The Proof with Simon Hill Vegan vs Omnivore twins study | Christopher Gardner, PhD
Episode #312. Vegan vs. omnivore: learn about the Netflix documentary “You Are What You Eat” and the associated twin study with lead researcher, Christopher Gardner PhD. You’ll learn about why Dr Gardner designed the study the way he did, unpack some key findings, and hear his response to criticisms.
From publication, this study gained major media attention that was only amplified by the release of “You Are What You Eat”. With popularity comes criticism, in this case from some big names in online nutrition spaces. Hear the truth about the controversy surrounding this study and documentary, straight from the source.
Specifically, we discuss:
- Intro (00:00)
- Introduction and background on Christopher Gardner's recent twin study (01:36)
- Navigating the Challenges of Science Communication and Critique (08:28)
- Introduction to the Twin Study and Its Unique Design (16:36)
- The Role of Identical Twins and Defining Plant-Based vs. Omnivorous Diets (22:45)
- Dietary Patterns and Health Outcomes: The Vegan and Omnivorous Diets (27:25)
- Diet Satisfaction and Adherence in Nutritional Studies (36:34)
- The Science of Study Design: Primary vs. Secondary Outcomes (42:05)
- Responding to critiques on calorie differences (51:58)
- Cardiometabolic Markers and Diet: A Deep Dive (55:17)
- Twin Nutrition Study Deep Dive: Lipid Markers, Cardiovascular Risk, and the Impact of Diet (01:00:13)
- Responding to Critiques (Peter Attia): The Complexity of Diet Studies (01:14:07)
- Addressing Critique of Mark Hyman (01:29:24)
- Funding from Beyond Meat and other organisations (01:38:55)
- Teaching about sustainability and stealth nutrition - Nina Teicholz critique (01:44:29)
- Is Plant-Based Diet good for the environmental health? (01:48:00)
- Reflecting on critiques and potential improvements to the study (01:53:47)
- Personal experience with the Netflix documentary (01:55:45)
- Outro (01:57:54)
Connect with Professor Christopher Gardner on Twitter/X and Instagram. Head to https://nutrition.stanford.edu/ for more resources and studies, and the Stanford Nutrition YouTube channel for more videos. Listen to past episodes featuring Professor Gardner here.
This episode is brought to you by:
InsideTracker
If you want to improve your health, you need to measure where you’re currently at. InsideTracker analyses up to 48 blood biomarkers including ApoB, LDL, HDL, A1C, and more before giving you advice to optimise your health. Get a 20% discount on your first order at insidetracker.com/simon.
Sun Home Saunas
Invest in your body and mind with Sun Home Saunas, pioneers in crafting premium saunas and cold plunges. Safe, effective, research-backed wellness tools to improve cardiovascular health, offer psychological benefits, and reduce muscle soreness. Head to sunhomesaunas.com/theproof for $300 off your purchase.
Momentous
My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 36% off subscriptions, and 20% off one-off purchases, by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at livemomentous.com
Eimele
Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Head to Eimele.com and use code SIMON at checkout for 10% off your first order.
38TERA
Consider 38TERA's DMN-01 prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill
Author of The Proof is in the Plants
Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide
Download my complimentary Two-Week Meal Plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book