Zhao Xueyuan, Chen Yan, Li Xiangxin, Wen Wei, Zhang Jingyi, Qiu Junqiang
School of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
School of Sport Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
Front Nutr. 2025 Jul 23;12:1589344. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1589344. eCollection 2025.
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are prevalent among endurance athletes, especially marathon runners, and can negatively affect performance and wellbeing. However, data on the prevalence and nutritional contributors to GI symptoms in Chinese recreational long distance runners remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity, and dietary influences of GI symptoms in this population.
A total of 805 valid responses were collected through an online and offline questionnaire conducted in China between January and December 2024. Participants were recreational long distance runners recruited via running clubs, community organizations, sports associations, and online platforms. The questionnaire covered six areas: demographics, exercise habits, dietary strategies, GI symptom severity and frequency, influencing factors, and knowledge and attitudes. GI symptoms during races were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), which includes 11 symptoms rated on a 7-point Likert scale.
Notably, 26.1% of participants reported GI symptoms during races, with bloating (18.6%), urge to defecate (17.8%), and stomach pain (16.5%) being the most frequent. Symptoms peaked in prevalence and severity during the middle phase of the race. GI symptoms were more common in males (27.9%) than females (20.8%), and runners aged 34 years and younger had a higher symptom rates. Nutritional factors, particularly pre- and mid-race dietary strategies, significantly influenced symptom occurrence. Foods high in fat, protein, fiber, or fermentable carbohydrates were commonly associated with GI distress. Eating within 30 min before a race increased the risk of bloating and urge to defecate. The use of energy gels, sports drinks, and hydration strategies also correlated with higher GI symptom risk. Other contributing factors included a history of GI issues and high monthly running volume.
The findings underscore the importance of individualized dietary planning to reduce GI symptoms among recreational long distance runners. Adjusting pre-race meal timing and avoiding certain food types may mitigate discomfort. In addition to nutrition, variables such as sex, age, training load, and medical history should be considered in preventive strategies. Future research should explore tailored nutrition and training approaches to improve athlete health and performance during endurance events.
胃肠道（GI）症状在耐力运动员中普遍存在，尤其是马拉松运动员，并且会对运动表现和健康产生负面影响。然而，关于中国业余长跑运动员胃肠道症状的患病率及其营养影响因素的数据仍然有限。本研究旨在调查该人群胃肠道症状的患病率、严重程度及饮食影响因素。
2024年1月至12月期间，通过在中国开展的线上和线下问卷调查，共收集到805份有效回复。参与者为通过跑步俱乐部、社区组织、体育协会及网络平台招募的业余长跑运动员。问卷涵盖六个方面：人口统计学信息、运动习惯、饮食策略、胃肠道症状的严重程度和频率、影响因素以及知识和态度。比赛期间的胃肠道症状采用胃肠道症状评分量表（GSRS）进行评估，该量表包含11种症状，采用7分李克特量表评分。
值得注意的是，26.1%的参与者报告在比赛期间出现胃肠道症状，其中腹胀（18.6%）、便意（17.8%）和胃痛（16.5%）最为常见。症状在比赛中期的患病率和严重程度达到峰值。胃肠道症状在男性（27.9%）中比女性（20.8%）更常见，34岁及以下的跑步者症状发生率更高。营养因素，尤其是赛前和赛中的饮食策略，对症状的发生有显著影响。高脂肪、高蛋白、高纤维或可发酵碳水化合物含量高的食物通常与胃肠道不适有关。在比赛前30分钟内进食会增加腹胀和便意的风险。使用能量胶、运动饮料及补水策略也与较高的胃肠道症状风险相关。其他影响因素包括胃肠道问题病史和每月高跑量。
研究结果强调了个性化饮食计划对减少业余长跑运动员胃肠道症状的重要性。调整赛前用餐时间并避免某些食物类型可能会减轻不适。在预防策略中，除了营养因素外，还应考虑性别、年龄、训练负荷和病史等变量。未来的研究应探索针对性的营养和训练方法，以改善耐力项目运动员的健康状况和运动表现。
