Plant-Based Diets in Professional Athletes: Impact on Inflammatory Biomarkers, Gut Microbiome Diversity, and Muscle Protein Synthesis - A Systematic Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.78.76546

Keywords

athletes, plant-based diet, inflammation, C-reactive protein, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, muscle protein synthesis

Abstract

Background: Plant-based diets are rising in elite sports, but their combined impact on inflammation, the gut microbiome, and muscle growth is poorly integrated.

Objectives: Synthesize evidence on inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers, microbial diversity, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), muscle protein synthesis (MPS), hypertrophy, recovery, and performance in trained athletes.

Methods: Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), acute crossover isotope tracer studies, meta-analyses, observational studies, 16S/metagenomic gut profiling, and metabolomic analyses.

Results:

  • Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Plant diets lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) and urinary F2-isoprostanes; evidence for IL-6 and TNF-α was inconsistent.

  • Gut Microbiome: Fiber- and lentil-rich diets increased SCFA producers and fecal acetate/butyrate, but overall results were too heterogeneous to confirm a performance-enhancing microbial signature.

  • Muscle Anabolism & Performance: Single-source plant proteins showed lower acute MPS than whey, but higher doses, complementary blends, or leucine fortification equalized the response. Long-term training produced equivalent lean mass and strength gains when total protein intake was sufficient.

  • Gaps: Limited data on top-tier professional athletes, women, and strictly vegan cohorts.

Conclusion: Well-planned plant-based diets support high-level athletic performance and recovery provided energy, protein, amino acid distribution, and micronutrients are managed. While anti-inflammatory and gut health benefits are plausible, claims of superior athletic performance remain unproven.

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2026-10-12

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KANADYS, Szymon, SATŁAWSKA, Kamila, GOC, Artur, DRZEWIECKA, Julia, LASKOWSKA, Karolina, JASIELSKA, Lidia, DĄBEK, Karolina, GARBACZ, Katarzyna, WICZUK, Natalia and SIWKO, Michał. Plant-Based Diets in Professional Athletes: Impact on Inflammatory Biomarkers, Gut Microbiome Diversity, and Muscle Protein Synthesis - A Systematic Review. Quality in Sport. Online. 12 October 2026. Vol. 78, p. 76546. [Accessed 16 October 2026]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2026.78.76546.

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Vol. 78 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Szymon Kanadys, Kamila Satławska, Artur Goc, Julia Drzewiecka, Karolina Laskowska, Lidia Jasielska, Karolina Dąbek, Katarzyna Garbacz, Natalia Wiczuk, Michał Siwko

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