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Vegan Diet's Shocking Liver Impact in Mice
15 Oct
Summary
- Plant-based diets caused decreased liver function and motivation in mice.
- Mice showed less efficient glucose production and ammonia regulation.
- Changes were fully reversible upon returning to an animal-based protein diet.
A University of Geneva study has uncovered potential impacts of exclusively plant-based diets, observed in mice. Researchers found that within just two days, mice switched to a vegan diet displayed less efficient glucose production by their livers and struggled to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting. This physiological change was accompanied by a marked decrease in their spontaneous physical activity.
The study also noted impaired ammonia regulation in the mice on the plant-based diet, linked to reduced production of the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase, which bridges protein and sugar metabolism. These effects, including fatigue and reduced motivation, were fully and rapidly reversible when the mice were returned to a diet containing animal-based proteins, specifically casein from cheese production byproducts.
