegan diet- reduction in biological age

On average, the vegan diet participants saw a 0.63-year reduction in biological age. Impressively, the study also found that the rate of ageing decreased, suggesting that with each passing year, the bodies of those in the vegan group aged less than they would normally.

Yet, the study’s authors advise caution when interpreting these findings. Notably, individuals on the vegan diet also experienced an average weight loss of two kilograms more than those on the omnivorous diet. It remains unclear whether the observed anti-ageing effects are due to the diet itself or the associated weight loss.

Vegan diet are responsible for the changes in DNA methylation

Lead author Dr. Varun Dwaraka pointed out the challenges in identifying which specific aspects of the vegan diet are responsible for the changes in DNA methylation, noting that the study aimed to compare the effects of diet types rather than individual nutrients or foods.

While the results are certainly encouraging, the researchers emphasize the necessity for more extensive research to fully understand the long-term impacts of vegan diets on ageing and to differentiate the effects of diet composition from those of weight loss.

Effect of long-term Vegan diet

Other experts in the field, such as Dr. Lifang Hou from Northwestern University, who was not involved in the study, also call for larger follow-up studies.

Dr. Hou expressed interest in further exploration into the effects of long-term adherence to a vegan diet on biological ageing, including what happens when the diet is discontinued.