Assessment of the frequency of intake of selected sources of dietary fibre among persons competing in marathons

Abstract

Background: The knowledge about nutrition of the marathoners is insufficient. An insightful and personalized approach to the diet of long-distance athletes, including the consumption of important nutrients such as dietary fiber, is needed to improve the efficiency of their performance. Objective: Estimation of the frequency of consumption of food products as a source of dietary fiber by people preparing for the marathon. Material and Methods: The frequency of intake of selected dietary fiber sources by women (n=105) and men (n=87) aged 19 to 73 years, who compete in marathons. The Block questionnaire was used to assess the intake of fiber sources (whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits, potatoes and legumes). Fiber consumption was expressed on a dot scale. Results: Adequate dietary fiber intake was found in 44% of the marathon runners, but insufficient one - in 50% of the respondents. Diets of about 6% of the subjects were poor in dietary fiber. Lower dietary fiber intake was demonstrated in both men and women in the pre-marathon period, and was due to the recommended dietary fiber intake during this period. Conclusion: The study showed an insufficient intake of dietary fiber in all-day rations of most of the surveyed marathon runners. A statistically significantly lower dietary intake of marathoners (both women and men) was demonstrated before the marathon compared to the post-long distance period.