You may be selective in what you eat during the holidays. Some animals are less inclusive. For instance, this rat species mainly eats bamboo. An interesting study on diet and cardiovascular risk. This study explored the effects of vitamin B12 (VB12) supplementation on cardiovascular health in the silver star bamboo rat, a species that primarily feeds on bamboo. Bamboo-eating species like bamboo rats, giant pandas, and red pandas are at risk of VB12 deficiency, which can lead to elevated homocysteine levels and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

The researchers first conducted a genome annotation of the bamboo rat to enable evolutionary studies. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that bamboo rats had upregulated genes associated with CVD, indicating higher disease risk compared to carnivorous and omnivorous rodents.

After 60 days of VB12 supplementation, liver transcriptome analysis showed significant improvements in cardiovascular health markers. VB12 led to reduced cholesterol synthesis, enhanced fatty acid metabolism, decreased homocysteine levels, lower LDL-to-HDL ratios, and increased apolipoprotein A-to-apolipoprotein B ratios. These findings suggest that VB12 supplementation can help mitigate CVD risk in bamboo-eating species.

On a related note:
One of the phenomena that is often observed around the holiday season is the rise in cardiovascular-based mortality, commonly referred to as the “Christmas Holiday Effect.” This trend has been observed in the United States and worldwide, including Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Denmark. Despite the festive spirit that surrounds this time of year, research consistently shows that cardiovascular deaths spike between late December and early January.

The numbers are striking. A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that cardiac events increased by 4.2% between December 25 and January 7. One of the earliest hypotheses was that the colder weather experienced in the northern hemisphere during this period might be a major contributor. However, researchers found the same effect in New Zealand, a country experiencing summer during this time. This indicates that other factors beyond climate are at play.
Source: https://www.elliothospital.org/about-us/newsroom/news/holiday-heart-attack-phenomenon-and-how-avoid-it

What will you do to mitigate Christmas-dinner-associated cardiovascular risk?