THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN INTAKE IN MASTER MARATHON RUNNERS
Spyridon Methenitis Nutrition Available online 15 January 2021, 111154
Highlights
• Protein intake is as important as carbohydrates during a Marathon race
• Higher protein intake is related to better marathon performance times
• Higher protein intake is related to a lower post-race reduction of Lean Body Mass
• Higher protein intake is related to lower post-race changes of biochemical indices
Objective
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between protein intake (during the tapering period and the race), marathon performance, body composition, acute race induced changes and selected metabolic and muscle damage-related blood biomarkers, in recreational master runners.
Methods
In 58 experienced master runners (58.28 ± 1.07yr, 174.06 ± 0.72cm, 78.51 ± 0.76kg body mass, 21.38 ± 0.52% body fat, mean ± SEM), nutritional intake was evaluated one week before the race and during the marathon. Body composition was evaluated before and 2 hours after the race. Blood samples were collected at the same time points.
Results
Body fat and lean body mass were significantly reduced after the marathon race (p<0.01; η2: 0.311-0.888). Significant negative correlations were observed between energy intake from carbohydrates and proteins [expressed per lean body mass (LBM)], marathon performance and race induced changes of blood metabolic-muscle damage indices (p<0.05; r: -0.522 - -0.789). Positive correlations were observed between energy from carbohydrates and proteins per LBM, and body mass and LBM changes (p<0.05; r: 0.485 - 0.814). The specific contribution of protein intakes per LBM (B coefficient: -0.789–0.615) on race induced changes of body composition and blood markers was the same as that of carbohydrate intakes per LBM (B coefficient: -0.777–0.559).
Conclusions
Marathon race induced changes in body composition and metabolic blood indices are highly related to protein intake, either during the tapering period or during the race, with runners experiencing the lowest changes when consuming higher protein intakes.