Measuring Athletes' Perception of the Sport Nutrition Information Environment: The Adaptation and Validation of the Diet Information Overload Scale among Elite Athletes.

The exponentially growing quantity of nutrition information creates a new situation and challenge for every stakeholder, from athletes, coaches and nutritionists to policymakers. To measure the perception of the information environment related to healthy eating, the diet information overload scale was developed. The scale consists of eight items, measuring the perceived importance of pieces of information overload on Likert-type scales. The objective of the study was to test the applicability and validity of the diet information overload scale among athletes. A cross-sectional validation study was conducted with elite athletes (n = 177). To validate each item of the scale, we applied Cronbach's alpha test, and the inner consistency of the scale was analyzed with linear correlation coefficients of the different variables. To evaluate the relationship between question groups, we applied factor analysis. The different fit indices showed a good fit to the model; the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) value was 0.09 and the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) value was 0.84. The indicators of reliability (α based upon the covariances = 0.81) produced suitable results; thus, the sport nutrition information overload scale showed high reliability and applicability. Based on the sport nutrition information overload scale, further analysis could be carried out on how to optimize the content of key pieces of sport nutrition-related information.

The Validity of Ultrasound Technology in Providing an Indirect Estimate of Muscle Glycogen Concentrations Is Equivocal.

Researchers and practitioners in sports nutrition would greatly benefit from a rapid, portable, and non-invasive technique to measure muscle glycogen, both in the laboratory and field. This explains the interest in MuscleSound®, the first commercial system to use high-frequency ultrasound technology and image analysis from patented cloud-based software to estimate muscle glycogen content from the echogenicity of the ultrasound image. This technique is based largely on muscle water content, which is presumed to act as a proxy for glycogen. Despite the promise of early validation studies, newer studies from independent groups reported discrepant results, with MuscleSound® scores failing to correlate with the glycogen content of biopsy-derived mixed muscle samples or to show the expected changes in muscle glycogen associated with various diet and exercise strategies. The explanation of issues related to the site of assessment do not account for these discrepancies, and there are substantial problems with the premise that the ratio of glycogen to water in the muscle is constant. Although further studies investigating this technique are warranted, current evidence that MuscleSound® technology can provide valid and actionable information around muscle glycogen stores is at best equivocal.

Development of a Sport Food Exchange List for Dietetic Practice in Sport Nutrition.

Food exchange lists have been widely used in dietary practice in health and disease situations, but there are still no exchange lists for sports foods. The aim of this study was to apply a previous published methodology to design food exchange lists to the development of a sports food exchange list, with sport products available in Spain. A cross-sectional study of the nutritional composition of sports foods, regarding macronutrients and energy, was carried out. A total of 322 sports foods from 18 companies were selected, taking into account their interest in sports practice and with nutritional data provided by companies. Sports foods were divided into seven groups: sports drinks; sports gels; sports bars; sports confectionery; protein powders; protein bars; and liquid meals. A sports food composition database based on portion size usually consumed by athletes and/or recommended in commercial packaging was created. Within each sports foods group, different subgroups were defined due to differences in the main and/or secondary macronutrient. The definition of each exchange list with the amounts-in grams-of each sports food within each group and subgroup, was done using statistical criteria such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and Z value. Final exchange values for energy and macronutrient have been established for each group and subgroup using a methodology to design food exchange lists previously published by the authors. In addition, those products with high Z values that can provide greater variability in dietary planning were included. The usefulness of sport foods lists as well as the use of an exchange system in the dietary practice of sports nutrition is discussed, and examples of how to use them with athletes are presented. This first sport foods exchange list showed in this study, with commercial sports products available in Spain, can be a novel tool for dietetic practice and also can allow sport nutrition professionals to develop another sport food list using the methodology described in this paper. Its management would allow dietitians to adapt dietary plans more precisely to the training and/or competition of the athlete.

Sports nutrition interventions: A systematic review of behavioural strategies used to promote dietary behaviour change in athletes.

Designing and implementing successful dietary interventions is integral to the role of sports nutrition professionals. Despite this, no review has evaluated sports nutrition interventions and consequently their active ingredients are not defined. This systematic review aimed to identify the behavioural strategies used in sports nutrition interventions and to explore any relationship between the strategies employed and intervention effects. SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, and SCOPUS were searched for behavioural interventions that aimed to change athletes' dietary behaviour. Behavioural interventions were eligible for inclusion provided pre and post-measures of dietary intake were reported. The protocol adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Each study was coded against the "Template for Intervention Description and Replication" (TIDieR) checklist and the Behaviour change technique (BCT) taxonomy v1. Only 19 BCTs are currently employed within sports nutrition interventions suggesting that 80% of the available BCTs are not being used. Only three studies were theory informed and the standard of reporting across all studies requires substantial improvement. However, the majority of studies reported changes in athletes' dietary behaviour post-intervention. This review highlights an absence of evidence-informed approaches defining the professional practice of sports nutrition and illuminates a limited application of BCTs within the sports nutrition field. Consequently, the authors provide a framework and guide for intervention development to increase rigour and effectiveness of future sports nutrition interventions. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018072283.

