A study of vegetarian and meat-eating populations from different countries published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution in March 2016 identified a gene that may provide information about the possible negative effects of a vegetarian diet.

Using data from the 1000 Genomes Project, scientists found a mutation in the FADS2 gene in members of the vegetarian diet. This part of human DNA is responsible for the metabolic process associated with the unsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. An imbalance of this compound in the body leads to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory processes.

Consequently, people with a genotype that does not have a mutation in the FADS2 gene are not recommended to give up meat and fish without dietary adjustments because of the increased risk of disease development.

Approximately 70 percent of people in India are vegetarians, in contrast to 20 percent of people in the United States who are meat-eaters. Such dietary habits in populations are traditionally based and can be traced back for generations. Accordingly, it is not recommended that you drastically change your normal diet without expert advice and a balanced diet that takes into account all the nutrients your body needs. This can lead to serious disorders and increase the risk of disease!