Cited by 164Muscle metabolism and nutritionSports Performance and TrainingThermoregulation and physiological responses

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 208 of the 210 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 242 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: nutritional considerations for single-stage ultra-marathon training and racing

Open access

Abstract

Background In this Position Statement, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the literature pertinent to nutritional considerations for training and racing in single-stage ultra-marathon. Recommendations for Training. i) Ultra-marathon runners should aim to meet the caloric demands of training by following an individualized and periodized strategy, comprising a varied, food-first approach; ii) Athletes should plan and implement their nutrition strategy with sufficient time to permit adaptations that enhance fat oxidative capacity; iii) The evidence overwhelmingly supports the inclusion of a moderate-to-high carbohydrate diet (i.e., ~ 60% of energy intake, 5–8 g·kg− 1·d− 1) to mitigate the negative effects of chronic, training-induced glycogen depletion; iv) Limiting carbohydrate intake before selected low-intensity sessions, and/or moderating daily carbohydrate intake, may enhance mitochondrial function and fat oxidative capacity. Nevertheless, this approach may compromise performance during high-intensity efforts; v) Protein intakes of ~ 1.6 g·kg− 1·d− 1 are necessary to maintain lean mass and support recovery from training, but amounts up to 2.5 g.kg− 1·d− 1 may be warranted during demanding training when calorie requirements are greater; Recommendations for Racing. vi) To attenuate caloric deficits, runners should aim to consume 150–400 Kcal·h− 1 (carbohydrate, 30–50 g·h− 1; protein, 5–10 g·h− 1) from a variety of calorie-dense foods. Consideration must be given to food palatability, individual tolerance, and the increased preference for savory foods in longer races; vii) Fluid volumes of 450–750 mL·h− 1 (~ 150–250 mL every 20 min) are recommended during racing. To minimize the likelihood of hyponatraemia, electrolytes (mainly sodium) may be needed in concentrations greater than that provided by most commercial products (i.e., > 575 mg·L− 1 sodium). Fluid and electrolyte requirements will be elevated when running in hot and/or humid conditions; viii) Evidence supports progressive gut-training and/or low-FODMAP diets (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol) to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal distress during racing; ix) The evidence in support of ketogenic diets and/or ketone esters to improve ultra-marathon performance is lacking, with further research warranted; x) Evidence supports the strategic use of caffeine to sustain performance in the latter stages of racing, particularly when sleep deprivation may compromise athlete safety.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This ISSN Position Stand reviews nutritional considerations for single-stage ultra-marathon training and racing and provides evidence-graded recommendations. It emphasizes periodized carbohydrate intake, adequate protein, individualized hydration/electrolyte strategies, GI-distress management, and limited support for ketogenic/ketone/MCT/vitamin supplements except caffeine.

Key findings

  • For training, the paper recommends a moderate-to-high carbohydrate diet (~60% of energy intake, 5–8 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹), protein intakes of ~1.6 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, with up to 2.5 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ during demanding training; strategic carbohydrate moderation may enhance fat oxidation but caution is advised against chronic glycogen depletion.
  • For racing, runners should aim to consume 150–400 Kcal·h⁻¹ (carbohydrate 30–50 g·h⁻¹; protein 5–10 g·h⁻¹), fluid volumes of 450–750 mL·h⁻¹ (~150–250 mL every 20 min), and sodium concentrations greater than most commercial products (>575 mg·L⁻¹; 500–700 mg·L⁻¹ suggested).
  • GI distress is common: a conservative estimate is 30–50% of ultra-marathon athletes, with values of 70–80% reported; in a 100-mile race cohort (n=272), 96% experienced GI symptoms and 44% reported GI issues negatively impacted performance.
  • Evidence for ketogenic diets, ketone esters, MCTs, vitamins/minerals, and L-glutamine is limited or insufficient for ultra-marathon performance; caffeine is supported for later race stages, and NSAIDs are discouraged.

Methods

  • Position Stand/objective critical review; articles searched via PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar using combinations of terms including extreme-endurance, hydration, marathon, nutrition, pathophysiology, physiology, supplements, ultra-marathon, and ultra-endurance, with manual reference-list searching.
  • All relevant published studies were included irrespective of methodological concerns (e.g., low sample sizes, short durations, lack of randomization/control, biases), and evidence statements were graded using an adapted NHLBI system with a fourth case-report level.
  • Focus was single-stage ultra-marathon events up to and including 152 miles (245 km), with recommendations based on empirical studies, field data, and estimated energy/macronutrient requirements.