Diet Quality of Elite Australian Athletes Evaluated Using the Athlete Diet Index.

While athletes' nutrient intakes have been widely reported, few studies have assessed the diet quality of athletes. This is the first study to evaluate the diet quality of athletes using the purpose-built Athlete Diet Index (ADI). A convenience sample of 165 elite athletes from Australian sporting institutions completed the ADI online, with subsequent automated results provided to their respective accredited sports dietitians (ASDs). At the completion of athlete participation, ASDs (n = 12) responded to a range of survey items using a Likert scale (i.e., 1 = strongly agree to 5 = strongly disagree) to determine the suitability of the ADI in practice. Differences in ADI scores for demographics and sport-specific variables were investigated using independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni multiple comparisons. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the association between total scores and demographics. The mean total ADI score was 91.4 ± 12.2 (range 53-117, out of a possible 125). While there was no difference in total scores based on demographics or sport-specific variables; team sport athletes scored higher than individual sport athletes (92.7 vs. 88.5, P < 0.05). Athletes training fewer hours (i.e., 0-11 h/week) scored higher on Dietary Habits sub-scores compared with athletes training more hours (> 12 h/week; P < 0.05), suggesting that athletes who train longer may be at risk of a compromised dietary pattern or less than optimal nutrition practices that support training. Most (75%) ASDs surveyed strongly agreed with the perceived utility of the ADI for screening athletes and identifying areas for nutrition support, confirming its suitability for use in practice.

Can a contemporary dietary assessment tool or wearable technology accurately assess the energy intake of professional young rugby league players? A doubly labelled water validation study.

Accurate quantification of energy intake is imperative in athletes; however traditional dietary assessment tools are frequently inaccurate. Therefore, this study investigated the validity of a contemporary dietary assessment tool or wearable technology to determine the total energy intake (TEI) of professional young athletes. The TEI of eight professional young male rugby league players was determined by three methods; Snap-N-Send, SenseWear Armbands (SWA) combined with metabolic power and doubly labelled water (DLW; intake-balance method; criterion) across a combined ten-day pre-season and seven-day in-season period. Changes in fasted body mass were recorded, alongside changes in body composition via isotopic dilution and a validated energy density equation. Energy intake was calculated via the intake-balance method. Snap-N-Send non-significantly over-reported pre-season and in-season energy intake by 0.21 (2.37) MJ.day-1 (p = 0.833) and 0.51 (1.73) MJ.day-1 (p = 0.464), respectively. This represented a trivial and small standardised mean bias, and very large and large typical error. SenseWear Armbands and metabolic power significantly under-reported pre-season and in-season TEI by 3.51 (2.42) MJ.day-1 (p = 0.017) and 2.18 (1.85) MJ.day-1 (p = 0.021), respectively. This represents a large and moderate standardised mean bias, and very large and very large typical error. There was a most likely larger daily error reported by SWA and metabolic power than Snap-N-Send across pre-season (3.30 (2.45) MJ.day-1; ES = 1.26 ± 0.68; p = 0.014) and in-season periods (1.67 (2.00) MJ.day-1; ES = 1.27 ± 0.70; p = 0.012). This study demonstrates the enhanced validity of Snap-N-Send for assessing athlete TEI over combined wearable technology, although caution is required when determining the individual TEIs of athletes via Snap-N-Send.

Australian team sports athletes prefer dietitians, the internet and nutritionists for sports nutrition information.

AIM: To evaluate the information sources that are used and preferred by Australian athletes and to assess if preferences influence nutrition knowledge (NK). METHODS: Elite and non-elite Australian team sport athletes, playing Australian football (AF), cricket, lawn bowls, soccer or hockey, were recruited via the sporting organisations' qualified sports dietitians or club presidents. Athletes completed one of two online, validated sports NK questionnaires. Frequency analysis on previous sources of advice, preferred sources of information and preferred type of support were assessed. Differences in NK scores (%) based on previous sources of dietary advice and preferences for obtaining information were assessed using t test or Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Demographic and information source questions were completed by 410 athletes; 331 also completed NK questions. Athletes were mostly non-elite (76%) and AF players (79%). Forty-four per cent of athletes reported having previously received advice from a dietitian. Twenty per cent, 19% and 16% of athletes chose "dietitian," "internet" and "nutritionist" as their preferred source of nutrition information, respectively. Athletes preferred information on sports nutrition (35%), individual consultations (33%), and information on general healthy eating (33%), over cooking classes (4%) and group presentations (3%). There were no significant associations between preferred and previous information sources and NK scores. CONCLUSIONS: Australian athletes prefer dietitians, the internet and nutritionists for sports nutrition information. There is an interest in and need for access to a qualified sports dietitian and reputable internet-based nutrition information. Education programs and advice given to athletes need to be evaluated.

