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

• Main Authors: Josefine Nebl, Jan Philipp Schuchardt, Alexander Ströhle, Paulina Wasserfurth, Sven Haufe, Julian Eigendorf, Uwe Tegtbur, Andreas Hahn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: vegetarianism; veganism; recreational athletes; nutrient supply; nutrient status
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1146

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, <i>n</i> = 27), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV, <i>n</i> = 26), and vegan (VEG, <i>n</i> = 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 (&gt;340 nmol/L) in all three groups (OMN: 2213 &#177; 444, LOV: 2236 &#177; 596, and VEG: 2354 &#177; 639 nmol/L; not significant, n.s.). Furthermore, vitamin D levels were comparable (OMN: 90.6 &#177; 32.1, LOV: 76.8 &#177; 33.7, and VEG: 86.2 &#177; 39.5 nmol/L; n.s.), and we found low prevalence (&lt;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&#8217;s requirements of vitamin B₁₂, vitamin D and iron.