Time-restricted eating effects on performance, immune function, and body composition in elite cyclists: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Limited data exists on intermittent fasting for elite endurance athletes.
• Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a specific intermittent fasting method.
• This study examined TRE's effects during high-level endurance training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of TRE on elite cyclists.
• To assess changes in body composition, performance, and physiological markers.
• To determine TRE's suitability as a nutritional strategy for endurance athletes.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen elite U23 cyclists participated in a 4-week parallel randomized trial.
• The TRE group consumed all energy within an 8-hour window daily.
• Control group (ND) had energy distributed across 3 meals; various physiological markers were assessed.

Main Results:

• TRE led to significant reductions in body weight and fat mass percentage.
• Peak power output to body weight ratio (PPO/BW) improved in the TRE group.
• TRE decreased free testosterone and IGF-1, while reducing the neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR).

Conclusions:

• Time-restricted eating (TRE) effectively reduces weight and improves body composition in elite cyclists.
• TRE may offer benefits for inflammation reduction and immune system support.
• TRE can be considered a valuable component of periodized nutrition plans for endurance athletes.