ABS Audio Newsletter: Twin study suggests that a vegan diet is healthier than an omnivorous one?

Issue 37: Does the data finally prove the health superiority of a vegan diet for cardiometabolic health?

ISSUE 37:

Vegan vs. Omnivorous Diet in a Unique Twins Study

Welcome to the 37th issue of the ABS newsletter! Today we will discuss a recent and very unique study comparing the health impact of a vegan and omnivorous diet. Why is this so interesting; we have had these comparative studies done before. This one is a very special study considering the participants. They were all identical twins. Why is this special and ridiculously helpful for a comparative study design? This is the single best way we have to control for genetic variation, since identical twins have the same genes.

What did this study examine:

• 22 pairs of twins

• 8 weeks

• LDL cholesterol

• Plasma lipid profile

• Glucose

• Insulin levels

• TMAO

• body weight

What were the results for Vegan Diet group (compared to Omnivore group):

• decrease in mean LDL of 13.9mg/dL

• decrease in mean fasting insulin of 2.9 micro IU/mL

• decrease in bodyweight of 1.9kg

• decrease in median fasting HDL, triglycerides, Vitamin B12, glucose, and TMAO

• less diet satisfaction at week 4 and 8

Does this end the debate? Not. So. Fast. These data and cardiometabolic marker improvements make perfect sense when you look deeper at the diet composition.

Key factors:

• Caloric Intake (Vegan ~200kcal less than omnivorous group)

• Fiber intake (Vegan ~1/3 greater fiber intake)

• Saturated Fat Intake (significantly lower in Vegan group; replaced with polyunsaturated)

Check of the full study: here

The outline of our conversation:

1. General intro.

2. Overview of the study.

3. Results favoring the vegan group.

4. Closer look at the dietary intakes.

5. My real takeaways and motivational sendoff!

I greatly appreciate your viewership; catch you all in the comments. Stay tuned for the 38th issue next week!

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