Dietary Intake in Relation to Military Dietary Reference Values During Army Basic Combat Training; a Multi-center, Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The military dietary reference intakes (MDRIs), outlined in Army Regulation 40-25, OPNAVINST 10110.1/MCO10110.49, AFI 44-141, establish standards intended to meet the nutrient requirements of Warfighters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to comprehensively compare the revised MDRIs, published in 2017, with estimated dietary intakes in U.S. military personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this cross-sectional study, Block food frequency questionnaires were administered at the end of the 9-week basic combat training course to estimate dietary intake during basic combat training in male (n = 307) and female (n = 280) recruits. The cut-point method was used to determine nutrient adequacy in comparison to the MDRIs. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. RESULTS: Recruits consumed an adequate amount of vitamins A, C and K, as well as the B-vitamins, and phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and protein and carbohydrate as a percentage of total calories when compared with MDRI standards. Vitamin D was the short-fall nutrient affecting the greatest number of participants, as 55 and 70% of males and females, respectively, consumed less than 33% of the MDRI. In addition, less than 50% of males met the MDRI for linoleic and α-linolenic acid, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, and less than 50% of females met the MDRI for α-linolenic acid, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. In contrast, fat and sodium were over-consumed by both males (78 and 87%, respectively) and females (73 and 72%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The main findings of this study were that vitamins D and E, magnesium, potassium, α-linolenic acid, and fiber were under consumed by male and female recruits while males also did not consume adequate linoleic acid and females did not consume adequate calcium and iron. Future prospective research studies are needed to determine possible health and performance impacts that may be associated with suboptimal intake of these nutrients.

Suplementos nutricionales para el deportista. Ayudas ergogénicas en el deporte - 2019. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina del Deporte / Nutritional supplements for athletes. Ergogenic aids in sport - 2019. Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Sports Medicine

En el año 2012 se publicó el consenso "Ayudas ergogénicas nutricionales para las personas que realizan ejercicio físico" que ha servido durante estos años como referente en la materia para muchos profesionales de la materia. La modificación de normativas y la aparición de nuevas evidencias han aconsejado efectuar un nuevo documento, en esta ocasión "Suplementos nutricionales para el deportista. Ayudas ergogénicas en el deporte" que supone una puesta al día rigurosa sobre la evidencia existente, sobre la legislación actual en el contexto europeo y sobre las expectativas de futuro. El documento describe en profundidad los suplementos que se utilizan en la actualidad agrupándolos en hidratos de carbono, bebidas especialmente diseñadas para el deportista, Proteínas como ayuda ergogénica en el deporte, minerales, vitaminas, ácidos grasos y otros componentes (creatina, β-hidroxi-β-metil-butirato, carnitina, mezclas de aminoácidos ramificados, otros aminoácidos y sustancias nitrogenadas, cafeína, guaraná y té verde, antioxidantes, inmunomoduladores, bicarbonatos y citratos, ginseng, glicerol, cannabidiol, melatonina, leptina, sulfato de condroitina, sulfato de glucosamina, ácido hialurónico, bromelina, nitratos y otras ayudas ergogénicas.Se presentan las evidencias de consenso actuales y un novedoso diagrama de decisión en relación con la utilización de suplementos nutricionales en el deporte para terminar efectuando importantes recomendaciones para el deportista que se entrena y compite y se incorporan las recomendaciones sobre el uso de suplementos nutricionales y de ayudas ergogénicas para prevenir el dopaje accidental. Este documento constituye una verdadera puesta al día en los suplementos nutricionales que se utilizan actualmente y sirve como rigurosa guía de utilización para los profesionales que trabajan en el deporte y en la actividad física

In 2012 the consensus "Nutritional ergogenic aids for physical exercise practitioners" was published, which has served during these years as a reference in the field for many professionals of the field. The modification of regulations and the appearance of new evidence have made it advisable to produce a new document, this time "Nutritional supplements for athletes. Ergogenic aids in sport" which means a rigorous update on the existing evidence, on the current legislation in the European context and on the expectations for the future. The document deeply describes the supplements that are currently used by grouping them into carbohydrates, drinks specially designed for athletes, proteins as an ergogenic aid in sport, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and other components (creatine, β-hydroxy-β-methyl-butyrate, carnitine), mixtures of branched amino acids, other amino acids and nitrogenous substances, caffeine, guarana and green tea, antioxidants, immunomodulators, bicarbonates and citrates, ginseng, glycerol, cannabidiol, melatonin, leptin, chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate, hyaluronic acid, bromelain, nitrates and other ergogenic aids. It is presented the evidence of current consensus and a novel decision diagram regarding the use of nutritional supplements in sport to end up making important recommendations for the athlete who trains and competes and incorporates recommendations on the use of nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids to prevent accidental doping. This document is an update on the nutritional supplements currently in use and serves as a rigorous user guide for professionals working in sport and physical activity

