Nutritional Assessment of Polish Middle-Distance Runners: Analysis of Biochemical Parameters and Antioxidant...

This study aimed to examine the nutrient intake in Polish middle-distance runners. The secondary objective was to examine the biochemical profile and antioxidant status in the blood serum of the runners, and then compare to the control group. The research was conducted among 44 volunteers. Information regarding participants' diet was gathered for three days before the study took place. Also, blood serum of athletes and control subjects was examined to obtain information about their antioxidant status, biochemical parameters, and micro- and macronutrients. This study showed that runners consumed more protein, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, water, vitamin A and E than the control group. The daily intake of selected vitamins, micro- and macronutrients in a group of athletes is approximately two times higher than in the control group. The control group consumed more polyphenols compared to the runners group (p < 0.05). The consumption of phenols was almost two times lower among runners compared to non-runners. The higher uric acid concentration (p = 0.025) and lower chloride concentration (p = 0.011) were observed in the blood serum of runners compared to the control group. The diet of middle-distance runners is well-balanced but need some modifications, especially regarding the intake of vitamin E, folates and polyphenols.