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Vegetarian Athletes Need More
Since vegetarian athletes need more of some of the critical nutrients, they have to be especially careful to make sure that their diets fulfill these needs. Thus as vegetarian styles of eating become more popular among athletes, the risk of poorly planned diets leading to nutrient insufficiencies and deficiencies increases. Inadequate dietary intakes of iron and zinc have been observed in athletes who have eliminated meat. Marginal iron or zinc status may adversely affect exercise performance while frank iron or zinc deficiency definitely decreases exercise performance.

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For athletes, while it is possible to obtain all essential nutrients by eating a completely plant-based diet, it requires critical planning and execution. Athletes must also learn that it's not enough to just cut meats out of the diet. These foods have many essential nutrients that are more difficult to get elsewhere. Realistically, however, it may be difficult for the vegetarian athletes, especially vegans, to get the nutrients they need. Also because vegan diets are typically high in fiber, it may be difficult to take in enough food to satisfy energy requirements.

The bottom line is that if the decision to become a vegetarian is not a choice made because of moral or ethical principles, it may be more realistic and productive for athletes to some meat in their diet. For those whose choice to take up the vegetarian lifestyle is a matter of principles, the use of the appropriate nutritional supplements will minimize any nutritional deficiencies.