Nutritional Considerations for Ultraendurance Performance
Abstract
The nutritional considerations of the ultraendurance athlete center around proper caloric and nutrient intake during training as well as adequate energy and fluid replacement during competition to maintain optimal performance. Energy needs of ultraendurance athletes during training vary widely, depending upon duration, intensity, and type of exercise training. These athletes may train several hours daily, thus risking inadequate caloric intake that can lead to chronic fatigue, weight loss, and impaired physical performance. It is not known whether protein needs are increased in ultraendurance athletes as a result of extended exercise training. Additionally, micronutrient needs may be altered for these athletes while dietary intake is generally over the RDA because of high caloric intake. Prior to competition, ultraendurance athletes should consider glycogen supercompensation and a prerace meal eaten 4 hrs before as a means of improving performance. Carbohydrate feedings during prolonged exercise can significantly affect performance. During events lasting over several hours, sodium sweat losses and/or the consumption of sodium-free fluids may precipitate hyponatremia.
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The energy cost of running ranges from 200 to 300 kJ·km−1 (47-71 Kcal·km−1).
“corroborated by independent reports suggesting that the energy cost of running ranges from 200 to 300 kJ·km− 1 (47–71 Kcal·km− 1) [30, 31].”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: nutritional considerations for single-stage ultra-marathon training and racing (2019) · cites this paper as [31]
These values are similar to the estimated energy expenditures of 200-300 kJ·km−1 (47.8-71.7 Kcal·km−1) reported elsewhere.
“These values are similar to the estimated energy expenditures of 200–300 kJ·km− 1 (47.8–71.7 Kcal·km− 1) reported elsewhere [31].”
From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: nutritional considerations for single-stage ultra-marathon training and racing (2019) · cites this paper as [31]
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- Authors
- Applegate, E. A.
- Affiliations
- University of California, Davis (US)
- Corresponding author
- Applegate, Elizabeth A.
- Venue
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics
- Published
- 1991-06
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 118-126
- ISSN
- 1050-1606 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2222706277
- Cited by
- 36
- References
- 36
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 2 · 2014: 2
- FWCI
- 0.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
- Keywords
- energy intake, fluid replacement, protein requirements, glycogen supercompensation, carbohydrate feeding, hyponatremia, sodium loss
- MeSH terms
- Energy Intake, Dietary Carbohydrates, Dietary Fats, Dietary Proteins, Energy Metabolism, Humans, Nutritional Requirements, Physical Education and Training, Physical Endurance
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