The Association between Vegetarianism, Nutritional and Emotional Status and Blood Chemistry in Subjects Participating in Aerobic Activity

Background: A vegetarian diet reduces the risk factors for morbidity and mortality, and therefore is considered to be a healthy dietary alterative. However, it is important for vegetarians who are athletes to know the advantages and disadvantages of their diet compared to non-vegetarians.

Aim: To assess whether there are differences in the nutritional, physiological, and emotional status, as well as in risk for diabetes, between vegetarian and non-vegetarian people who engage regularly in aerobic activity at least three hours per week as compared to less than two-hours of aerobic activity per week.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a "snow ball" sampling. Participants filled out a self-administered lifestyle questionnaire, reported their weight and height, and were referred for blood tests.

Normality of the distribution was examined by Q-Q plot. Mean and standard deviation are displayed for variables with normal distribution. Frequencies and percent for categorical variables are represented. ANCOVA was performed (gender X group) using age as a covariance.

The final numbers of participants included in the study were: 53 active vegetarians, 47 active non-vegetarians, 49 inactive vegetarians and 45 inactive non-vegetarians.

Results: Vegetarians included 73 women and 29 men. The non-vegetarian group included 55 women and 37 men. Total cholesterol as well as LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) were highest in non-active, non-vegetarians (178±31 p=0.08, 107±24 p=0.03), respectively. Creatinine was slightly but significantly higher in non-vegetarians (p=0.01). Active vegetarians had the lowest ferritin levels 44 ± 42.6 ng/ml compared to all other groups p=0.09. They also reported the highest prevalence of vitamin and mineral supplement intake n(%): 31(68.9) compared to 13(24.5) in non-active non-vegetarians.

Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, being either vegetarian or non-vegetarian but being active, was associated with a reduced level of feelings of depression. Active vegetarians have a better blood profile but should be followed up to prevent deficiencies and the use of unnecessary supplements. Endurance activity is associated with consumption of gels and isotonic supplements.