In our new publication out in the npj metabolic health and disease journal is titled , “Periodic dietary restriction of animal products induces metabolic reprogramming in humans with effects on cardiometabolic health.” In the article, we demonstrate that short-term, periodic abstention from animal products—such as during religious fasting—can significantly reprogram human metabolism. Using plasma metabolomic and proteomic profiling, we observed reductions in lipid levels and branched-chain amino acids, changes not seen in a control group. These metabolic shifts are associated with improved cardiometabolic health and a lower risk of all-cause mortality.

Importantly, we identified that 23% of the proteins altered by this dietary pattern are druggable targets. Among the most affected were FGF21, HAVCR1, and OXT, which are linked to reduced risks of type-2 diabetes, obesity, and stroke, as supported by Mendelian randomization analysis. These findings suggest that even short-term dietary interventions can yield substantial health benefits and highlight promising targets for future therapeutic strategies.