College of Medicine, Veterinary & Life Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2011 May 19;8:7. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-8-7.
Explanations for the phenomenal success of East African distance runners include unique dietary practices. The aim of the present study was to assess the food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners during a period of high intensity exercise training at altitude and prior to major competition.
The dietary intake of 10 highly-trained Ethiopian long distance runners, living and training at high altitude (approximately 2400 m above sea level) was assessed during a 7 day period of intense training prior to competition using the standard weighed intake method. Training was also assessed using an activity/training diary.
Body mass was stable (i.e., was well maintained) over the assessment period (pre: 56.7 ± 4.3 kg vs. post: 56.6 ± 4.2 kg, P = 0.54; mean ± SD). The diet comprised of 13375 ± 1378 kJ and was high in carbohydrate (64.3 ± 2.6%, 545 ± 49 g, 9.7 ± 0.9 g/kg). Fat and protein intake was 23.3 ± 2.1% (83 ± 14 g) and 12.4 ± 0.6% (99 ± 13 g, 1.8 ± 0.2 g/kg), respectively. Fluid intake comprised mainly of water (1751 ± 583 mL), while no fluids were consumed before or during training with only modest amounts being consumed following training.
Similar to previous studies in elite Kenyan distance runners, the diet of these elite Ethiopian distance runners met most recommendations of endurance athletes for macronutrient intake but not for fluid intake.
东非长跑运动员的惊人成功可以用独特的饮食实践来解释。本研究的目的是评估在高海拔高强度训练期间和重大比赛前，埃塞俄比亚长跑运动员的食物和宏量营养素摄入量。
使用标准称重摄入法，在比赛前的 7 天高强度训练期间，评估了 10 名居住和训练在高海拔（约 2400 米）的高度训练的埃塞俄比亚长跑运动员的饮食摄入量。训练情况也通过活动/训练日记进行评估。
在评估期间，体重保持稳定（即保持良好）（前：56.7 ± 4.3 公斤 vs. 后：56.6 ± 4.2 公斤，P = 0.54；平均值 ± SD）。饮食包括 13375 ± 1378 千焦耳，碳水化合物含量高（64.3 ± 2.6%，545 ± 49 克，9.7 ± 0.9 克/公斤）。脂肪和蛋白质摄入量分别为 23.3 ± 2.1%（83 ± 14 克）和 12.4 ± 0.6%（99 ± 13 克，1.8 ± 0.2 克/公斤）。液体摄入主要由水组成（1751 ± 583 毫升），在训练前后没有摄入任何液体，只有在训练后才摄入少量液体。
与之前对肯尼亚精英长跑运动员的研究类似，这些埃塞俄比亚精英长跑运动员的饮食符合耐力运动员对宏量营养素摄入的大部分建议，但不符合液体摄入的建议。
