Growth and Longevity of Rats Fed Omnivorous and Vegetarian Diets

Abstract

The growth of rats fed omnivorous and vegetarian diets was observed during 2 longevity studies and during additional short-term studies. Two of 9 male Wistar rats attained weights of 870 and 890 gm, respectively, on an omnivorous diet including about 35% protein (chiefly meat protein) and 28% fat. Rats fed purely vegetarian diets were stunted in growth. Rats fed an omnivorous diet lived significantly longer than rats fed a vegetarian diet. Moreover, the life span was more uniformly prolonged by the intermittent fasting of rats fed an omnivorous diet than in rats fed a vegetarian diet.