Damasceno et al. 2024, Plant-based diets benefit aerobic performance: systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis (British Journal of Nutrition 131(5):829–840; DOI: 10.1017/S0007114523002258) pooled 10 studies — 4 on aerobic performance and 6 on strength or power — and found a moderate positive effect of plant-based diets on aerobic capacity (effect size 0.55) with no detrimental effect on strength or power outcomes. BMI was modestly reduced in plant-based adherents. The authors conclude that plant-based diets have the potential to specifically assist aerobic performance while leaving strength and power intact. Moderate evidence.