SWAP-MEAT Athlete (study with appetizing plant-food, meat eating alternatives trial) – investigating the impact of three different diets on recreational athletic performance: a randomized crossover trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Plant-based diets are known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health and promote environmental sustainability. However, many athletes avoid plant-based diets due to concerns of protein inadequacy. Objectives To investigate the impact of two predominately plant-based diets—whole food plant-based (WFPB) and plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA)—vs. an omnivorous diet, favoring red meat and poultry (Animal), on endurance and muscular strength. Methods 12 recreational runners and 12 resistance trainers were assigned to three diets—WFPB, PBMA, and Animal—for 4 weeks each, in random order. Primary outcomes for runners (12-minute timed run) and resistance trainers (composite machine strength) were collected at baseline and after diets, along with secondary performance outcomes and dietary data. Results 22 recreational athletes completed the study (age: 26.2 ± 4.4 years; sex: 10 female, 12 male; BMI: 23.1 ± 2.4 kg/m2). Mean differences in 12-minute timed run – WFPB vs. Animal (− 23.4 m; 95% CI: − 107 to 60.0 m) and PBMA vs. Animal (− 2.9 m; 95% CI: − 119 to 113 m) – were not significant. Mean percent differences in composite machine strength – WFPB vs. Animal (− 2.7%; 95% CI: − 5.8 to 0.4% and PBMA vs. Animal (− 0.7%; 95% CI: − 3.5 to 2.2%) – were not significant. Average protein intake for all diets met International Society for Sports Nutrition recommendations. Conclusions Our findings suggest recreational athletes can maintain athletic performance on both an omnivorous diet and two diets that are predominately plant-based. Trial registration NCT05472701. Retrospectively registered.

Keywords

• Plant-based diet
• Whole food plant-based diet
• Plant-based meat alternatives
• Athletic performance
• Sports performance