scholarly journals Nutrition in Ultra-Endurance: State of the Art

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pantelis Nikolaidis ◽  
Eleftherios Veniamakis ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle

Athletes competing in ultra-endurance sports should manage nutritional issues, especially with regards to energy and fluid balance. An ultra-endurance race, considered a duration of at least 6 h, might induce the energy balance (i.e., energy deficit) in levels that could reach up to ~7000 kcal per day. Such a negative energy balance is a major health and performance concern as it leads to a decrease of both fat and skeletal muscle mass in events such as 24-h swimming, 6-day cycling or 17-day running. Sport anemia caused by heavy exercise and gastrointestinal discomfort, under hot or cold environmental conditions also needs to be considered as a major factor for health and performance in ultra-endurance sports. In addition, fluid losses from sweat can reach up to 2 L/h due to increased metabolic work during prolonged exercise and exercise under hot environments that might result in hypohydration. Athletes are at an increased risk for exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) and limb swelling when intake of fluids is greater than the volume lost. Optimal pre-race nutritional strategies should aim to increase fat utilization during exercise, and the consumption of fat-rich foods may be considered during the race, as well as carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluid. Moreover, to reduce the risk of EAH, fluid intake should include sodium in the amounts of 10–25 mmol to reduce the risk of EAH and should be limited to 300–600 mL per hour of the race.

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Chooi ◽  
Cherlyn Ding ◽  
Zhiling Chan ◽  
Jezebel Lo ◽  
John Choo ◽  
...  

Weight loss, induced by chronic energy deficit, improves the blood lipid profile. However, the effects of an acute negative energy balance and the comparative efficacy of diet and exercise are not well-established. We determined the effects of progressive, acute energy deficits (20% or 40% of daily energy requirements) induced by a single day of calorie restriction (n = 19) or aerobic exercise (n = 13) in healthy subjects (age: 26 ± 9 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2). Fasting plasma concentrations of very low-, intermediate-, low-, and high-density lipoprotein (VLDL, LDL, IDL, and HDL, respectively) particles and their subclasses were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance. Total plasma triglyceride and VLDL-triglyceride concentrations decreased after calorie restriction and exercise (all p ≤ 0.025); the pattern of change was linear with an increasing energy deficit (all p < 0.03), with no evidence of plateauing. The number of circulating large and medium VLDL particles decreased after diet and exercise (all p < 0.015), with no change in small VLDL particles. The concentrations of IDL, LDL, and HDL particles, their relative distributions, and the particle sizes were not altered. Our data indicate that an acute negative energy balance induced by calorie restriction and aerobic exercise reduces triglyceride concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, by decreasing circulating large and medium VLDL particles.


2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Casanova ◽  
Kristine Beaulieu ◽  
Graham Finlayson ◽  
Mark Hopkins

This review examines the metabolic adaptations that occur in response to negative energy balance and their potential putative or functional impact on appetite and food intake. Sustained negative energy balance will result in weight loss, with body composition changes similar for different dietary interventions if total energy and protein intake are equated. During periods of underfeeding, compensatory metabolic and behavioural responses occur that attenuate the prescribed energy deficit. While losses of metabolically active tissue during energy deficit result in reduced energy expenditure, an additional down-regulation in expenditure has been noted that cannot be explained by changes in body tissue (e.g. adaptive thermogenesis). Sustained negative energy balance is also associated with an increase in orexigenic drive and changes in appetite-related peptides during weight loss that may act as cues for increased hunger and food intake. It has also been suggested that losses of fat-free mass (FFM) could also act as an orexigenic signal during weight loss, but more data are needed to support these findings and the signalling pathways linking FFM and energy intake remain unclear. Taken together, these metabolic and behavioural responses to weight loss point to a highly complex and dynamic energy balance system in which perturbations to individual components can cause co-ordinated and inter-related compensatory responses elsewhere. The strength of these compensatory responses is individually subtle, and early identification of this variability may help identify individuals that respond well or poorly to an intervention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0020
Author(s):  
Julie A. Young ◽  
Jessica Napolitano ◽  
Mitchell J. Rauh ◽  
Jeanne Nichols ◽  
Anastasia N. Fischer

