Comparison of vegetables and fruit consumption frequency by athletes before and after marathon

Abstract

Background. One of the prerequisites to achieve high sports scores is to ensure the proper supply of nutrients. Both deficiency and excess of these components can cause malfunctions of bodies in athletes, which adversely affects their health and performance. Objective. Comparison of the frequency of intake of groups of vegetables and fruits, being sources of vitamins and minerals, by marathon runners in periods before and after the long-distance run. Material and Method. The frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption by marathoners was analyzed among women (n = 105) and men (n = 87) aged between 19 and 73 years, before and after running competition. The Block’s questionnaire was used to evaluate the consumption of groups of vegetables and fruits (leafy, root and cruciferous vegetables, as well as stone, berry and tropical fruits). Their consumption was assessed on a point scale. Results. Sufficient vegetable and fruit intake was found in about 55% of the marathon runners. Diets of about 20% of the respondents were poor in fruits and vegetables. Higher fruit and vegetable intake was reported in both men and women after the marathon compared to the pre-run period. Conclusion. Daily food rations of about 1/4 of the surveyed marathoners provided insufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables, and daily food rations of about 20% of the athletes were poor in these products. After the marathon, the consumption of vegetables and fruits improved in 15% of the surveyed women and in 10% of the men compared to the pre-marathon period.

Keywords

• marathon runners
• dietary behaviors
• vegetables
• fruits