In December 2018 researchers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland published the results of their study to assess the health status of endurance runners who consumed a vegan (45 individuals), vegetarian (91 individuals) or omnivorous diet (109 individuals). Information was collected via an online survey, and body weight, mental health, chronic diseases, hypersensitivity reactions, medication intake, smoking habits, supplement intake, food choice, and healthcare utilization assessed. Results showed that both vegans and vegetarians had a lower body weight than those consuming an omnivorous diet. It was also seen that vegetarians had the highest food choice scores, as well as having the lowest incidence of allergies. No association was seen between the diets and mental health, medication intake, smoking habits, supplement intake, and healthcare utilization.
Wirnitzer K et al. Health Status of Female and Male Vegetarian and Vegan Endurance Runners Compared to Omnivores-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2). Nutrients. 2018 Dec 22;11(1). pii: E29.