Limitations

  • Stated: data informing recommendations are incomplete, particularly relative to other sports, due to relatively low participant numbers, athlete reluctance to volunteer for invasive/time-consuming testing, and remote/extreme race locations that limit complex or invasive data collection.
  • Stated: included studies had methodological concerns such as low sample sizes, short study durations, lack of randomization, lack of control measures, and other biases; many recommendations are category B/C/D, and further research is warranted for ketogenic diets, ketone esters, MCTs, vitamins, L-glutamine, and probiotics.
  • Evident: this is a Position Stand rather than a systematic review with meta-analysis, and several recommendations extrapolate from non-ultra-marathon endurance contexts or from small surveys/example food tables (e.g., Table 4 based on n=12).

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/s12970-019-0312-9

Cites

208 of 208 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

199 Not checked yet · 49 Own interpretation · 14 No basis given

Verify all 242 references — free account
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 64
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 26
84 of 84
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Ultra-marathon runners are often reluctant to compromise their race preparation and/or recovery to volunteer for data-collection, particularly when invasive, time-consuming testing protocols are used.

    “Moreover, runners are often reluctant to compromise their race preparation and/or recovery to volunteer for data-collection, particularly when invasive, time-consuming testing protocols are used.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Ultra-marathons are often contested in remote locations and environmental extremes which do not lend themselves to complex or invasive data-collection protocols.

    “Secondly, ultra-marathons are often contested in remote locations and environmental extremes which do not lend themselves to complex or invasive data-collection protocols, especially when requiring equipment that is difficult to transport.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Training on challenging, variable, and uneven terrain, and in extremes of temperature and/or altitude, will notably increase the caloric and CHO requirements.

    “Training on challenging, variable, and uneven terrain, and in extremes of temperature and/or altitude, will notably increase the caloric and CHO requirements.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The train-low strategy has been scarcely studied in relation to ultra-marathon training.

    “The above-mentioned strategy has been scarcely studied in relation to ultra-marathon training and should, therefore, be practiced tentatively.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Keto-adaptation may take several weeks or months.

    “While debate exists, keto-adaptation may take several weeks or months, indicating that sustained tolerance to high-fat intake may be necessary in order that the individual acquire the full benefits.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Ketogenic diets are associated with acute negative symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, lethargy, GI discomfort, nausea, and weight loss.

    “Notwithstanding the available research which indicates a degree of benefit, ketogenic diets have been associated with acute negative symptoms, including: fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, lethargy, GI discomfort, nausea, and weight loss.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    As training volume and/or intensity increase, relatively greater amounts of dietary CHO are required to fuel performance and minimize the risk of injury.

    “As training volume and/or intensity increase (e.g., an increase in running mileage or a transition to interval training), relatively greater amounts of dietary CHO will be required to fuel performance and minimize the risk of injury.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Satisfying metabolic demand for protein is a prerequisite for both recovery and general health.

    “Satisfying metabolic demand for protein is, therefore, a prerequisite for both recovery and general health.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The substantial training distances of ultra-marathon are associated with high levels of mechanical stress.

    “The substantial training distances of ultra-marathon are associated with high levels of mechanical stress.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No existing studies have evaluated the efficacy of L-leucine specifically for ultra-marathon runners.

    “Although there are no existing studies on the efficacy of L-leucine specifically for ultra-marathon runners”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The absolute carbohydrate requirements for ultra-marathon racing are unclear.

    “Nevertheless, the absolute CHO requirements for ultra-marathon racing are unclear.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Anecdotal evidence indicates that effervescent electrolyte tablets and liquid electrolytes added to water can compromise drink palatability, particularly during long races or those contested in the heat, thereby resulting in reduced fluid consumption.

    “Indeed, there is anecdotal evidence that effervescent (dissolvable) electrolyte tablets, and liquid electrolytes added to water, can compromise drink palatability, particularly during long races or those contested in the heat, thereby resulting in reduced fluid consumption.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    It is unlikely that the recommended rate of sodium intake will be achieved from foods alone.

    “although it should be noted that it is unlikely that the recommended rate of sodium intake will be achieved from foods alone.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The concentrations of some electrolytes (e.g., sodium) in many commercially-available electrolyte replacement products are insufficient to meet the recommended intakes.

    “In addition, the concentrations of some electrolytes (e.g., sodium) in many commercially-available electrolyte replacement products are insufficient to meet the recommended intakes.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    It is possible to consume adequate amounts of both fluid and sodium during prolonged exercise, with sufficient practice.