Análisis del consumo de suplementos nutricionales en jugadores de la liga EBA / Análise do consumo de suplementos nutricionais em jogadores da liga EBA / Analysis of the consumption of nutritional supplements by basketball players in EBA league

La bibliografía sobre el consumo de suplementos nutricionales (SN) en jugadores de baloncesto es escasa. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el consumo de SN en un grupo de jugadores del Grupo C de la liga española de baloncesto amateur (EBA). Se registraron un total de 79 cuestionarios de 9 equipos diferentes. Éste fue diseñado y evaluado previamente mediante un pilotaje en el que se observó la validez del contenido, su aplicación, su estructura y su presentación. Los resultados muestran que el 100% de la muestra está a favor del consumo de SN dentro de la legalidad, el 71,2% afirma haberlos consumido en alguna ocasión y el 56,1% los consume en la actualidad. Los SN más consumidos por la muestra son bebidas deportivas (60,8%), proteínas de suero (18,9%), barritas energéticas (16,5%), complejo vitamínico (15,2%), proteína (no suero) (12,6%), creatina (10,1%) e hidratos de carbono (8,9%). Un alto porcentaje de los consumidores de SN piensa que han obtenido resultados positivos en el consumo de estos. Aunque con algunos matices, el porcentaje y los resultados sobre el consumo de SN en el presente estudio son similares a las aportaciones realizadas por otros estudios que evalúan la suplementación en deportistas (AU)

There are a few studies on nutritional supplement (NS) use in basketball players. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of NS in a group of players from Group C of the Spanish amateur basketball league (EBA). A total of 79 questionnaires from 9 different teams was registered. It was designed and previously evaluated by a pilot study in which was observed the validity of the content, his application, his structure and his presentation. 100% of the sample is in favor of NS legal use, 71,2% had consumed it sometime and 56,1% use at present. The NS most consumed by the sample are sports drinks (60,8%), whey protein (18,9%), energy bars (16,5%), vitamin complex (15,2%), protein (no serum) (12,6%), creatine (10,1%) and carbohydrates (8,9%). A high percentage of NS consumers thought to have positive results. Although with some nuances, the percentage and the results on SN consumption in this study are similar to other studies evaluating supplementation in athletes (AU)

A literatura sobre o uso de suplementos nutricionais (SN) em jogadores de basquete é escassa. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o consumo de SN em um grupo de jogadores de Grupo C da liga de basquete amador espanhol (EBA). Um total de 79 questionários a partir de 9 equipes diferentes registrado. Foi concebido e previamente avaliado por um estudo piloto no qual foi observada a validade do conteúdo, aplicação, e estrutura de apresentação. Os resultados mostram que 100% da amostra é a favor do consumo SN dentro da lei, 71,2% dizem que se houver consumido na ocasião e consome 56,1% hoje. O SN mais consumido pela amostra são bebidas esportivas (60,8%), proteínas de soro de leite (18,9%), barras energéticas (16,5%), complexo vitamínico (15,2%), proteínas (sem soro) (12,6%), creatina (10,1%) e hidratos de carbono (8,9%). Uma elevada percentagem de consumidores SN pensado para ter resultados positivos no consumo destes. Embora com algumas nuances, a percentagem e os resultados sobre o consumo SN neste estudo são semelhantes às contribuições feitas por outros estudos que avaliaram a suplementação em atletas (AU)

Mejora del sueño en deportistas: uso de suplementos nutricionales / Sleep improvement in athletes: use of nutritional supplements

El sueño es el estado de reposo físico y mental fundamental en la recuperación del sistema biológico, regulando mecanismos claves y ejerciendo su papel en la homeostasis metabólica. Las recomendaciones lo sitúan en torno a las 8 horas/noche, considerándose que una persona sufre restricción del mismo con tiempos inferiores a 6 horas durante 4 o más noches consecutivas. Éste se ve afectado por diferentes factores ambientales de forma negativa lo que conlleva efectos perjudiciales para la esperanza y la calidad de vida. En el ámbito deportivo, el rendimiento es el factor clave para el éxito en la competición. El sueño es pieza clave en el entrenamiento invisible, jugando un papel fundamental en el rendimiento. Está comprobado que la falta de descanso es desencadenante de una menor capacidad física y de la aparición de trastornos anímicos que dificultan la toma de decisiones. Por ello existen un gran número de investigaciones centradas en estudiar cómo mejorar la calidad y la cantidad del sueño de los atletas a partir de una correcta programación de los entrenamientos y/o una nutrición adecuada, y así minimizar la interferencia o mejorar la fase de conciliación del sueño. La conciliación del sueño, las alteraciones de este los días previos a la competición, el horario de entrenamiento, el estilo de vida del deportista y su influencia en el mismo, la alimentación y la suplementación son los principales temas tratados en esta revisión sobre el sueño en deportistas. Es necesario un mayor número de estudios y un mayor nivel de evidencia para poder conocer y usar las diferentes estrategias que mejoren la calidad del sueño en deportistas

