University of Geneva study examines liver metabolism in vegan diets

Researchers at the University of Geneva have conducted a study, published in the journal Molecular Metabolism, investigating how a transition to an exclusively plant-based protein diet affects liver function. The study, performed on mice, observed metabolic changes within just two days of the dietary shift.

The mice fed solely on plant proteins showed a reduced ability to produce glucose via gluconeogenesis, a process essential for maintaining blood sugar levels during fasting. Additionally, the researchers noted difficulties in managing ammonia, a byproduct of amino acid metabolism that can become toxic if it accumulates in the body.

The study highlighted the role of the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in these metabolic adjustments. While the mice also exhibited a decrease in spontaneous physical activity, researchers noted that these effects were reversible upon the reintroduction of animal proteins. Experts emphasize that these findings in mice do not prove that a vegan diet causes similar liver issues in humans.