Effect of diet on cardiovascular health-related circulating parameters in men and women athletes participating in a marathon race: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe main objective of this study is to understand how diet affects performance and cardiovascular health in a group of women participating in a demanding aerobic race such as marathon, compared to men. MethodsFifteen women participating in the Barcelona Marathon-2016 were recruited to participate in the study. A group of men (n = 15) that performed the same marathon race was selected. Anthropometric parameters and diet records were collected before the race. Circulating parameters were analyzed 24 h-pre-race, immediately after the race and 48 h-post-race. These included certain minerals, lipid profile, muscle damage, inflammatory and cardiovascular health markers. ResultsDiets were very similar in the men and women, with inadequate amounts of carbohydrates and proteins for endurance events. Creatine kinase (CK; a muscle damage marker) and C-reactive protein (CRP; a marker of inflammation) remained elevated 48 h post-race in all participants, but was significant in women (641 vs. 143 U/L for CK and 5.8 vs. 0.7 mg/dL for CRP). Cardiac markers (high sensitivity troponin T (Hs-TnT), suppression of tumorigenicity and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide) increased post-race and returned to pre-race values after 48 h in men and women. In particular, Hs-TnT (marker of myocyte stress) increased from 2.2 to 62.5 ng/L post-race in women and from 3.1 to 52.9 ng/L in men. Finally, circulating lipid parameters were at borderline unhealthy levels in both sexes. ConclusionStructural and functional cardiac advantages that women display compared to men in aerobic efforts are not manifested when diet is not adequately designed.