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown that vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature are depressed in patients with an eating disorder who have experienced a negative energy balance for a significant amount of time. More recently, a negative energy balance has been the focus of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which links energy availability to the health of multiple body systems in adults in as little as 5 days with a negative energy balance. High rates of disordered eating patterns have been reported in high school athletes. As adolescents grow, the consequences of a negative energy balance can be significant and potentially irreversible. Thus, vital signs may help clinicians quickly evaluate a patient’s energy status or highlight them for further evaluation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine energy balance and vital signs in a cohort of adolescents who were seen by a sports dietitian to gain weight or optimize sports performance. METHODS: We evaluated 240 subjects, 83% female, average age 15.0±2.3 years. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured with a dynamometer in a seated position. Body temperature was measured orally. Height and weight were recorded. BMI was then calculated and evaluated by percentile. Energy intake was assessed using a 3-day food recall log. Energy expenditure was calculated using Harris Benedict Equation and combined with estimated exercise energy expenditure. Energy balance was estimated as energy intake minus energy expenditure. RESULTS: Average age was 15.03±2.71. 85% were female. 30% were below the 15th percentile for BMI. There were no differences in BMI percentiles between males and females (p=0.99). The average heart rate was 71.62±13.4 bpm and 19% were below the 10th percentile for heart rate. Average systolic blood pressure was 110±11 mm Hg and average diastolic blood pressure was 62±7 mmHg. Average temperature was 98.1±.4 degrees F. 88%were in a negative energy balance with an average energy deficit of 552±511 calories. There were no statistically significant differences in energy balance between males and females (p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: A disproportional number of children with low BMI and heart rate percentiles was observed, which may indicate a long-standing energy deficiency. We also found a high proportion of adolescents who experienced a standalone negative energy balance itself or vital signs consistent with a negative energy balance. Additional studies are needed to study the relationships between energy deficit magnitude and duration in adolescents and children.


2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 396-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee M. Margolis ◽  
Jennifer Rood ◽  
Catherine Champagne ◽  
Andrew J. Young ◽  
John W. Castellani

Small Unit Tactics (SUT) is a 64-day phase of the Special Forces Qualification Course designed to simulate real-world combat operations. Assessing the metabolic and physiological responses of such intense training allows greater insights into nutritional requirements of soldiers during combat. The purpose of this study was to examine energy balance around specific training events, as well as changes in body mass and composition. Data were collected from 4 groups of soldiers (n = 36) across 10-day periods. Participants were 28 ± 5 years old, 177 ± 6 cm tall, and weighed 83 ± 7 kg. Doubly labeled water (D218O) was used to assess energy expenditure. Energy intake was calculated by subtracting energy in uneaten foods from known energy in distributed foods in individually packaged combat rations or in the dining facility. Body composition was estimated from skinfold thickness measurements on days 0 and 64 of the course. Simulated urban combat elicited that largest energy deficit (11.3 ± 2.3 MJ·day−1 (2700 ± 550 kcal·day−1); p < 0.05), and reduction in body mass (3.3 ± 1.9 kg; p < 0.05), during SUT, while energy balance was maintained during weapons familiarization training and platoon size raids. Over the entire course body mass decreased by 4.2 ± 3.7 kg (p < 0.01), with fat mass decreasing by 2.8 ± 2.0 kg (p < 0.01) and fat-free mass decreasing by 1.4 ± 2.8 kg (p < 0.05). The overall reduction in body mass suggests that soldiers were in a negative energy balance during SUT, with high energy deficit being observed during strenuous field training.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin D. Hoffman

Participation in ultraendurance sports has been increasing in recent years. This participation growth has been associated with an increase in research focused on such events. While the total amount of research related to these sports remains relatively small compared with other sports, the research growth is encouraging. New sources for research funding for ultraendurance sports should advance the science. In addition to continued opportunities with observational studies, promising areas of investigation remain for experimental studies and research that uses ultraendurance-sport environments as models for studies relevant to wider populations. Insight into the breadth of research opportunities in ultraendurance sports can be gained by reviewing the abstracts published online in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance from the annual Medicine & Science in Ultra-Endurance Sports Conference that took place this year in Chamonix, France.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjoern Geesmann ◽  
Joachim Mester ◽  
Karsten Koehler

Athletes competing in ultra-endurance events are advised to meet energy requirements, to supply appropriate amounts of carbohydrates (CHO), and to be adequately hydrated before and during exercise. In practice, these recommendations may not be followed because of satiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, and fatigue. The purpose of the study was to assess energy balance, macronutrient intake and hydration status before and during a 1,230-km bike marathon. A group of 14 well-trained participants (VO2max: 63.2 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min) completed the marathon after 42:47 hr. Ad libitum food and fluid intake were monitored throughout the event. Energy expenditure (EE) was derived from power output and urine and blood markers were collected before the start, after 310, 618, and 921 km, after the finish, and 12 hr after the finish. Energy intake (EI; 19,749 ± 4,502 kcal) was lower than EE (25,303 ± 2,436 kcal) in 12 of 14 athletes. EI and CHO intake (average: 57.1 ± 17.7 g/hr) decreased significantly after km 618 (p < .05). Participants ingested on average 392 ± 85 ml/hr of fluid, but fluid intake decreased after km 618 (p < .05). Hydration appeared suboptimal before the start (urine specific gravity: 1.022 ± 0.010 g/ml) but did not change significantly throughout the event. The results show that participants failed to maintain in energy balance and that CHO and fluid intake dropped below recommended values during the second half of the bike marathon. Individual strategies to overcome satiety and fatigue may be necessary to improve eating and drinking behavior during prolonged ultra-endurance exercise.


