A study published yesterday (1/30/24) in the medical journal “Nature Medicine” and conducted by the National Institutes of Health investigated the rapid and distinct immune system changes in individuals transitioning to either a vegan or ketogenic (keto) diet. The small-scale research monitored participants sequentially adopting both diets for two weeks each, revealing that the vegan diet triggered responses related to innate immunity, while the keto diet prompted adaptive immunity responses. Metabolic changes and shifts in the microbiomes were also noted. The study, conducted by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, observed diverse participants and employed a multi-omics approach. Despite limitations, the findings suggest that nutritional interventions can swiftly impact the immune system, with potential implications for disease prevention or treatment complementation. Further research is required to determine the implications of these changes.
