Vegan Diet May Reduce Biological Age in Just 8 Weeks, Study Finds

A recent study published in BMC Medicine has found that a vegan diet may be linked to a reduction in biological age. The research, conducted by TruDiagnostic Inc. and Christopher Gardner of Stanford University, involved 21 pairs of identical twins, with one twin from each pair following a vegan diet while the other maintained an omnivorous diet. After eight weeks, those on the vegan diet showed reductions in biological age estimations, which were measured through DNA methylation levels—a chemical modification of DNA used to estimate biological age. Decreases were observed in the ages of the heart, hormone, liver, and inflammatory and metabolic systems among the vegan participants.

The study also noted that participants on the vegan diet lost an average of two kilograms more than those on the omnivorous diet, consuming 200 fewer calories per meal. These changes were not observed in those whose diet included meat, eggs, and dairy. While the findings suggest potential benefits of a vegan diet in reducing biological age, experts caution that long-term adherence to a vegan diet may result in nutritional deficiencies and may not be suitable for all age groups. Further research is recommended to explore the relationship between dietary composition, weight loss, and aging.