Dietary intakes of participants in the IditaSport Human Powered Ultra-marathon

Abstract

Because very little nutritional research has been conducted on participants in ultra marathons and none has been reported on participants in cold weather ultramarathons, this study was undertaken with the purpose of examining the nutritional intakes and urine characteristics of participants in a cold weather ultramarathon. Fourteen participants (13 males and 1 female) in the IditaSport human powered ultramarathon volunteered to be subjects in this study. Pre and post race weights, skinfolds, and urine samples were taken. In addition, a dietary recall was done for the day(s) of the race. Data analysis revealed that a mean of 30,864 (17,143) kJ of energy were consumed with 71% of the energy coming from carbohydrate sources. Despite no significant change in body fat as measured by skinfolds, there was a significant (P < 0.5) decrease in body weight. Ketonuria and proteinuria were present in 83 percent and 92 percent of the subjects. When compared with participants in endurance events taking place in warmer climates, competitors in the IditaSport races consumed more energy with carbohydrates making up a greater percentage of their diets.