Gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional intake among participants in a non-professional cycling event

To determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in different settings among cyclists participating in a non-professional cycling event. The nutritional intake during the event and the association between GI symptoms and both nutritional and non-nutritional factors were also analyzed.

A descriptive correlational study was performed among participants in the 2023 'Mallorca 312-Milestone Series' cycling event. A pre-race questionnaire was completed by 247 participants (37 women) while a post-race questionnaire was completed by 138 participants (24 women).

The prevalence of GI symptoms in training sessions and in previous cycling events were 22-26%. GI complaints during the race were reported by 38.4% of participants. GI symptoms during training (p = 0.003), in previous cycling events (p = 0.012) and in the Mallorca 312 event (during: p = 0.010; after p = 0.014) were associated with rest GI symptoms. Furthermore, GI symptoms during the Mallorca 312 event were associated with an immediately previous more nervous feeling (p = 0.016). Participants with shorter previous experience in similar events reported a more nervous feeling (p = 0.023). On average, participants in the Mallorca 312 achieved the recommended carbohydrate intake (59.2 g/h; recommended 30-60 g/h) and the fluid intake (500 ml; recommended 400-800 ml/h) rates. No association was found between GI symptoms and nutritional parameters or food intake.

GI symptoms at rest could be considered the main factor associated with GI symptoms in cyclists. GI symptoms during the event were also associated with a more nervous feeling, which could be explained, at least in part, by shorter previous experience.