Mid Sweden University

Introduction: Habitual nutritional intakes in cross-country skiers have previously been reported (Fogelholm et al., 1992), however in elite cross-country skiers there is limited knowledge about race-specific nutritional practices, or the prevalence of dehydration and persistent low energy availability (EA). This study aimed to investigate, in the context of a simulated sprint race, energy intake, macronutrient intake, hydration status and the risk of persistent low EA in elite cross-country skiers. Methods: Thirty-two male (n = 18) and female (n = 14) elite Swedish cross-country skiers completed weighed food records the day prior to (day 1) and the day of a simulated sprint race (day 2); the food records were analysed for energy (kcal/kg), macronutrient (g/kg) and fluid intake (L). Urine specific gravity (USG) was also measured on day 1 and day 2. The risk for persistent low EA was assessed in the female skiers using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q; Melin et al., 2014). Results were analysed using a three-way mixed ANOVA. Statistical significance was set to a level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Males had a higher energy intake (65±9 kcal/kg) on day 1, (pre-race) compared with day 2 (simulated sprint race; 58±9kcal/kg; p = 0.002). Females consumed 57±10 kcal/kg on day 1, which was similar to their day 2 energy intake (54±6 kcal on day 2; p > 0.05). Males consumed less carbohydrate (8.2±2.3g/kg) on day 1 compared with day 2 (8.9±2.3g/kg) (p = 0.026), as did females, consuming 7.0±1.5g/kg on day 1, and 8.4±1.7g/kg on day 2 (p = 0.003). There were similar fluid intakes across the two days for males (p > 0.05) and females (p > 0.05). Nine of the 18 males and 6 of the 14 females were dehydrated (USG > 1.020) on day 1, and 9 males and 5 females were dehydrated on day 2. Five of the 14 females were classified as being at risk of persistent low EA. Discussion: This study provides an initial insight into nutritional competition habits in elite cross-country skiers. The findings indicate that elite skiers’ nutritional intakes are consistent with guidelines, particularly those for endurance athletes’ carbohydrate intake for competitive events (Burke et al., 2001). There was however some evidence of persistent low EA and dehydration, suggesting additional considerations that may be relevant to cross-country skiers’ nutritional intakes for sprint races.