Sleep is the physical and mental resting state which is fundamental for recovery of the biological system, regulating key mechanisms and metabolic homeostasis. It is recommended to sleep around 8 hours/night, and sleep restriction is considered when a person sleeps less than 6 hours during 4 or more consecutive nights. Some environmental factors adversely a ecting sleep will reduce quality of life and may increase mortality risk. Sports performance is obviously a key factor that needs to be successful in a competition period. It is well known that insucient rest reduces physical tness and favors the onset of mood disorders. For that reason, multiple lines of research are focused on nding the best way to improve the quality and quantity of sleep in athletes. It has been found that both nutrition and good training periodization are important to improve the rest and sleep of athletes. To get to sleep and its disruption in the previous days to competition, hour of training, athletes’ lifestyle and its impact, nutrition and supplementation, are the key topics addressed in this review about sleep in athletes. There is an urgent need of more research to understand and use diferent strategies, including nutritional supplements, in improving sleep in athletes

Patrones alimentarios de ultramaratonistas chilenos / Food patterns in Chilean ultra-marathon runners

Objetivo: determinar los patrones alimentarios de ultramaratonistas chilenos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo. La muestra incluyó 20 ultramaratonistas (n = 3 mujeres), quienes promediaban para la edad 33,0 ± 7,8 años, peso 71,1 ± 6,6 kg y estatura 1,72 ± 0,05 m. Se aplicó una encuesta de hábitos alimentarios validada y un punto de significación de p < 0,05. Resultados: los ultramaratonistas chilenos presentan bajo consumo de alimentos de acuerdo a las porciones recomendadas de frutas, verduras, pescado y leguminosas, y el 75% de ellos consume desayuno diariamente. Se observa ingestas moderadas de bebidas azucaradas, snacks dulces y alcohol, mientras que la ingesta de frituras (65%) corresponde al hábito no saludable más frecuente. Conclusión: los ultramaratonistas chilenos presentan un bajo cumplimiento en las porciones recomendadas de alimentos, pese al gran esfuerzo físico que realizan (AU)

Objective: To determine the dietary patterns of Chilean ultra-marathoners. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was carried out to study the eating habits of Chilean ultra-marathoners by means a validated survey of eating habits. The sample included 20 ultra-marathoners (n = 3 women) who averaged to 33.0 ± 7.8 years old, 71.1 ± 6.6 kilos weight and height 1.72 ± 0.05 meters. Results: Chilean ultra-marathoners presented a low food consumption according to the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, fish and legumes, but a moderate intake of sugary drinks, sweet snacks and alcohol. However, the intake of fried foods (65%) was the most common unhealthy habit and the 75% of them reported consume breakfast daily. Conclusion: Chilean ultra-marathoners have a low compliance of the recommended number of daily servings by food groups, despite the great physical effort (AU)

Hydration practices of runners during training vs competition / Prácticas de hidratación en corredores durante el entrenamiento vs la competición

Background: Appropriate hydration ensures that the athlete is in ideal condition during exercise. Inadequate hydration practices are still present among athletes participating in different types of sports. This could be the result of a low level of knowledge concerning the importance of hydration for athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and the hydration practices of the runners in training and competition. Method: This study used an exploratory method involving a questionnaire containing 19 objective questions related to hydration habits and level of knowledge about hydration, as reported in prior studies, which included questions categorized into three parts: demographic characteristics, hydration habits during competition and training, and hydration knowledge. A total of 412 athletes (36.1 ± 12.9 years old) with a high experience in the sport (11.2 ± 10.9 years) were evaluated. Results: A significant difference (p = 0.0012) was observed for reported hydration practices between training and competitions. Moreover, the data revealed that a large number of runners (41 % in competitions and 54.4% in training) had inadequate hydration habits because they did not always consume fluids. Increased consumption of fluids in the competitions was also observed. Only 35.4% of athletes consumed sports drinks, while 3.88 % had never consumed fluids during training, and 1.5% never consumed fluids in competition. Few athletes (23.2%) weighed themselves before and after exercising. Participants answered 66.6% of hydration knowledge questions correctly. Conclusion: Runners were not able to transfer their knowledge about proper hydration during both training and competition practices

