The effects of diet types on metabolic parameters, liver and kidney steatosis

The beneficial effects of plant-based diets on health outcomes have been hypothesized in previous studies. This prospective pilot study assessed the effects of plant-based diets on the liver and kidney fat content and metabolic parameters in a group of healthy young individuals. Sixty-one omnivorous participants were divided into three different diet groups which are omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan, and followed for six months. In this process, daily step counts, and daily calorie intakes were followed and dietary compliance was controlled by a nutritionist. Blood pressures were measured at the baseline and the six months, and body composition analyzes were performed to evaluate changes in weight, muscle, and fat. Among the metabolic markers, insulin resistance, serum lipid profile, and liver and kidney function tests were examined. The proton density fat fraction program was used in the magnetic resonance imaging method to examine liver and kidney steatosis changes. At the six-month follow-up, 8 subjects could not complete the study, leaving exclusively 53 patients for data analysis. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of body mass index, fat, and muscle ratio between the baseline and the sixth month. After six months there was a significant decrease in HDL and LDL values in the vegan diet group, no significant change was observed in the vegetarian and omnivorous groups. While a significant decrease was observed in the proton density fat fraction value in the total liver and segment 6 in the vegan diet group compared to the vegetarian and omnivorous groups, no significant difference was found in the other liver segments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed a significant decrease in the vegan group compared to the baseline values in the sixth month, but no significant change was found in the vegetarian and omnivorous groups. This study provides preliminary evidence of improved liver fat content in young adults with a 6-month vegan diet. Although it is seen that a vegan diet has some potential effects for a healthier life, studies with larger cohorts and more extended follow-up periods are needed for a better understanding of these effects.