Comparison of nutrition and physical fitness levels between vegetarian and non-vegetarian college students : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the nutrition and physical fitness levels of vegetarian and non-vegetarian college students at a mid-sized university, using males and females between the ages of 18 and 25. Seventy students at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, participated in this study. Each subject completed an initial health history questionnaire, a three-day food diet record, and underwent a comprehensive fitness assessment. The fitness assessment consisted of the following tests: hand grip dynamometer for muscular strength, one minute bent knee sit ups for muscular endurance, sit and reach for flexibility, the use of skin fold calipers for body composition, and a sub maximal cycle ergo meter test for cardio respiratory endurance. All data collected from the three-day food diet records and fitness assessment were analyzed for both group and sex significance using a two-way ANOVA test. The significance level for these tests was set at p<0.05. Vegetarians were found to have a significantly higher level of cardio respiratory endurance, lower level of muscular endurance, and an increased incidence of smoking than non-vegetarians. They also consumed significantly less amounts of protein, and greater amounts of polyunsaturated fat, insoluble fiber, alpha tocopherol, and vitamin E, than non-vegetarians. The primary investigator feels that these results are indicative of areas needing to be addressed for this age group, and that both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can benefit from nutrition and fitness counseling. As a result of present health practices of these individuals leading to future health habits, it is imperative that proper diet and health behaviors be taught and implemented, which could possibly deter the development of future incidence of chronic disease among this group. Recommendations for future repetition of this study include testing a larger sample size, taking more variables (i.e. lifestyle behaviors, demographic factors, family history, and social environment) into consideration, using a maximal cardio respiratory endurance protocol to measure absolute V02 max., and taking a sample of fasting blood to analyze the bioavailability of nutrients.