Introducción: Una hidratación adecuada asegura que el atleta está en condición ideal durante el ejercicio. Se suelen presentar prácticas de hidratación inadecuadas entre los deportistas de diferentes disciplinas que podrían deberse a un bajo nivel de conocimiento sobre la importancia de una correcta hidratación para el rendimiento deportivo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimiento y las prácticas de hidratación en corredores durante el entrenamiento frente a la competición. Métodos: Este estudio utilizó un método exploratorio que incluía un cuestionario con 19 preguntas objetivas relacionadas con los hábitos de hidratación y el nivel de conocimiento sobre hidratación, según lo informado en estudios previos, cuyas preguntas estaban divididas en tres partes: características demográficas; hábitos de hidratación durante el entrenamiento y competición, y conocimientos sobre hidratación. Se evaluaron 412 corredores (36,1 ± 12,9 años) con una elevada experiencia en la práctica del atletismo (11,2 ± 10,9 años). Resultados: Hubo diferencia significativa (p = 0,0012) de las prácticas de hidratación durante los entrenamientos y la competición, con mayor consumo de líquidos durante las competiciones. Por otra parte, los datos revelaron que un gran número de corredores (41,0% en competición y 54,4 % en entrenamiento) tenían hábitos de hidratación inadecuados al no consumir siempre líquidos. Sólo el 35,4 % de los atletas declararon consumir bebidas deportivas. La ingesta de líquidos era inexistente en el 3,8% de los atletas durante el entrenamiento y el 1,5% en competiciones. Sólo el 23,2% de los encuestados controlaban el peso corporal antes y después del ejercicio. Los participantes respondieron correctamente al 66,6% de las preguntas sobre conocimiento de hidratación. Conclusiones: Los corredores participantes no fueron capaces de trasladar sus conocimientos sobre el tema de hidratación en prácticas adecuadas tanto en entrenamiento como en competición

Variables utilizadas en cuestionarios de consumo de suplementos ergonutricionales / Variables used in questionnaires about ergonutritionals supplements intake

Introducción: el consumo de suplementos ergonutricionales está aumentando en los últimos años tanto en España como en el resto del mundo. Los cuestionarios que estiman la ingesta y uso de suplementos presentan limitaciones metodológicas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las variables utilizadas en los cuestionarios de estimación de consumo de suplementos ergonutricionales para población deportista, descritas en el apartado de metodología de los artículos científicos. Metodología: revisión bibliográfica de variables utilizadas para estimar el uso y consumo de suplementos ergonutricionales. Búsqueda estructurada en la base de datos PubMed y mediante la estrategia bola de nieve. Ecuación de búsqueda: 'Questionnaire' AND 'Supplementation' AND 'Athletes'. Criterios de inclusión: artículos publicados en cualquier país en idioma inglés o en español, que contengan cuestionario en el anexo o las variables que se describen en el apartado de metodología que puedan inferirse a partir de los artículos, que estimen la ingesta y uso de suplementos ergonutricionales y vayan dirigidos a deportistas que entrenan a nivel competitivo (amateurs, élite, etc.). Se realizó un análisis de contenido y un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: de los 122 estudios identificados, 21 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Las variables descritas fueron factores sociodemográficos y relacionados con el deporte que se practica, así como la frecuencia de entrenamiento, población deportista a la que iba dirigida, razones/motivos de uso y consumo, fuentes de información, lista de suplementos y frecuencia de uso y consumo. Discusión: existe gran heterogeneidad en cuanto a las variables propuestas por los autores en los cuestionarios de estimación de ingesta y uso de suplementos ergonutricionales. Es necesaria la estandarización de metodologías en el diseño de cuestionarios, así como definir una clasificación de referencia como la propuesta por el Instituto Australiano del Deporte (AU)

Introduction: nutritional supplements intake is increasing during the recent years both in Spain and in the rest of the world. Questionnaires that estimate the intake and supplement use have methodological limitations. The purpose of this study is to describe used indicators in questionnaires that estimate nutritional supplements intake among athletes so facilitate understanding of these limitations. Methodology: a literature review of variables used within questionnaires to estimate consumption of nutritional supplements among athletes. We conducted a structured research in PubMed database and through snow ball strategy. Search equation: 'Questionnaire' AND 'Supplementation' AND 'Athletes'. Inclusion criteria: published in any country in English or Spanish, containing questionnaire or indicators can be deducted from the items, to estimate the intake and use of nutritional supplements and should be targeted to athletes training in order to compete at any level. We performed a descriptive analysis. Results: 21 above the 122 identified studies met the inclusion criteria. Sociodemographic factors, sport and training frequency, athlete population, reasons/motives for use and consumption, sources of information and list of supplements and frequency are the found indicators for estimating intake of supplements. Discussion: there are great heterogeneity in terms of the proposed indicators by the authors at the question naires and intake estimation using nutritional supplements, standardization of the methodology for the development questionnaires to be necessary and proposing the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport as a reference (AU)

Nutrient Intake by Ultramarathon Runners: Can They Meet Recommendations?

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether ultramarathon runners were able to meet nutrition recommendations during a training period and on a competition day. METHODS: In preparation for a 60 or 120 km ultramarathon covering a varied terrain, male and female ultramarathon runners (n = 68, age 46.5 ± 7.1 y) reported habitual dietary intake during three independent days using a web-based 24-hr recall and questionnaires. The diet was assessed using probability of inadequacy or by qualitative evaluation using reference dietary intakes or sports nutrition recommendations. A small group of 120 km runners (n = 4) was observed continuously during the race. After the race, 60 km runners (n = 41) received a questionnaire to assess dietary intake and gastrointestinal (GI) distress on the race day. Spearman rank correlation coefficients (r) were applied to investigate the association between intake and general GI distress symptoms. RESULTS: In men and women, habitual mean carbohydrate (CHO) intake was lower than recommended, as was mean protein intake by women. CHO intake during the race was <60 g/h in 75% of the athletes. A large variation of nutrient and fluid intake was seen. GI distress during the race was reported in 82% of the runners; severe GI distress was low. In general, moderate, mostly negative, correlations with nutrient intake were seen for GI distress. CONCLUSION: Sports nutrition recommendations for the habitual diet were not achieved. During a competition day, a large variation was found in nutrient intake; this may be related to a high incidence of GI distress.

