Interest in the vegan lifestyle is growing, and New Zealand ranks as the fifth most vegan country in the world. A vegan diet has well-documented health benefits, but at the same time it might be associated with nutrient deficiencies.
Dietary guidelines stress those who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets may need extra information or support to make sure they meet their nutrient needs. To date, no studies have investigated general health and well-being and sport performance among New Zealand vegans.
This large, multi-study research programme aims to:
- explore the impact of a vegan diet on multiple health outcomes and sport performance
- identify determinants of poorer health outcomes and sport performance within a vegan population.
Vege vs meat: muscle recovery study
Background and context
We are conducting a study to examine how muscle recovery after exercise compares between vegans and omnivores.
We want to find out if the source of our nutrients (from exclusively plant foods vs a mix between plants and animal foods) is advantageous for the recovery of our muscle function and inflammatory response.
Inclusion criteria
We are looking for:
- Vegans or meat eaters (omnivores) that have eaten this way for over 2 years.
- Recreationally active OR sedentary
- Ages: 18-40 years
- Any gender.
You will receive a report of your body composition, information on how your muscles recover and function, your diet analysed by qualified nutritionists, and a $50 voucher to cover food and travel costs.
Participant information
For detailed information about the study, download the participant information sheet.
Register your interest
Register for the vegan vs omnivorous muscle recovery study study
Contact the study team
Research coordinators
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about the study, contact:
Dr Kaio Vitzel
Studies within this project
Students and studies
Our postgraduate students are working on several studies within the vegan vs omnivorous muscle recovery study.
Ben Duncan
Study: Macronutrient source (vegan vs omnivorous diet) on muscle function and performance
Sarah Duncan
Study: Macronutrient source (vegan vs omnivorous diet) on muscle inflammatory response following exercise
Knowledge and attitudes of health professionals
Background and context
Ensuring adequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is critical. This period encompasses the nine months in utero, and the first two years after birth.
We want to find out if health professionals who interact with parents and young children have a good understanding of vegan diets and are confident and comfortable to provide appropriate information and guidance. More education, information and resources may be needed to support people working in this area of health.
Inclusion criteria
We want to conduct interviews with around 20 health professionals who work with parents, infants and children to make sure the questionnaire we’ve developed is comprehensive, appropriate and user-friendly.
Register your interest
If you are a health professional who works with parents, infants and children and would like to contribute to this work, please email Patricia Soh at patricia.soh.2@uni.massey.ac.nz
Dietary behaviours and beliefs in pregnancy, lactation and weaning
Background and context
We’re interested in discovering what decisions vegan parents make during pregnancy and for the first two years after birth, as well as where they get their information from and whether they feel well supported during this time.
Inclusion criteria
We’ve created a questionnaire that will be distributed throughout New Zealand in 2023.
To make sure we capture all relevant information, we would like to invite vegan parents of young children to participate in a series of focus groups to share their experiences and thoughts about the vegan diet during pregnancy and early childhood.
Register your interest
If you would like to participate in a focus group, please email Kate Hammond at Katenhammond@gmail.com
Other studies within the vegan diet research programme
Students and studies
Our postgraduate students are working on several other studies within the vegan diet research programme.
Aimee Czifra
Study: Audit of vegan food products in the New Zealand market.
Zoe Johnson
Study: Processed vegan food packaging: influencing vegan diet and lifestyle consumption choices.