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

Aubrey K Roberts, Vincent Busque, Jennifer L Robinson, Matthew J Landry, Christopher D Gardner, Aubrey K Roberts, Vincent Busque, Jennifer L Robinson, Matthew J Landry, Christopher D Gardner

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: Athletic performance; Plant-based diet; Plant-based meat alternatives; Sports performance; Whole food plant-based diet.

Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Christopher D. Gardner acknowledges that he has received previous funding from Beyond Meat in the past. However, the present study was not affiliated with Beyond Meat. No external funding was received. All authors report no conflicts of interests.

© 2022. The Author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant flow for the SWAP-MEAT athlete study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Comparison of Macronutrient Intake (g/kg/day) to International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN) recommendations. ISSN recommendations for athletes of general fitness, moderate, and high volume and intensity correspond to protein intake of 0.8-1.2 g/kg/day, 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day, and 1.7-2.2 g/kg/day and carbohydrate intake of 3-5 g/kg/day, 5-8 g/kg/day, and 8-10 g/kg/day respectively [18]. Note that moderate and high volume and intensity recommendations overlap for protein intake. Gray areas denote ranges below or above ISSN recommendations for any fitness volume and intensity

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