    “Such poor practice must be challenged, since it is possible to consume adequate amounts of both fluid and sodium during prolonged exercise, with sufficient practice.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Nutritional strategies practiced in training well in advance of racing allow sufficient time for GI adaptations that optimize CHO absorption and mitigate GI distress.

    “Nutritional strategies should be practiced in training, well in advance of racing, to allow sufficient time for GI adaptations that optimize CHO absorption, and mitigate GI distress.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Eating regardless of nausea can give the most relief from symptoms when nausea is caused by hypoglycemia.

    “Although counterintuitive, there may be some instances when eating regardless of nausea will give the most relief from such symptoms, especially when nausea is caused by hypoglycemia.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Caffeine overconsumption has ergolytic and/or dangerous effects.

    “Finally, given the ergolytic and/or dangerous effects of caffeine overconsumption, athletes are advised to double-check their doses, ensure their intakes are congruent with the empirical data and safety guidelines, and give special consideration to the method of delivery (fluid vs. tablets vs. gum).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The importance of afferent pain signals to indicate potential tissue damage cannot be underestimated.

    “the importance of afferent pain signals to indicate potential tissue damage cannot be underestimated.”
19 of 19

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2 of 2

Citations

Cites

Show all 210 references

Research works printed but not linked: 12

  1. Sawka MN, 1999, Exerc Sport Sci Rev, 27, 167
  2. Blennerhassett C, 2018, Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab, 17, 1
  3. Bilsborough SA, 2003, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 12, 396
  4. Son HJ, 2015, Biol Sport, 32, 357
  5. Negro M, 2008, J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 48, 347
  6. Robertson GL, 1976, Recent Prog Horm Res, 33, 333
  7. James LJ, 2017, Phys Rep, 5, 12
  8. Brock-Utne JG, 1988, S Afr Med J, 73, 533
  9. Misell LM, 2001, J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 41, 210
  10. Knechtle B, 2008, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 17, 194
  11. Gulick DT, 1996, J Athl Train, 31, 145
  12. Boulter J, 2011, S Afr Med J, 101, 876

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Metadata

Authors
Tiller, N. B., Roberts, J. D., Beasley, L., Chapman, S., Pinto, J. M., Smith, L., Wiffin, M., Russell, M., Sparks, S. A., Duckworth, L., O’Hara, J., Sutton, L., Antonio, J., Willoughby, D. S., Tarpey, M. D., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Ormsbee, M. J., Astorino, T. A., Kreider, R. B., McGinnis, G. R., Stout, J. R., Smith, J. W., Arent, S. M., Campbell, B. I., & Bannock, L.
Affiliations
  • The Lundquist Institute (US)
  • Anglia Ruskin University (GB)
  • Leeds Trinity University (GB)
  • Edge Hill University (GB)
  • Leeds Beckett University (GB)
  • Carnegie School of SportLeeds Beckett University Leeds UK
  • College of Health Care SciencesNova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale FL USA
  • Baylor University (US)
  • East Carolina University (US)
  • Department of Exercise and Sport ScienceUniversity of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC USA
  • Florida State University (US)
  • California State University, San Marcos (US)
  • Texas A&M University (US)
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (US)
  • University of Central Florida (US)
  • Mississippi State University (US)
  • University of South Carolina (US)
  • University of South Florida (US)
  • Institute of Performance Nutrition London UK
Corresponding author
  • Tiller, Nicholas B.
  • Roberts, Justin D.
Venue
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Published
2019-01-15
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
50-50
ISSN
1550-2783 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2981258550
Cited by
164
References
210
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 29 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 1
FWCI
2.05
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Edge Hill University Research Information Repository (Edge Hill University) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Leeds Beckett Repository (Leeds Beckett University) (acceptedVersion)
  • Anglia Ruskin Research Online (Anglia Ruskin University) (acceptedVersion)
  • SHURA (Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive) (Sheffield Hallam University) (acceptedVersion)
  • Digital Scholarship - UNLV (University of Nevada Reno) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Scholar Commons (University of South Carolina) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • The Scholarship East Carolina University's Institutional Repository (East Carolina University) (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
Keywords
ultramarathon, carbohydrate intake, mitochondrial function, protein intake, caloric deficit, hyponatremia, low FODMAP diet, gastrointestinal distress, ketogenic diet, ketone esters, training periodization, lean body mass
MeSH terms
Energy Intake, Competitive Behavior, Dietary Carbohydrates, Dietary Proteins, Humans, Nutritional Requirements, Physical Endurance, Running, Societies, Athletic Performance, Athletes, Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

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