Research by Rouskas, Bocher et al from the Dimas lab reveals extensive metabolic reprogramming following restriction of animal products with effects on cardiometabolic health.
The Dimas lab, in collaboration with the Institute of Translational Genomics at Helmholtz Munich, investigated metabolomic and proteomic changes in individuals who periodically restrict animal products from their diet for religious reasons, comparing them to continuously omnivorous individuals. Rouskas, Bocher et al revealed that short-term dietary restriction led to significant alterations in plasma lipid and amino acid levels, resulting in metabolic profiles associated with lower mortality risk. Furthermore, the study identified several key proteins with altered abundance upon dietary restriction, some of which are potential drug targets for aging-related diseases. Pro-longevity hormone FGF21, whose levels increased, and seven additional proteins with key immunometabolic roles (FOLR2, SUMF2, HAVCR1, PLA2G1B, OXT, SPP1, HPGDS) were the most affected by dietary restriction. Mendelian randomization analysis suggested causal links between FGF21 and HAVCR1 on risk for type 2 diabetes, of HPGDS on BMI, and of OXT on risk for lacunar stroke, highlighting mostly positive effects of this dietary pattern on health.
Rouskas, K., Bocher, O., Simistiras, A. et al. Periodic dietary restriction of animal products induces metabolic reprogramming in humans with effects on cardiometabolic health. npj Metab Health Dis 3, 14 (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44324-025-00057-2
