Nutritional status, psycho-physiological, and performance of vegetarian versus non-vegetarian athletes: A pilot observation study

Dietary patterns and performance have gained impetus inrecent times, particularly the effectiveness of vegetarian diets for athletes. However, studies have reported divergent or inconclusive findings of vegetarian or vegan diets on performance. The practice of Vegetarianism is approached differently across various households, particularly in India. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the differences in nutritional status, psycho-physiological and performance parameters between lacto-vegetarian and non-vegetarian athletes. Methods: In this pilot cross-sectional observation study 16 male athletes aged 18 to 28 years were recruited, and divided into 2-arms (lacto-vegetarian [Veg]=8 and non-vegetarian [Non-Veg] =8) based on food choices and dietary patterns. The participants were assessed for nutritional status markers (Blood Fasting Sugar, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Potassium, Chloride, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and, VLDL Cholesterol), Health status markers (WBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Basophils, Complete Blood Picture, Serum Bilirubin Total, Serum Bilirubin Direct, Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase- SGOT/ AST, Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase-SGPT/ALT, Alkaline Phosphate, Gamma-glutamyl Transferase-GGT, Urea, Creatinine) through serology test, Psycho-physiological parameters (Emotion, Life, Challenge, Commitment, Ability, Interpersonal, Reaction Speed, Motor Speed) using the Viana testing System Reaction Speed Test Series-5, and performance markers (Acceleration, Deceleration, Distance Per Min, Energy, Player Load, Power Plays, Power Score, Top Speed, Work Ratio, Total Distance,) through MSFT- Test using the Catapult device. The independent-t test was used to determine the differences in the markers across the groups.

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