Plant-Based Diets in Sports Nutrition and Performance
A topical collection in Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This collection belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".
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Editors
Prof. Dr. D. Enette Larson-Meyer
Prof. Dr. D. Enette Larson-Meyer
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Website
Collection Editor
Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Interests: iodine; vitamin D; macronutrients in athletic populations; energy expenditure; disease prevention (exercise and plant-based diets); nutrition assessment
Dr. Heidi Lynch
Dr. Heidi Lynch
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Website
Collection Editor
Department of Kinesiology, College of Health Sciences, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Interests: plant-based diets; environmental nutrition; vegetarian diets and exercise performance
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plant-based diets provide well-established physical and environmental health benefits including aiding in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. In addition to health benefits, a plant-based diet may provide performance-enhancing effects for various types of exercise due to high carbohydrate levels and the high concentration of antioxidants and phytochemicals typically found in a plant-based diet.
The aim of this Collection “Plant-Based Diets in Sports Nutrition and Performance” is to summarize the current state of the research concerning the implications of a plant-based diet for health and exercise performance. This includes research addressing protein and micronutrient adequacy, dietary fat and nutrition education of plant-based athletes. Contributions may include original articles and reviews on plant-based dietary patterns and their hypothesised ability to modulate sport and exercise performance, and sport supplements that could interest plant-based athletes.
Prof. Dr. D. Enette Larson-Meyer
Dr. Heidi Lynch
Collection Editors
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Keywords
- plant-based diets
- sports nutrition
- exercise
- protein
- athletic performance
- vegetarian
- vegan
- health
- micronutrients
- phytochemicals
Published Papers (2 papers)
Open AccessArticle
The Effect of an 8-Week Vegan Diet on the Nutritional Status and Performance of Semi-Professional Soccer Players—Results of the VegInSoc Study
by
Josefine Nebl, Pauline Bruns, Meike Meier, Frank Mayer, Martin Smollich and Markus Keller
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although there is an increasing interest among athletes in adopting plant-based diets, there is insufficient research available to determine how a vegan diet affects soccer performance. Methods: This interventional pilot study examined the effect of an 8-week vegan diet (VEG, n =
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Background/Objectives: Although there is an increasing interest among athletes in adopting plant-based diets, there is insufficient research available to determine how a vegan diet affects soccer performance. Methods: This interventional pilot study examined the effect of an 8-week vegan diet (VEG, n = 10) on nutritional status and athletic performance in semi-professional soccer players compared to controls (CON, n = 8). The study employed a controlled, non-randomized, longitudinal pilot study design during the season to compare the two groups. Results: Both groups displayed overall differences in nutrient intake, including insufficient energy and carbohydrates (t2: 46.2 [40.3–52.2] En% (VEG) vs. 37.6 [34.1–41.1] En% (CON);
p = 0.036, Cohen’s
d = 1.321). Notably, biochemical parameters 25(OH)D and ferritin levels fell within the normal ranges for both groups. The VEG group exhibited favorable changes in total and LDL cholesterol levels. Both groups had increased performances on the treadmill over the entire course of the study (VEG: +0.87 km/h (6.6%); CON: +0.96 km/h (7%);
p > 0.05). The initial relative VO
2max at t0 was comparable between the groups. Primarily due to the significant weight loss in the VEG group (−1.94 kg,
p = 0.007) rather than a change in absolute VO
2max values, we found an increased relative VO
2max in the VEG group, which was significantly different from that of the CON group (57.0 [53.7–60.3] mL/kg/min (VEG) vs. 51.6 [48.1–55.0] mL/kg/min (CON);
p = 0.041, Cohen’s
d = 1.675). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a short-term vegan diet does not adversely affect training-induced performance improvements and may be suitable for semi-professional soccer players.
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Open AccessArticle
Completely Plant-Based Diets That Meet Energy Requirements for Resistance Training Can Supply Enough Protein and Leucine to Maximize Hypertrophy and Strength in Male Bodybuilders: A Modeling Study
by
David M. Goldman, Cassandra B. Warbeck and Micaela C. Karlsen
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Abstract
Despite increasing awareness of plant-based diets for health and athletic performance, athletes are cautioned that careful dietary monitoring is necessary. Whether commonly consumed plant-based diets are nutritionally adequate for maximal muscular hypertrophy remains unknown. This modeling study assessed the nutrient composition of completely
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Despite increasing awareness of plant-based diets for health and athletic performance, athletes are cautioned that careful dietary monitoring is necessary. Whether commonly consumed plant-based diets are nutritionally adequate for maximal muscular hypertrophy remains unknown. This modeling study assessed the nutrient composition of completely plant-based diets scaled to the caloric demands of maximal muscle mass and strength development in adult male bodybuilders. To model calorie requirements, anthropometric data from bodybuilders were input into the Tinsley resting metabolic rate prediction equation, and an appropriate physical activity factor and calorie surplus were applied. Dietary data from a large cohort following completely plant-based diets were then scaled to meet these needs. Modeled intakes for nutrients of interest were calculated as 1.8 g/kg/day of protein and 2.75 g/meal of leucine, which surpass mean requirements for maximal increases in muscle mass and strength and muscle protein synthesis, respectively. Daily levels for all micronutrients, except vitamin D, also exceeded requirements. Saturated fat levels were aligned with dietary guidelines, although sodium levels exceeded recommended limits. Consumption of larger portions of commonplace plant-based diets, scaled to meet the energy demands of maximal accrual of muscle mass and strength, satisfied protein and leucine requirements without the need for additional planning.
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