Lipid profiles and nutritional dynamics of long-distance hiking: A longitudinal study on the Colorado Trail
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Long-distance hiking may lower LDL-C, especially with a diet rich in whole foods and low in processed items and sugars. This study explores diet
Area Of Science
- Nutritional Science and Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Health and Lipidology
Background
- Limited research exists on the metabolic effects of long-distance hiking, with prior studies showing inconsistent results.
- The influence of dietary changes on metabolic outcomes during thru-hiking remains largely unexplored.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate alterations in lipid profiles (LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides) in participants undertaking long-distance hiking.
- To examine the association between dietary intake patterns and changes in blood lipid levels during the hiking expedition.
Main Methods
- 12 participants completed the Colorado Trail, providing blood samples for lipid analysis (pre- and post-hike).
- Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 24-hour recall method before and during the hike.
- Statistical analyses included paired t-tests for metabolic changes and regression analyses for diet-lipid associations.
Main Results
- No significant changes in any measured lipid were observed at the α = 0.05 threshold.
- A trend towards reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was noted (17 mg/dL decrease, P = 0.066).
- Reduced LDL-C correlated with decreased intake of added sugars and ultra-processed foods, and increased intake of minimally processed foods, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Conclusions
- Long-distance hiking may be associated with favorable changes in LDL-C, potentially modulated by diet quality.
- Dietary shifts towards less processed foods and higher nutrient intake during hiking may influence lipid profiles.
- This study provides novel, hypothesis-generating insights into the interplay between physical exertion, diet, and metabolic adaptations in thru-hikers.
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