Short-term animal product restriction alters metabolic profiles and modulates immune function

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Abstract

Diet shapes immune function and disease susceptibility, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the immunometabolic effects of short-term dietary restriction of animal products in a unique group of Greek individuals who alternate between omnivory and animal product restriction for religious reasons. We profiled clinical biomarkers and immune parameters during both dietary states, alongside a control group of continuously omnivorous individuals. Dietary restriction was associated with reductions in total and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase, related to improvements in cardiovascular, renal and hepatic function. We also found a striking 73% reduction of normal range C-reactive protein levels. Immune profiling revealed reductions in non-classical monocytes, CD56⁺ Natural Killer cells, and CD8⁺ memory T cells, accompanied by increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, suggesting a shift toward a less inflammatory immune state. Our findings demonstrate that short-term restriction of animal products rapidly improves metabolic and immunological health-related markers and may lower risk of chronic inflammatory disease. These insights highlight the translational potential of short-term dietary interventions in altering health-related risks.

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