O papel da suplementação de betaína na atividade física: uma revisão sistemática / The role of betaine supplementation in physical activity: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the betaine supplementation and its possible ergogenic potential in physically active adults. Data source: In the present review, articles were searched using indexed databases (SciELO and NCBI) and the following keywords were selected for the search: "supplement", "betaine", "performance" and "adults", including terms of lexical proximity, limited to articles in English, published between 2000 and the present date. Inclusion criteria: adults, physically active individuals or individuals under physical test and betaine supplementation. Data synthesis: According to the applied search criteria, 20,750 articles were found, from which only seven obeyed to inclusion parameters after judicious reading of the texts. In these, betaine supplementation was capable to increase anaerobic potency, muscular and isometric endurance, and stimulate an anabolic environment. In contrast, no increase was observed in the plasmatic levels of nitrate/nitrite and, when compared to creatine, betaine supplementation was not able to raise the levels of phosphorylcreatine or strength in sedentary individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The present work showed that betaine supplementation plays an important role as an ergogenic resource, mainly in biomarkers and muscular strength and power; nevertheless, it is apparently ineffective when given to sedentary individuals

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a suplementação de betaína e seu possível potencial ergogênico em adultos fisicamente ativos. Fonte de dados: Na presente revisão, artigos foram pesquisados usando bancos de dados indexados (e.g., SciELO e NCBI) e as seguintes palavras-chave foram selecionados para a procura: "suplemento", "betaína", "desempenho" e "adultos", incluindo termos de proximidade léxica, limitado-se a artigos em inglês e português publicados entre 2000 e a presente data. Critérios de inclusão: referirem-se a adultos, indivíduos fisicamente ativos ou sob teste físico e suplementação de betaína. Síntese dos dados: De acordo com os critérios de pesquisa aplicada, 20.750 artigos foram encontrados, dos quais apenas sete obedeceram aos parâmetros de inclusão após leitura criteriosa do texto. Nesses estudos, a suplementação de betaína foi capaz de elevar potência anaeróbica, resistência muscular e isométrica e estimular um ambiente anabólico. Em contraste, não foram encontradas elevações nos níveis plasmáticos de nitrato/nitrito e, quando comparada à suplementação de creatina, não foi capaz de elevar níveis de fosforilcreatina ou força em indivíduos sedentários. CONCLUSÕES: O presente trabalho mostrou que a suplementação de betaína desempenha um papel importante como ergogênico, principalmente em níveis de marcadores biológicos e sobre força e potência muscular, embora aparentemente seja inefetiva quando fornecida a indivíduos sedentários

Efecto de la hepcidina en el metabolismo del hierro en deportistas / Effect of hepcidin on iron metabolism in atheletes

Las funciones del hierro en el organismo son esenciales, siendo uno de los objetivos del deportista mantener un estado férrico adecuado. La hepcidina, se ha propuesto como la principal hormona responsable de controlar las reservas corporales de hierro, a través de su capacidad para degradar la ferroportina. La acción de la hepcidina sobre la ferroportina provoca una disminución de la absorción del hierro proveniente de la dieta, así como de los macrófagos. Distintos factores como el estado férrico del individuo, la cantidad de hierro proveniente de la dieta, la inflamación, hipoxia, testosterona y el ejercicio, se han comprobado que afectan a la capacidad de síntesis de hepcidina. Los objetivos del presente trabajo han sido analizar las investigaciones que actualmente han estudiado la respuesta de la hepcidina al ejercicio, así como el diseño de un plan específico que tenga por objeto prevenir posibles estados ferropénicos en el deportista. Los principales hallazgos han sido una asociación entre el ejercicio a una intensidad superior al 65% VO2máx con incrementos transitorios en la síntesis de hepcidina, así como un posible efecto regulador de los estímulos de hipoxiaintermitente en la recuperación temprana postejercicio. Otros factores como el volumen de entrenamiento, sexo, modalidad de ejercicio o el tipo de superficie sobre la que se practica el ejercicio no parecen afectar a la respuesta de la hepcidina al ejercicio (AU)