1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 171-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Collard ◽  
P. J. Boettcher ◽  
J. C. M. Dekkers ◽  
L. R. Schaeffer ◽  
D. Petitclerc

AbstractData were records of daily food intake and milk production, periodic measures of milk composition and all health and reproductive information from 140 multiparous Holstein cows involved in various experiments at the Agriculture Canada dairy research station in Lennoxville, Quebec. Energy concentrations of the total mixed rations were also available. Daily energy balance was calculated by multiplying the food intake by the concentration of energy in the diet and then subtracting from this quantity the expected (National Research Council) amount of energy required for maintenance (based on parity and body weight) and for milk production (based on yield and concentrations of fat, protein and lactose). Four energy balance traits were defined: (1) average daily energy balance within the first 10 to 100 days of lactation, (2) minimum daily energy balance, (3) days in negative energy balance and (4) total energy deficit during the period of negative energy balance. Health traits were the numbers of incidences of each of the following: (1) all udder problems, (2) mastitis, (3) all locomotive problems, (4) laminitis, (5) digestive problems and (6) reproductive problems. Reproductive traits were the number of days to first observed oestrous and number of inseminations. Phenotypic relationships between energy balance and health were investigated by regressing the energy balance traits on each health trait. Parity and treatment (according to the research trial that the cow was involved with) were also included in the model. Genetic parameters were estimated with restricted maximum likelihood and a model that included effects of parity, treatment and animal. Phenotypically, several significant (P<0.10) relationships between energy balance and health were observed. Cows with longer periods of negative energy balance had increased digestive problems. Cows with greater total energy deficit had more digestive problems and laminitis. Estimates of heritabilities for energy intake and milk energy were 0.42 and 0.12, respectively but estimates of heritability for all energy balance traits were zero. The low estimates for these traits may have been due to (1) low true additive genetic variance, (2) small amount of data, or (3) relatively few genetic ties among cows.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Fearnley ◽  
Louise Sutton ◽  
John O’Hara ◽  
Amy Brightmore ◽  
Roderick King ◽  
...  

The Vendée Globe is a solo round-the-world sailing race without stopovers or assistance, a physically demanding challenge for which appropriate nutrition should maintain energy balance and ensure optimum performance. This is an account of prerace nutritional preparation with a professional and experienced female racer and assessment of daily nutritional intake (NI) during the race using a multimethod approach. A daily energy intake (EI) of 15.1 MJ/day was recommended for the race and negotiated down by the racer to 12.7 MJ/day, with carbohydrate and fluid intake goals of 480 g/day and 3,020 ml/day, respectively. Throughout the 99-day voyage, daily NI was recorded using electronic food diaries and inventories piloted during training races. NI was assessed and a postrace interview and questionnaire were used to evaluate the intervention. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed pre- (37 days) and postrace (11 days) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and body mass was measured before the racer stepped on the yacht and immediately postrace. Mean EI was 9.2 MJ/day (2.4–14.3 MJ/day), representing a negative energy balance of 3.5 MJ/day under the negotiated EI goal, evidenced by a 7.9-kg loss of body mass (FM –7.5 kg, FFM –0.4 kg) during the voyage, with consequent underconsumption of carbohydrate by ~130 g/day. According to the postrace yacht food inventory, self-reported EI was underreported by 7%. This intervention demonstrates the practicality of the NI approach and assessment, but the racer’s nutrition strategy can be further improved to facilitate meeting more optimal NI goals for performance and health. It also shows that evaluation of NI is possible in this environment over prolonged periods, which can provide important information for optimizing nutritional strategies for ocean racing.


Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77
Author(s):  
Sami Yli-Piipari

This study examined energy expenditure, dietary behavior, and energy balance of female tennis and soccer student-athletes during a competitive season. A sample of 18 (Mage=19.86±1.35 years) Division I female collegiate student-athletes (5 tennis and 13 soccer players) were followed for four days, i. e., during one game/match, two practice sessions, and one recovery day. Physical activity was assessed with accelerometers and dietary behavior with daily food logs. Daily energy expenditure for the game/match, practice, and rest days was 2,848±304kcal, 2,622±248kcal, and 1,833±959kcal, respectively, with a statistically significant main effect (F[2,16]=82.291, p&lt;.001, η2=.91). Daily dietary intake ranged from 1,833±959 to 1849±371kcal, with no significant interaction between different days. There were no sport specific differences in energy expenditure or dietary behaviors. Athletes consumed 4.30±2.07 g/kg carbohydrates, 1.57±.98 g/kg protein, and 1.27±.80 g/kg fats daily. There was a significant main effect in dietary intake (F[2,16]=7.311, p=.006, η2=.48), with a difference between game/match and recovery days (t[17]=3.83, p=.001, d=1.19). This study showed a negative energy balance among female student-athletes. The findings indicate that the lack of carbohydrate intake during game/match days contributed to this energy deficit.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document