Plant-Based Dietary Protein Is Associated with Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Division III Female Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Background: College athletes are often overlooked for metabolic syndrome (MetS), as their increased physical activity is assumed to reduce their disease risk. However, energy or macronutrient imbalance has been shown to increase risk independent of activity. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the current dietary habits of Division III female athletes and determine their associations with body composition and MetS.