Harvard Medical Student Shares Surprising Results After Switching To A Vegan Diet

It is often thought that eating a vegetarian or vegan diet can be highly beneficial for our overall health. However, when Nick Norwitz changed his own diet for an experiment, his results were quite different from what one might expect.

While plant-based diets have been celebrated for their health benefits, Nick had the opposite experience. In fact, the 25-year-old discovered that his low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol spiked when he switched to a vegan diet.

Doctors say that an increase in LDL, which is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol,' can result in health problems when present in high amounts. Nick began his experiment by eating an "almost entirely carnivore" diet before switching to a "full vegan keto diet."

The diet was based around tofu, vegan protein powder, and green vegetables. Nick also included some macadamia nut butter and dark chocolate.

Most of Nick's fat consumption came from oils, including macadamia oil, toasted sesame oil, and extra virgin olive oil. However, the extreme diet didn't agree with the Harvard student.

"Honestly, my stomach got pretty upset on the vegan diet," Norwitz explained. "That's just me and my biology and microbiome."

"Despite eating less total fat, less saturated fat, more fiber, and zero cholesterol on the vegan diet, my total LDL cholesterol actually went up," Nick added. "Analyses have shown that leaner populations with BMIs less than 25 see increases in LDL," he said.

It turns out Nick consumed significantly fewer calories on the carnivore keto diet than he did on the vegan keto diet—around 1,400 fewer—which is the driving force behind the rise in his cholesterol.

"The leaner the person is, the higher their LDL goes up, all things being equal," Nick said. "While I don't adhere to the theory that calories cause obesity, that doesn't mean calories don't matter," he added.

While consuming the vegan diet, Nick lost 4.2 pounds. He believes the weight loss is the reason for the LDL spike.

Nick also noted that earlier studies have shown there is an "inverse association" between a person's BMI and their LDL cholesterol levels while consuming a low-carb diet. He explained that there is a scientific link between lower BMI and higher LDL cholesterol.

Nick says he has always had a passion for sharing his interest in science. He wants people to "vaccinate themselves with curiosity."

Nick Norwitz discovered that his low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol spiked when he switched to a vegan diet.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

"Despite eating less total fat, less saturated fat, more fiber, and zero cholesterol on the vegan diet, my total LDL cholesterol actually went up."

Nick Norwitz

Nick also noted that earlier studies have shown there is an "inverse association" between a person's BMI and their LDL cholesterol levels while consuming a low-carb diet.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

Navigating Dietary Changes

Dr. John McDougall, a noted physician and nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. He suggests that individuals should be mindful of nutrient intake, particularly vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are often lower in plant-based diets.

To mitigate adverse effects like those experienced by Nick Norwitz, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist during dietary changes. Incorporating fortified foods or supplements can help maintain essential nutrient levels, ensuring a smoother transition to veganism.

According to Dr. David Perlmutter, a well-respected neurologist, dietary changes can significantly influence cholesterol levels. He points out that while some may see benefits from a vegan diet, others might experience spikes in LDL cholesterol due to increased carbohydrate intake from processed plant-based foods.

This highlights the need for a personalized approach to diet, where individuals assess how their bodies respond to different food types. Keeping a food diary can help track these changes and inform future dietary choices.

The Harvard student broke down the macronutrients he was consuming.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

Nick explained there is a scientific link between lower BMI and higher LDL cholesterol.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

Of course, many other factors can contribute to an increase in bad cholesterol. Cardiologist Dr. Bradley Serwer says, "Changing diets suddenly can disrupt your body's physiology and cause fluctuations in cholesterol levels."

"It's important to stay away from highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates (sugar), which are common in many vegan items," he explained. Genetics also play a significant role in the way a person metabolizes cholesterol.

If you're keen on trying a vegan diet, Dr. Serwer has some valuable advice. He says it's important to "increase soluble fiber, focus on whole foods, which are minimally processed, and incorporate healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil into your diet."

As reflected in Nick Norwitz's experience, transitioning to a vegan diet doesn't guarantee improved health outcomes for everyone. Experts like Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn advocate for a whole-food, plant-based approach, emphasizing nutrient density over mere food category.

Incorporating a range of whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables can not only support health but also help stabilize cholesterol levels. For those who struggle with dietary changes, working closely with a nutritionist can offer tailored strategies to achieve a healthier balance.