Comparative cross-sectional study of vegan and omnivorous diets and their impact on cardiac function among endurance athletes

TL;DR

This study compares the effects of vegan and omnivorous diets on heart function in endurance athletes, finding differences in diastolic function and arterial compliance.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into how diet influences cardiovascular adaptation in endurance athletes.

Findings

Vegans showed superior diastolic function and arterial compliance.

Omnivores had higher hemoglobin and ferritin levels.

Endurance capacity was not limited by either diet.

Abstract

Vegan and omnivorous diets are both common in endurance sport; however, the chronic effects of these diets on cardiac function remain
uncertain. Therefore, it is of interest to compare echocardiographic, vascular and exercise performance between endurance athletes on
vegan or omnivorous diets. Data shows there is comparable systolic function; however, vegans displayed superior diastolic function and
arterial compliance; whilst omnivores maintained higher hemoglobin and ferritin levels. Thus, we show that diet can influence distinct
aspects of cardiovascular adaptation without limiting endurance capacity.