Going vegan can take a toll on your body much faster than you imagine. Indeed, according to a study conducted by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and published in the journal “Molecular Metabolism”, it would only take a few days without animal proteins to modify the functioning of the liver. And it could even have repercussions on physical abilities.
How did the Geneva researchers reach this conclusion? They compared two groups of mice. The first was fed a diet consisting of animal and plant proteins, while the second received only plant proteins.
And the least we can say is that the results were quick. After just two days, mice fed an exclusively plant-based diet had more difficulty producing glucose, a sugar essential for the proper functioning of the body.
That’s not all. Their livers were also less effective in eliminating ammonia, a toxic substance produced when proteins break down. The researchers also noted a drop in their physical activity.
An easily reversible phenomenon
Why such changes? Scientists have identified a liver enzyme, called GDH, that plays an important role in processing proteins and regulating blood sugar levels.
Good news however, these changes are not irreversible. “The body adjusts within one to two days to variations, even subtle ones, in the composition of the diet and returns to normal when animal proteins are reintroduced,” explains Pierre Maechler, full professor in the Department of Cellular Physiology and Metabolism as well as at the Diabetes Center of the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine.
These results highlight the liver’s ability to quickly adapt to dietary changes. They also point out that a strict vegan diet requires special attention to nutritional intake.
Researchers recommend in particular varying the sources of plant proteins and favoring foods rich in branched amino acids, such as tofu, lentils or nuts. An appropriate intake of vitamins also remains important.
