Diet Patterns of Elite Australian Male Triathletes

Abstract

In brief: The triathlon makes heavy demands on the body and especially on glycogen supply. This article describes the self-reported diet practices of 25 elite Australian male triathletes during training and racing. They consumed a mean of 4,095 kcal/day, 59.5% of which was carbohydrate, 13% protein, 27% fat, and 0.5% alcohol; glycogen and protein intakes met or surpassed recommended levels. Intakes of five vitamins and two minerals also exceeded recommendations, and iron status was satisfactory. The athletes ate carbohydrate mostly in complex form, snacking frequently to get enough for energy needs. Few subjects trained deliberately to build up a tolerance for consuming food and fluids during competition.