Giving up animal-derived food for several weeks can speed up human metabolism by altering gene function, according to research published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
Researchers identified the simple strategy for metabolic acceleration after tracking interactions between genes and diet across two trial groups of about 200 participants each. One group alternated between an omnivorous diet and restricting animal products, while the second group consistently consumed animal-based foods.
The trial revealed that temporarily stopping the consumption of meat and other animal products triggers measurable changes in gene activity and metabolic processes. Metabolism encompasses the cellular biochemical pathways that convert nutrients into energy to sustain life.
Role of FGF21 and cholesterol adjustment
Scientists highlighted a key role for fibroblast growth factor 21, known as FGF21, a protein that helps regulate energy balance in the body. When dietary cholesterol intake drops during animal food restriction, the body begins adjusting its internal cholesterol production processes to compensate. Cholesterol is an essential lipid synthesized by the liver and absorbed from dietary sources.
The researchers noted that there is no direct link between avoiding animal-derived foods and protection against obesity. However, they emphasized that the findings allowed them to observe a close, interactive connection between daily nutrition and genetics.
Scientific publication and broader research
Nature Communications is a peer-reviewed open-access journal published by Nature Portfolio that covers multidisciplinary research across the natural sciences. The publication of the trial underscores growing scientific interest in nutrigenomics, the study of how nutrients interact with human genes to influence metabolic regulation.
Previous research on coffee and metabolism
The report follows earlier health research from specialists at the University of Oulu, a public research university located in Oulu, Finland. Those researchers previously linked regular coffee consumption to a healthier body composition and distinct hormonal background characteristics in both men and women.
