Macronutrient and mineral intake effects on racing time and cardiovascular health in non-elite marathon runners.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the intake of specific macronutrients and minerals that could influence cardiovascular health in recreational marathon runners.

METHODS

We grouped 37 male runners into two groups according to their 50th percentile race time (3.39 h) and divided them into fast (group 1 [G1]: 3.18 ± 0.18 h) and slow runners (group 2 [G2]: 3.84 ± 0.42 h). Anthropometric parameters, macronutrients, and mineral records were collected before the race. Minerals (sodium ion, potassium ion, and magnesium ion), lipid profile (triacylglycerols, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol), muscle damage (creatine kinase), inflammation (C-reactive protein), and cardiovascular health (high-sensitivity troponin T, ST2, and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide) were analyzed in blood 24 h before, immediately after, and 48 h postrace.

RESULTS

Weight (G1: 74.70 ± 7.76 kg, G2: 79.58 ± 6.72 kg; P < 0.05) and body mass index (G1: 23.01 ± 1.81 kg/m, G2: 25.30 ± 2.02 kg/m; P < 0.01) differed significantly between the groups. Moreover, G1 consumed significantly more (P < 0.01) mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids than G2, and presented significantly higher iron, potassium, and magnesium intake. Regarding blood lipid profile, G2 presented significantly higher triacylglycerol values and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (P < 0.01). The high-sensitivity troponin T marker of cardiac myocyte stress or injury was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G2, reaching values >250 ng/L, and 81% of the runners (30 of 37) presented higher postrace values.

CONCLUSIONS

Marathon runners consuming adequate amounts of unsaturated fat, iron, potassium, and magnesium, performed better and presented better cardiovascular health.