Impact of vegan diets on gut microbiota: An update on the clinical implications

Ming‑Wun Wong^a,b, Chih‑Hsun Yi^a, Tso‑Tsai Liu^a, Wei‑Yi Lei^a, Jui‑Sheng Hung^a, Chin‑Lon Lin^c, Shinn‑Zong Lin^d, Chien‑Lin Chen^a*

^aDepartment of Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ^bDepartment of Pharmacology,
Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ^cDepartment of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan, ^dDepartment of Neurosurgery, Bioinnovation Center, Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

Download PDF

Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Abstract
Numerous studies indicate that microbiota plays an important role in human health. Diet is a factor related to microbiota which also influences human health. The relationships between diet, microbiota, and human health are complex. This review focuses on the current literature on vegan diets and their unique impact on gut microbiota. We also report on the health benefits of a vegan diet for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis concerning relevant impacts from gut microbiota. Despite evidence supporting the clinical relevance of vegan gut microbiota to human health, the whole mechanism awaits further investigation.

Keywords: Diet, Microbiota, Vegan