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Nutritional and fluid intake in a 100-km ultramarathon
K E Fallon1, E Broad, M W Thompson
1Department of Sports Medicine, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition
|April 16, 1998
Summary
During a 100-km ultramarathon, athletes consumed significant carbohydrates and fluids, maintaining normal blood glucose. However, neither intake nor race performance showed a direct correlation.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Endurance Sports Nutrition
Background:
- Ultramarathons present unique physiological challenges due to prolonged exercise duration.
- Understanding nutrient and fluid intake is crucial for optimizing performance and health in endurance athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the fluid and food intake of male participants during a 100-km ultramarathon.
- To investigate the relationship between nutrient/fluid consumption and race performance.
Main Methods:
- Seven male ultramarathon runners' fluid and food intake were monitored.
- Physiological markers including plasma volume, blood glucose, and free fatty acids were assessed.
Main Results:
- Mean energy intake was 4,233 kJ, primarily from carbohydrates (88.6%).
- Fluid intake ranged from 3.3-11.1 L (mean 5.7 L), with a mean sweat rate of 0.86 L/hr.
- Blood glucose remained stable, while free fatty acids and glycerol increased.
Conclusions:
- Ultramarathon runners exhibit high carbohydrate intake and wide fluid consumption variability.
- No significant correlation was found between carbohydrate/fluid intake rates and race performance in this cohort.