University of Copenhagen study finds vegans have lower gut bacterial diversity than omnivores

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers published in Microbiome examined 75 vegans and 75 omnivorous Danes, finding lower average gut bacterial diversity in vegans. The researchers suspect this link stems from lower protein intake, as protein accounted for 12% of vegans' dietary energy versus 17% in omnivores. Vegans consuming higher protein matched omnivore diversity levels. Despite lower diversity, vegans exhibited key health benefits, including lower blood glucose, reduced cholesterol, and fewer inflammatory markers.

Vegan gut bacterial diversity

• ▪The study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that gut bacterial diversity in vegans was unexpectedly lower despite vegans consuming higher amounts of dietary fiber and health-promoting plant compounds.
• ▪A study by University of Copenhagen researchers published in Microbiome examined 75 vegans and 75 omnivorous Danes and found that gut bacterial diversity was, on average, lower among vegans than omnivores.

Protein intake effects

• ▪The study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that vegans who consumed the highest levels of dietary protein had gut bacterial biodiversity levels comparable to those of omnivores.
• ▪In the study by University of Copenhagen researchers, protein accounted for 12 percent of dietary energy among vegans compared to 17 percent among omnivores.

Microbiome ecosystem complexity

• ▪High biodiversity in the gut microbiome serves as a sign of a healthy, resilient ecosystem essential for digestion, metabolism, immune function, and brain health, according to Professor Oluf Borbye Pedersen.
• ▪Researchers from the University of Copenhagen analyzed stool, blood, and urine samples to map gut bacteria, viruses, and signaling molecules in vegans and omnivores.

Vegan metabolic health markers

• ▪The study by University of Copenhagen researchers found vegans had higher levels of fiber-degrading bacteria and a higher prevalence of the organism Blastocystis, which is associated with lower blood pressure.
• ▪The study by University of Copenhagen researchers showed vegans had lower blood glucose levels, lower cholesterol, and fewer inflammatory markers compared to omnivores.

Plant-based protein sources

• ▪Professor Oluf Borbye Pedersen noted that the study is observational and cannot establish whether protein intake directly causes changes in gut bacterial biodiversity.
• ▪Professor Oluf Borbye Pedersen identified beans, lentils, hemp seeds, chia seeds, quinoa, almonds, and nuts as good vegan protein sources to ensure adequate nutrition.