During this study, the investigators will evaluate the nutrient intake in both the vegan and the omnivorous diet. The investigators will also measure physiologic markers of health such as lipid levels, HbA1C, heart rate, and weight, and they will also look at the effect of the diets on the microbiota. In addition to measuring the effect of the diet, the investigators will monitor adherence to the diet, and survey participants on the ease/difficulty in following a vegan diet as well as their energy levels and sense of wellbeing. Thus, this study will help us better understand the health impact and feasibility of following a vegan diet. These results will be of much interest to the general public and the health care professionals.
This study is designed to investigate the health impact of a vegan diet compared to a usual, omnivorous diet. The investigators plan to study these diets in twins, where one twin follows a vegan diet and the other twin follows an omnivorous diet, thus the investigators control for genetic differences that might impact the effect of the diet.