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A recent study from the Chinese Adolescent Cohort (CAC) highlights the impact of dietary protein sources on puberty timing, revealing that vegetable protein intake is associated with delayed puberty through changes in the gut microbiome.
The study involved 1,826 children aged six to eight, categorized into tertiles based on their dietary protein intake. Those in the highest tertile consumed more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for animal protein, averaging 59.4 grams per day. The researchers found that higher vegetable protein consumption correlated with an increased abundance of specific gut bacteria, including Butyricicoccus, Enterococcus, Dorea, and Romboutsia. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, known for their numerous health benefits, including immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities.
Protein Intake and Microbiome Dynamics
The study also analyzed the relationship between protein intake and puberty timing using three indices: Total Protein-Microbial Index (TPMI), Animal Protein-Microbial Index (APMI), and Vegetable Protein-Microbial Index (VPMI). The highest APMI tertile was linked to earlier puberty, evidenced by earlier menarche in girls and voice breaking in boys. Conversely, the highest VPMI tertile was associated with delayed puberty.
These findings suggest a significant role of the gut microbiome in mediating the effects of dietary protein on puberty timing. Specifically, 15% of the association between animal protein intake and earlier puberty was explained by the APMI, whereas about 40% of the effect of vegetable protein on delayed puberty was attributed to the VPMI.
Metabolic Profiles and Puberty Timing
The study revealed that animal protein is largely digested by digestive enzymes, leaving little for the gut bacteria to process. In contrast, vegetable protein is primarily digested by the gut microbiota, making its digestibility highly dependent on the gut microbiome’s composition.
Children consuming more vegetable protein displayed a distinct metabolic profile compared to those consuming more animal protein. Notably, metabolites such as 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, citric acid, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, and butyric acid were found in higher proportions in those with a vegetable-rich diet. These metabolites, linked to essential metabolic pathways and hormone secretion, positively correlated with delayed puberty.
Butyric acid, in particular, improves blood sugar control, supporting the regulation of pubertal changes. Given that puberty is often associated with higher insulin resistance, these metabolic shifts significantly influence adolescent physiology.
The Role of Soy Protein
In China, soy protein constitutes a major source of vegetable protein and appears to be a key factor in later puberty timing in the study population. The study participants were further classified by soy intake, reinforcing the association between higher dietary soy and delayed puberty.
Conclusions and Dietary Recommendations
The study concludes that habitual intake of different protein sources can influence puberty timing by reshaping the gut microbiome in varied ways. Given the link between high animal protein intake and earlier puberty, the researchers recommend emphasizing vegetable protein consumption during childhood’s transitional years to promote healthier puberty timing.
Journal Reference: Xu, Y., Xiong, J., He, F., et al. (2024). Dietary protein sources, gut microbiome, and puberty timing in children: findings from a cohort study. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. doi:10.1038/s41392-024-01890-5.
