ENERGY-EXPENDITURE AND NUTRIENT INTAKE IN LONG-DISTANCE RUNNERS

Apparent daily energy expenditure and nutrient intake of twelve male and eleven female athletes who run more than 70 km/wk were assessed using seven day diet and activity diaries. The mean daily energy expenditure (males 4055 kcal, females 2935 kcal) exceeded the mean daily energy intake (males 3485 kcal, females 2100 kcal) by approximately 15% and approximately 40% in the males and females respectively. There were no significant differences between the sexes with respect to the proportions of energy obtained from each of the major nutrients; carbohydrate provided 55.0% of total daily energy, protein 13.5%, fat 28.0% and alcohol 3.5%. These results indicate that these long distance runners have adopted a low fat, moderate to high carbohydrate diet which is quite similar to that recommended for athletes.