The Claim

During a 30-day ultra-endurance ride, energy intake increased by 421–761 kcal/day from early to late phases in two plant-based athletes, with energy balance maintained in one athlete and slightly negative in the other.

Source: Energy balance in cyclists on plant‐based diets during a 30‐day, 4300‐km ride across Canada: Two case studies

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
30score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Two plant-based athletes increased their daily calorie intake by 421 to 761 kilocalories during a 30-day ultra-endurance ride. One athlete maintained energy balance, while the other had a slight energy deficit.

See the scientific wording

Energy intake in two plant-based athletes during a 30-day ultra-endurance ride increased by 421–761 kcal/day from early to late phases, and energy balance was maintained in one athlete and slightly negative in the other, suggesting adaptive increases in food consumption to match energy demands.

Why this might work

When the body burns more energy than usual for a long time, it sends signals to the brain to increase hunger and food intake so it can keep running. The brain responds by making the person eat more, which keeps energy levels stable or only slightly off balance.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Energy balance in cyclists on plant‐based diets during a 30‐day, 4300‐km ride across Canada: Two case studies

    Two plant-based cyclists rode across Canada for a month and ate a lot more food as they went along. One stayed even in energy (ate what they burned), and the other burned a bit more than they ate — just like the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.