Who Is Running in the D-A-CH Countries? An Epidemiological Approach of 2455 Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Recreational Runners—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 1)

Abstract

Accompanied by the growing popularity of distance running, the prevalence of vegan and vegetarian diets in endurance runners has increased across the globe and especially in German-speaking (D-A-CH: Germany, Austria, Switzerland) countries. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the epidemiological characteristics associated with diet types and running behaviors of recreational endurance runners. From a total number of 7422 runners who started to fill in the online survey, 3835 runners completed the questionnaire. After data clearance, 2455 distance runners (mean age: 37 years; 56% females, 44% males) were selected as the final sample and classified as 1162 omnivores (47.4%), 529 vegetarians (21.5%), and 764 vegans (31.1%). Sociodemographic information and general characteristics in training and competition were evaluated using a questionnaire-based approach. A significant association was found between diet type and race distance (p < 0.001). In females, vegan ultra-marathoners and omnivorous half-marathoners had better individual running records among dietary groups. Sex differences in running performance had a minimizing trend with increasing race distance. Most runners reported independent race preparation (90%) over less than four months (73%). From an epidemiological viewpoint, the present findings suggest a central role of plant-based diets in running performance and behaviors among active distance runners in D-A-CH countries and that vegetarian and vegan diets are compatible with competitive running.

Prevalence of vegan/vegetarian diet and eating behavior among Saudi adults and its correlation with body mass index: A cross-sectional study

“…Similar to our study results, a study from Germany also reported a significantly higher proportion female ( p < 0.001) among vegetarians/vegans and were significantly younger than omnivores ( p < 0.001) ( 28 ). These results are in line with most studies that show the same trend for more females being vegetarian than males, regardless of nation/culture ( 6 – 10 , 21 , 26 ). Moreover, there are studies that showed a strong association between red meat consumption and masculinity ( 29 – 32 ).…”

“…It is possible that these participants might have poorly planned their diet due to lack of knowledge about a healthy balanced diet. There are studies which have reported that a well-planned vegan/vegetarian diets can provide nutritional requirements to the individuals who are involved in endurance activities ( 14 , 15 , 21 ). The prevalence of underweight among vegan and vegetarian diet participants is high and need to be addressed through awareness programs on healthy balanced diet especially in colleges and universities as vegan and vegetarian diet adoption is higher among the youth.…”

“…Despite the health benefits of vegetarian diet, adopting a vegan/vegetarian diet may lead to micro-nutrient deficiencies and can result in negative consequences like impaired cognition, muscular pain, neural tube defect, reduced physical performance and endurance ( 19 , 20 ). However studies have reported a well-planned vegan and vegetarian diet is capable to fulfill nutrients needs of an individual and may be beneficial to their health ( 14 , 21 ).…”

Dietary Intake of Vegan and Non-Vegan Endurance Runners—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)

“…Regardless of sex, the health-related dietary patterns found in the vegan runners seem to be associated with a greater health-consciousness of those who follow some kind of vegetarian diet [ 28 ]. Independent of the diet type, however, it has been reported that distance runners rely more on self-designed dietary strategies for training and competition [ 76 ].…”

Sex Differences in Training Behaviors of 10 km to Ultra-Endurance Runners (Part A)—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)

“…In our sample, 96% of participants were from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, suggesting a rather homogenous group in terms of social culture [ 52 ]. Those German-speaking countries are reported to have advanced economies even compared to other western nations, and the results indicate no sex difference in academic qualification, including a predominantly white-caucasian population with high-income levels, high quality of life, and a high life expectancy [ 52 , 53 ].…”