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Cited by 155Sports Performance and TrainingMuscle metabolism and nutritionThermoregulation and physiological responses

Nutritional Considerations in Triathlon

Jeukendrup, Asker E, Jentjens, Roy L P G, Moseley, Luke·2005·Sports Medicine
DOI 10.2165/00007256-200535020-00005
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Abstract

Triathlon combines three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running) and competitions last between 1 hour 50 minutes (Olympic distance) and 14 hours (Ironman distance). Independent of the distance, dehydration and carbohydrate (CHO) depletion are the most likely causes of fatigue in triathlon, whereas gastrointestinal (GI) problems, hyperthermia and hyponatraemia are potentially health threatening, especially in longer events. Although glycogen supercompensation may be beneficial for triathlon performance (even Olympic distance), this does not necessarily have to be achieved by the traditional supercompensation protocol. More recently, studies have revealed ways to increase muscle glycogen concentrations to very high levels with minimal modifications in diet and training. During competition, cycling provides the best opportunity to ingest fluids. The optimum CHO concentration seems to be in the range of 5-8% and triathletes should aim to achieve a CHO intake of 60-70 g/hour. Triathletes should attempt to limit body mass losses to 1% of body mass. In all cases, a drink should contain sodium (30-50 mmol/L) for optimal absorption and prevention of hyponatraemia.Post-exercise rehydration is best achieved by consuming beverages that have a high sodium content (>60 mmol/L) in a volume equivalent to 150% of body mass loss. GI problems occur frequently, especially in long-distance triathlon. Problems seem related to the intake of highly concentrated carbohydrate solutions, or hyperosmotic drinks, and the intake of fibre, fat and protein. Endotoxaemia has been suggested as an explanation for some of the GI problems, but this has not been confirmed by recent research. Although mild endotoxaemia may occur after an Ironman-distance triathlon, this does not seem to be related to the incidence of GI problems. Hyponatraemia has occasionally been reported, especially among slow competitors in triathlons and probably arises due to loss of sodium in sweat coupled with very high intakes (8-10 L) of water or other low-sodium drinks.

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Crossref · 10.2165/00007256-200535020-00005

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  • Interactions between prolonged exercise, challenging environmental conditions, and nutrient and fluid intake may also increase risk of gut problems.

    “Interactions between prolonged exercise, challenging environmental conditions (temperature, altitude, humidity, etc.), and nutrient and fluid intake may also increase risk of gut problems [130].”

    From International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics (2019) · cites this paper as [130]

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Authors
Jeukendrup, A. E., Jentjens, R. L. P. G., & Moseley, L.
Affiliations
University of Birmingham (GB)
Corresponding author
Jeukendrup, Asker E
Venue
Sports Medicine
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2005
Volume
35
Issue
2
Pages
163-181
ISSN
0112-1642 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.2165/00007256-200535020-00005
OpenAlex
W2004551342
Cited by
155
References
189
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 9
FWCI
1.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University of Birmingham Research Portal (University of Birmingham) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
Keywords
triathlon, sports nutrition, carbohydrate supplementation, glycogen supercompensation, dehydration, hyponatremia, gastrointestinal problems, hyperthermia, endotoxemia, rehydration, sodium intake, fatigue, Ironman
MeSH terms
Bicycling, Dietary Carbohydrates, Dietary Proteins, Drinking Behavior, Fluid Therapy, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Glycogen, Humans, Hyponatremia, Running, Swimming, Time Factors, Water-Electrolyte Balance, Endotoxemia

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