Micronutrient Status of Recreational Runners with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Dietary Patterns

Nutrients

JanPhilipp Schuchardt¹  Josefine Nebl¹  Paulina Wasserfurth¹  Alexander Ströhle¹  Andreas Hahn¹  Julian Eigendorf²  Sven Haufe²  Uwe Tegtbur² 

[1] Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Leibniz University Hannover, 30159 Hannover, Germany;Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;

关键词: vegetarianism;    veganism;    recreational athletes;    nutrient supply;    nutrient status;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu11051146

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Vegetarian diets have gained popularity in sports. However, few data exist on the status of micronutrients and related biomarkers for vegetarian and vegan athletes. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the micronutrient status of omnivorous (OMN, n = 27), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV, n = 26), and vegan (VEG, n = 28) recreational runners. Biomarkers of vitamin B₁₂, folate, vitamin D, and iron were assessed. Additionally, serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were examined. Lifestyle factors and supplement intake were recorded via questionnaires. About 80% of each group showed vitamin B₁₂ adequacy with higher levels in supplement users. Mean red blood cell folate exceeded the reference range (>340 nmol/L) in all three groups (OMN: 2213 ± 444, LOV: 2236 ± 596, and VEG: 2354 ± 639 nmol/L; not significant, n.s.). Furthermore, vitamin D levels were comparable (OMN: 90.6 ± 32.1, LOV: 76.8 ± 33.7, and VEG: 86.2 ± 39.5 nmol/L; n.s.), and we found low prevalence (<20%) of vitamin D inadequacy in all three groups. Less than 30% of each group had depleted iron stores, however, iron deficiency anemia was not found in any subject. Our findings suggest that a well-planned, health-conscious lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diet, including supplements, can meet the athlete’s requirements of vitamin B₁₂, vitamin D and iron.

【 授权许可】

Unknown