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Vegan runners going for gold
Growing numbers of athletes are going vegan to improve their performance. This study compared the micronutrient status of meat-eating, vegetarian and vegan recreational runners. They looked at levels of vitamins B12 and D, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Results showed little, if any, variation between groups. For example, about 80 per cent of each group were getting enough vitamin B12, with higher levels seen in supplement users. Average values of vitamin D were in the normal range with no discernible differences between any of the dietary groups.
The authors conclude that a well-planned vegan diet, including supplements, can meet an athlete’s requirements. They did, however, caution that athletes adopting a vegan diet should take B12 supplements. This accords with Viva!’s recommendations that all vegans should take a B12 supplement.
Nebl J et al. 2019. Micronutrient Status of Recreational Runners with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Dietary Patterns. Nutrients. 11 (5).
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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