Mid Sweden University

This study investigated the energy, macronutrient and fluid intakes, as well as hydration status (urine specific gravity; USG), in elite cross-country skiers during a typical day of training (day one) and a sprint skiing competition the following day (day two). Thirty-one (18 male and 13 female) national team skiers recorded their food and fluid intakes and USG was measured on days one and two. In addition, the females completed the Low Energy Availability in Females-Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) to assess their risk of long-term energy deficiency. Energy intake for males was 65+/-9 kcal/kg on day one versus 58+/-9 kcal/kg on day two (P=0.002), and for females was 57+/-10 on day one versus 55+/-5 kcal/kg on day two (P=0.445). Carbohydrate intake recommendations of 10-12 g/kg/day were not met by 89% of males and 92% of females. All males and females had a protein intake above the recommended 1.2-2.0 g/kg on both days, and a post-exercise protein intake above the recommended 0.3 g/kg. Of the females, 31% were classified as being at risk of long-term energy deficiency. In the morning of day one, 50% of males and 46% of females were dehydrated; on day two this was the case for 56% of males and 38% of females. In conclusion, these data suggest that elite cross-country skiers ingested more protein and less carbohydrate than recommended, and one third of the females were considered at risk for long-term energy deficiency. Furthermore, many of the athletes were dehydrated prior to training and competition.