Beneficios y limitaciones de la dieta vegana en el requerimiento nutricional de atletas

Benefits and limitations of the vegan diet in the nutritional requirement of athletes.

Abstract

The vegan diet refers to nutrition based on a wide variety of plant-based food groups (i.e., fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, spices and herbs, mushrooms, and algae) that also excludes all. to all foods of animal origin (ie meat, fish, dairy and eggs). Various scientific studies on the nutritional contribution of the vegan diet in athletes seek to identify the benefits and limitations of a vegan diet in the nutritional requirement of athletes, compared to an omnivore diet. Sports nutrition is essential for optimal physical and mental performance, reduces the risk of illness and injury; That is why it is necessary to consume the macro and micronutrient requirements according to the type and intensity of exercise performed by the athlete. Vegan diets in general provide an optimal basis for vegan athletes to develop their overall potential, from increased intake of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, antioxidant vitamins C and E. However, a plant-based diet reduces intake of exclusive nutrients of animal origin. This influences the performance of endurance and strength, even occasions that female athletes develop diseases such as the female athlete triad (FAT) or the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) if it is not accompanied by supplements of vitamin B12, creatine and proteins. The present bibliographic review aims to show that with an adequate strategic selection and management of food choices, paying special attention to the achievement of energy, macro and micronutrient recommendations, together with adequate supplementation, a vegan diet can satisfy the needs of most athletes satisfactorily.