Dietary Practices & Nutritional Knowledge in Non-elite Marathon Runners Survey Results for Participants
Study Objectives collect information on dietary practices, sources of nutritional information & nutritional knowledge in a population of non-elite marathon runners inform the development of practical guidelines to improve the nutritional knowledge & dietary practices of non-elite endurance runners & encourage them to identify their personal nutritional requirements & create individual nutrition programmes to help them achieve their performance goals in training & competition compare the data collected with existing research & guidelines & contribute new information to the small number of previous studies identify topics of interest for further research & analysis. 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 2
Format of Study runners, training for the London Marathon 2010, were recruited across the UK 99 participants completed a Dietary Practices & Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire 69 participants returned a 7-day Food & Training Diary 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 3
Main Findings energy intake varied considerably amongst participants & some runners probably did not consume sufficient energy to fuel their training. Many participants had not calculated their personal total energy requirements to cover training needs average carbohydrate intake, including products consumed during training, was approximately 81% of the lower recommendation for endurance training for females, and 75% for males male participants appeared to be above, or at the upper limit, of the recommended daily intake of protein for endurance athletes, whilst female participants were at the mid to upper end of the recommended daily intake average total daily fat intake for females was above, & average male intake was slightly below, the current government Guideline Daily Allowance(GDA). Intake of total polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, fell below the recommended levels approximately one-third of participants did not appear to any eat oily fish or fresh nuts, whilst over half did not eat seeds runners in several age & gender groups did not meet the requirements for certain micronutrients (such as folate, vitamins D & E, calcium, iron & magnesium) that are key in athletes diets over 70% of participants had not added nutritional supplements, or other products, to support their diet during marathon training. 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 4
Main Findings runners were generally not aware of specific guidelines regarding nutrition & hydration requirements for endurance athletes, and/or were unclear about translating guidelines into a comprehensive, personal nutrition & hydration plan. many runners also found it difficult to translate nutritional guidelines into actual food on the plate to meet training requirements & maintain health against a background of work/study, social & family commitments there was considerable confusion as to how best to use products such as sports gels, drinks etc in training and competition there was little evidence that runners paid particular attention to timing of meals & snacks during training & competition most runners consulted running magazines, fellow runners & the Internet for information relating to nutrition for runners. Very few participants had consulted a professional with nutrition knowledge either within or outside their running club 85% of participants were interested in attending training events about nutrition for marathon runners. 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 5
Approaches to Nutrition Education Following completion of the study, a range of interventions will be offered to help marathon runners design & implement individual nutrition programmes to support their goals in training & competition. Seminars & Workshops Aim: To explain & discuss nutritional guidelines for marathon runners & identify simple approaches for putting guidelines into practice. Typical topics would include: the importance of sufficient energy intake simple methods for calculating individual daily nutritional needs for training & competition how to translate individual requirements into actual food on the plate what to eat & drink before/during & after exercise easy meals for busy people, practical snacking & portion sizes myths & facts of nutrition for endurance athletes ensuring quantity does not compromise quality in the diet eating to meet requirements for specific micronutrients ensuring appropriate energy and protein intake in vegetarian & vegan runners energy on the move - correct use of sports gels & similar products the role of nutritional supplements managing any risk of low sodium levels (hyponatremia). 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 6
Approaches to Nutrition Education 1:1 Nutrition Coaching: To support individual runners in creating, implementing & monitoring a personal nutrition programme to follow alongside their running training programme. This approach would include options for dietary analysis & regular assessment of biochemical, physical & physiological status. Other Support Written materials on nutritional guidelines Web communications e.g. regular newsletters & updates Distance learning approaches e.g. webinars & other on-line tools. Further Information To find out more about seminars, workshops & 1:1 nutrition coaching, please contact: Jane Nodder, Nutritional Therapist BA, DipION, MSc NutMed, NTC, CNHC, mbant www.nutriworks.co.uk Email: nutriworks@aol.com Phone: 07850 705848 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 7
Limitations of the Study The study was designed to analyse data from an on-line survey & one day of selfreported, food & fluid intake amongst a self-selected population of non-elite marathon runners. The findings & conclusions must be considered in this context & in the light of issues relating to dietary reporting & the processing of dietary records, the use of Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) as standards for assessing nutrient status, the nature of the study sample & the advantages & disadvantages of on-line surveys. 5 Dec 2011 Copyright Nutriworks 8