Vegan Triple-Ironman (Raw VegetablesFruits)‎

Abstract EN

Endurance sport requires a healthy and balanced diet.

In this case report we present the findings of an ultra-triathlete (three times Ironman, means 11.4 km swim, 540 km bike, 125 km run in 41:18 h as a whole) living on a raw vegan diet and having finished the competitions under these nutritional conditions.

To this end, the vegan ultra triathlete and a control group of 10 Ironman triathletes of similar age living on a mixed diet were investigated, using echocardiography and spiroergometry.

In addition, blood samples were taken from the vegan athlete both in the sporting season and in the off-season.

The vegan athlete showed no signs of dietary deficiencies or impaired health.

In comparison with the control group, the vegan athlete showed a higher oxygen intake at the respiratory compensation point.

This case demonstrates that even top-class sporting performance, like that of a three-time Ironman, is possible on a vegan diet.

Whether a vegan diet offers advantages or disadvantages for the performance of endurance athletes remains an open question.