A1 Journal article (refereed)
Carbohydrate intake in young female cross-country skiers is lower than recommended and affects competition performance (2023)
Kettunen, O., Mikkonen, R., Mursu, J., Linnamo, V., & Ihalainen, J. K. (2023). Carbohydrate intake in young female cross-country skiers is lower than recommended and affects competition performance. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5, Article 1196659. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1196659
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Kettunen, Oona; Mikkonen, Ritva; Mursu, Jaakko; Linnamo, Vesa; Ihalainen, Johanna K.
Journal or series: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
eISSN: 2624-9367
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 17/07/2023
Volume: 5
Article number: 1196659
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Publication country: Switzerland
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1196659
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88950
Abstract
Methods: During a one-year observational study, 25 female skiers completed 3-day food and training logs during four training periods: preparation, specific preparation, competition, and transition periods. A body composition measurement (bioimpedance analyzer) was performed at the end of the preparation, specific preparation, and competition periods. Competition performance was determined by International Ski Federation (FIS) points gathered from youth national championships.
Results: EA (36–40 kcal·kg FFM−1·d−1) and carbohydrate (CHO) intake (4.4–5.1 g·kg−1·d−1) remained similar, and at a suboptimal level, between training periods despite a decrease in exercise energy expenditure (p = 0.002) in the transition period. Higher EA (r = −0.47, p = 0.035) and CHO intake (r = −0.65, p = 0.002) as well as lower FM (r = 0.60, p = 0.006) and F% (r = 0.57, p = 0.011) were associated with lower (better) FIS-points. CHO intake was the best predictor of distance competition performance (R2 = 0.46, p = 0.004).
Conclusions: Young female cross-country skiers had similar EA and CHO intake over four training periods. Both EA and CHO intake were at suboptimal levels for performance and recovery. CHO intake and body composition are important factors influencing competition performance in young female cross-country skiers.
Keywords: endurance sports; body composition; competitive sports; athletes; women; dietetics; nutrition; performance (capacity); skiing; skiers
Free keywords: endurance sport; energy availability; body composition; FIS points; female athlete; macronutrient; nutrition; periodization
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Prevalence, consequences, and prevention of relative energy defiency in sport in Finnish Elite Female Athletes (NoREDS-study)
- Ihalainen, Johanna
- Ministry of Education and Culture
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2023
JUFO rating: 1