Plant-based Diet in Athletes: A Game Changer or Just a Trend?

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, a plant-based diet is gaining increasing popularity. Guidance on
adopting this diet can be found in scientific literature, as well as through social media and
advertisements promoting a wide range of new products appearing on store shelves. By
reviewing scientific sources, we decided to analyze the principles of a plant-based diet, its
associated benefits, as well as the potential negative aspects of its implementation,
particularly among athletes.
Aim of the study: This review aims to analyse the literature concerning the impact of a plant-
based diet on accomplishments, endurance, and health, especially for athletes.
Materials and methods: The authors conducted an extensive review of available articles on
PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, UpToDate, Google Scholar, and Pubmed databases, using
keywords such as vegan, vegetarian, plant-based,, civilization diseases, healthy lifestyle,
athletes, strength, accomplishments, endurance. Studies accessed between 2016-2024 were
included in this review.
Results and conclusions: A plant-based diet is a valuable option for athletes, offering
benefits such as improved recovery, reduced oxidative stress, and alignment with sustainable
practices. When properly planned to address potential nutrient deficiencies, it can effectively
support athletic performance, including strength and endurance, without compromising
health. Thus, for athletes seeking ethical, health-conscious, or environmentally sustainable
dietary patterns, a plant-based diet is indeed worth considering.