Influence of vegan diet on physical performance of athletes

Abstract

Vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming more and more popular. Vegetarianism is a diet that eliminates all kinds of meat from the diet, including poultry, fish and seafood. Vegans give up on eating not only meat, but also other products of animal origin, the production of which is associated with the exploitation of animals, such as: dairy products (including eggs) and honey. It is not only a diet, but above all a lifestyle that includes many aspects such as not using cosmetics or buying clothes made of animal raw materials, not participating in entertainment in which animals are used. A vegan diet should be properly balanced, because people using it are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, iron, and calcium. The effect of a vegan diet on the growth of muscle mass in athletes, including bodybuilders, has also been observed. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a vegan diet on the results achieved in body sports and to compare this information with non-vegan diets. The work is illustrative. The article is based on a review of the current literature available in the PubMed database, information and research from the Internet and documentary programs.

Influence of the vegan diet on sports performance

“…For example, Patrick Baboumian is considered the strongest Vegan in the world, winning in 2011 the German competition and in 2012 the European title of Powerlifting, also surpassing Guinness records in strength disciplines. This athlete admits that he achieved his best sports results thanks to a Vegan diet (Maziarz et al, 2020). Scott Gordon Jurek, an ultramarathon athlete since 1997 and Vegan since 1999, has numerous achievements and medals.…”

“…Scott Gordon Jurek, an ultramarathon athlete since 1997 and Vegan since 1999, has numerous achievements and medals. Fiona Oakes is a British athlete who holds four marathon world records and claims to be Vegan since she was 6 years old (Maziarz et al, 2020). These are just a few examples of the many world-renowned athletes who are Vegan.…”

Vegetarian Diet among Athletes on Nutrient Adequacy and Performance: Literature Review

“…Vegetarianism is the dietary practice that eliminates meat (including poultry, fish, and seafood) and possibly other animal-derived foods and beverages. Vegetarian diets can be divided into some categories: lacto-ovo vegetarian (with dairy and eggs), Lacto-vegetarian (with dairy), ovo-vegetarian (with eggs), and vegan (void of all animal products) (1,2). Implementing a vegetarian diet may result in a shortage of energy intake or of specific nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, and vitamin B12.…”