The Effect of an 8-Week Vegan Diet on the Nutritional Status and Performance of Semi-Professional Soccer Players-Results of the VegInSoc Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Although there is an increasing interest among athletes in adopting plant-based diets, there is insufficient research available to determine how a vegan diet affects soccer performance.

Methods

This interventional pilot study examined the effect of an 8-week vegan diet (VEG, n = 10) on nutritional status and athletic performance in semi-professional soccer players compared to controls (CON, n = 8). The study employed a controlled, non-randomized, longitudinal pilot study design during the season to compare the two groups.

Results

Both groups displayed overall differences in nutrient intake, including insufficient energy and carbohydrates (t2: 46.2 [40.3-52.2] En% (VEG) vs. 37.6 [34.1-41.1] En% (CON); p = 0.036, Cohen's d = 1.321). N

SUBMITTER: Nebl J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12299004 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature