The influence of a vegan diet on body composition, performance and the menstrual cycle in young, recreationally trained women– a 12-week controlled trial

The dietary change resulted in a shift in overall macronutrient distribution. Relative protein intake was significantly lower during the vegan phase than during the omnivore phase. This was also observed in a slight decrease in skeletal muscle mass. No clear effects on performance and menstrual cycle were observed during the first eight weeks. The results suggest that despite the knowledge of a balanced diet and in particular the recommendations for a vegan diet, the implementation of a vegan diet in everyday life could be associated with a number of difficulties for recreationally trained women. However, it should be noted that the vegan phase was only conducted for eight weeks and no statement can be made about the long-term effects or on well-trained female athletes.