Exercise capacity of vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and omnivorous recreational runners

Abstract

Background In search of the right nutrition for the athlete, numerous nutritional strategies and diets were discussed over time. However, the influence of plant-based diets, especially veganism, on exercise capacity has not been clarified. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare the exercise capacity of vegan (VEG, n = 24), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV, n = 26) and omnivorous (OMN, n = 26) recreational runners. To determine maximal exercise capacity, participants performed an incremental exercise test on a bicycle ergometer until voluntary exhaustion. During the test capillary blood samples were taken at several time points for the measurement of arterial lactate [lac] and glucose [glc] concentrations. To determine nutrient intake, a 24 h dietary recall was conducted. Results The groups showed comparable training habits in terms of training frequency (mean 3.08 ± 0.90 time/wk., p = 0.735), time (mean 2.93 ± 1.34 h/wk., p = 0.079) and running distance (mean 29.5 ± 14.3 km/wk., p = 0.054). Moreover, similar maximum power output (P maxBW ) was observed in all three groups (OMN: 4.15 ± 0.48 W/kg, LOV: 4.20 ± 0.47 W/kg, VEG: 4.16 ± 0.55 W/kg; p = 0.917) and no differences regarding [lac] throughout the exercise test and maximum lactate could be observed between the groups (OMN: 11.3 ± 2.19 mmol/l, LOV: 11.0 ± 2.59 mmol/l, VEG: 11.9 ± 1.98 mmol/l; p = 0.648). Conclusion The data indicate that each examined diet has neither advantages nor disadvantages with regard to exercise capacity. These results suggest that a vegan diet can be a suitable alternative for ambitious recreational runners. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00012377 ). Registered on 28 April 2017

Impact of Nutrition on Short-Term Exercise-Induced Sirtuin Regulation: Vegans Differ from Omnivores and Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians

“…In total, 76 healthy male and female omnivorous (OMN), lacto-ovo vegetarian (LOV), and vegan (VEG) recreational runners aged between 18 and 35 years were included in the study [46]. However, in five subjects no analyses could be performed due to a failure to collect blood or (pre-) analytical errors (Supplementary Figure S1).…”

“…All subjects underwent a sports-medical examination [46]. In addition, a 24 h dietary recall was conducted (food and beverages consumed in the last 24 h, including antioxidants, polyphenols, caffeine, vitamin B 12 ).…”

“…For maximum performance, the body weight-related power output (W/kg BW) and time to exhaustion (s) were determined. The subjects were verbally motivated to ensure that the subjects achieved their maximum performance [46]. Before and after the exercise test (pre and post), venous blood samples were collected, aliquoted immediately, and stored at −80 • C.…”

“…This study is part of a cross-sectional study described previously [44][45][46]. Participants (age 18-35 years) were recruited from the general population in Hannover, Germany, by advertisements.…”

A Comparison of Dietary Protein Digestibility, Based on DIAAS Scoring, in Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Athletes

“…Had these been athletes whose sports require high levels of strength and power (such as weightlifting, football, wrestling), particularly sports that benefit from higher body masses, it is possible that a long-term vegetarian diet might make total and lean body mass accrual (and, consequently, strength development) more challenging. Future work in this area is warranted, as much of the literature relating to vegetarian diets and athletes involves endurance athletes [32][33][34][35].…”