Does a vegetarian diet promote performance?

The term 'vegetarian' is generally used to denote everything from a totally plant- and vegetable- based diet to a choice of foods which also contains certain animal products. Many different forms of vegetarianism are practiced.
So far, there are no indications to suggest that a vegetarian diet might improve performance ability, but equally there are no scientific studies which have explicitly sought to identify such advantages. Nevertheless, an increased supply of carbohydrates is often indicated in the case of a vegetarian diet. More research work is required in this field.
However, people who keep to a vegetarian diet can also achieve optimum performance ability, provided that they eat various plant-based foods which contain protein throughout the day, and also if the energy requirement is adequately met. Given that it is more difficult for vegetarians to meet their protein requirements, protein supplements are especially advisable and (most of all) convenient in their case.

Supplements can be used if the requirement for nutrients can no longer be met by the natural diet. You will find recommendations about this on the following pages.

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