Abstract
BackgroundCaloric restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and improves physical fitness in rodents. We aimed to provide evidence of how caloric restriction affects the body composition and physical performance of trained athletes and to evaluate the possible impact of an every-other-day feeding diet on nutritional deficiencies of micronutrients and essential fatty acids.MethodsThe study was performed with 12 healthy male athletes by carrying out a 33% caloric restriction with respect to their usual diet. Athletes performed a maximal exercise stress test both before and after the caloric restriction period. Blood samples were taken before and after the caloric restriction at basal conditions and 30 min post-exercise. Although energy intake was reduced by about 33%, the contribution of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids to total energy intake during the caloric restriction was similar to the original diet.ResultsThe caloric restriction reduced the daily specific micronutrient intake to values lower than 90% of recommended dietary allowances. No effects were observed in blood parameters related to iron metabolism and tissue damage, glucose levels, lipid profiles, or erythrocyte fatty acid composition. In addition, oxidative damage markers decreased after the nutritional intervention. The caloric restriction intervention significantly reduced body weight and trunk, arm, and leg weights; it also caused a decrease in fat and lean body mass, the energy expenditure rate when performing a maximal exercise stress test, and the energy cost to run one meter at various exercise intensities. Furthermore, the intervention ameliorated the onset of the anaerobic phase of exercise.ConclusionA caloric restriction improves athletes’ performance and energy efficiency, but reduces the daily intake of micronutrients; so, when caloric restriction programs are implemented micronutrient supplementation should be considered.Trial registrationThe project was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02533479).
Highlights
Caloric restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and improves physical fitness in rodents
We have previously provided evidence that a well-balanced diet supplemented with almond and olive oil-based docosahexaenoic acid and vitamin Eenriched beverages for one month does not alter athletes’ performance parameters during maximal exercise tests [9]
The caloric restriction (CR) habits followed by the athletes for six weeks decreased their energy intake by about 33% of their energy demand, reaching an intake of 1.537 ± 84 Kcal/day, which was significantly lower than their initial unrestricted energy intake
Summary
Caloric restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and improves physical fitness in rodents. We aimed to provide evidence of how caloric restriction affects the body composition and physical performance of trained athletes and to evaluate the possible impact of an every-other-day feeding diet on nutritional deficiencies of micronutrients and essential fatty acids. A CR intervention could be useful for athletes looking to control their body weight and to enhance their physical performance. Evidence of the ability of CR to enhance physical performance in athletes is scarce [7], there are many studies on the use of CR diets for weight reduction in obese men and women [8]
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