The study published Wednesday in PLOS One found that there are four genes associated with how well someone is able to adhere to a vegetarian lifestyle. Several of the genes that the study found to be associated with vegetarianism had to do with metabolizing lipids, Yaseen said. Although this study may not provide a definitive answer, it is an important look into nutrition, he said. “This study shines a light on a relatively under-explored area of research: the genetics behind dietary preferences,” Ordovás said. “The association of genetic variants with long-term strict vegetarianism suggests a biological basis for this dietary choice, beyond just cultural, ethical, or environmental reasons.”

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Persons: ”, Nabeel Yaseen, Yaseen, José Ordovás, Ordovás, ” Yaseen, ” Ordovás, “ Organizations: CNN, PLOS, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Tufts University Locations: Massachusetts