The role of iron in the human body is essential, and athletes must always try to keep an adequate iron status. Hepcidin is proposed as the main hormone responsible for the control of iron reserves in the body, given its ability to induce degradation of ferroportin. The action of hepcidin on ferroportin leads to a decreased dietary iron absorption, as well as to a decrease in macrophages. Several factors such as the iron status, the amount of dietary iron, the inflammation, the hypoxia, the testosterone and the physical exercise have been pointed out as affecting the synthesis of hepcidin. This study has aimed at analysing the researches on hepcidin response to exercise, as well as designing a specific strategy to prevent a potential ferropenic status in athletes. The main findings are an association between exercise at an intensity over 65% VO2max and transient increases in the synthesis of hepcidin, and a possible regulatory effect of intermittent hypoxic stimuli in the early post-exercise recovery. Other factors such as the training volume, sex, kind of exercise or the type of surface where the training takes place do not seem to affect the response of hepcidin to exercise (AU)

Composición corporal en escolares de primaria y su relación con el hábito nutricional y la práctica reglada de actividad deportiva / Composição corporal em estudantes do ensino fundamental e sua relação com o hábito nutricional na prática regular de atividade física / Body composition in elementary school and its relationship with nutritional habits and formal practice sports activity

Objetivos. Presentar las relaciones encontradas en el primer año del estudio longitudinal de 6 años de duración entre la composición corporal, frecuencia de consumo de alimentos, nivel de actividad física y prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y niñas de 6 años. Método. Mensualmente se midió el peso y la talla, se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y se pasó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos mediante el test Kidmed de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y el cuestionario PAQ-C de actividad física. A partir de los datos de IMC se obtuvieron los valores correspondientes a la ecuación de regresión de Cole y los percentiles según las tablas del CDC de Atlanta y de la Fundación Orbegozo. Semestralmente se realizó una bioimpedancia monofrecuencia (BIA), cineantropometría completa y medición del gasto energético durante 2 días consecutivos con un calorímetro ArmBand. Resultados. Los principales hallazgos de este primer año son los siguientes: los datos obtenidos por BIA y por cineantropometría muestran una buena correlación, los datos del cuestionario Kidmed no muestran correlación con los datos antropométricos ni con el IMC, los datos del PAQ-C y la calorimetría muestran un mayor nivel de actividad en niños que en niñas incluso al corregirlo por la masa corporal total. Conclusiones. Las diferencias entre los 3 criterios de diagnóstico de obesidad son patentes, de forma que nuestros datos globales de sobrepeso oscilarían entre el 29 y el 44,9% para los niños o entre el 20,3 y el 32,4% para las niñas, según el criterio utilizado (AU)

Objetivos: Apresentar as relações encontradas no primeiro ano do estudo longitudinal de 6 anos de duração entre a composição corporal, frequência de consumo de alimentos, nível de atividade física e prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em meninos e meninas de 6 anos. Método: O peso e a altura foram medidos mensalmente, calculando o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e passou-se um questionário de frequência de consumo de alimentos mediante o teste Kidmed de adesão a dieta mediterrânea e o questionário PAQ-C de atividade física. A partir dos dados de IMC obtiveram-se os valores correspondentes da ação de regressão de Cole e os percentis segundo as tabelas do CDC de Atlanta e da Fundação Orbegozo. Semestralmente foram realizadas biopedância monofrequência (BIA), cineantropometria completa e medição do gasto energético durante 2 dias consecutivos com um calorímetro ArmBand. Resultados: Os principais achados desse primeiro ano foram os seguintes: os dados obtidos por BIA e por cineantropometria mostram uma boa correlação, os dados do questionário Kimed não mostram correlação com os dados antropométricos nem com o IMC, os dados do PAQ-C e da calorimetria mostram um maior nível de atividade em meninos que em meninas, inclusive depois de corrigido pela massa corporal. Conclusões: As diferenças entre os 3 critérios de obesidade são notórias, de forma que nossos dados globais de sobrepeso oscilam entre 29 e 44,9% para meninos e entre 20,3 e 32,4% para as meninas, segundo o critério utilizado

Objectives. To present the results of a longitudinal study of six years with a group of children throughout the primary stage of education based on the relationships between body composition, frequency of food consumption, level of physical activity and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 6 year-old children. Method. Monthly weight and height were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and two questionnaires were administered: The Kidmed questionnaire of adherence to the Mediterranean diet for the frequency of food consumption, and the PAQ -C questionnaire for physical activity. Data corresponding to the regression equation of Cole and percentiles according to the tables of CDC Atlanta and the Foundation Orbegozo values were obtained from the BMI. Twice a year, a single frequency bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and a full kinanthropometry were assessed and measurement of energy expenditure was conducted over two consecutive days with an ArmBand calorimeter. Results. The main findings of this first year are as follows: Data obtained by BIA and kinanthropometry show a good correlation. The questionnaire data shows that KIDMED does not correlate with anthropometric data or BMI. Data from the PAQ- C and calorimetry show a higher level of activity in boys than in girls even when adjusted to the total body mass. Conclusions. The differences between the three diagnostic criteria of obesity are obvious, so that our global data overweight range between 29 and 44.9% for boys and between 20.3 and 32.4% for girls, depending on the criteria used (AU)