ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS IN DIET AND THEIR ROLE IN IMPROVING PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF SKI RACERS

Abstract

Introduction: Associations between nutrition and physical performance among elite sportsmen have been extensively studied, although not all nutrients have been covered by these studies. For example, there is still lack of information on the levels of consumption of essential fatty acids (FAs) and their influence on the physical performance among high-performing ski racers. Aim: To study associations between consumption of essential fatty acids and indicators of physical performance Russian ski-racers. Methods: Thirty seven male members of the Komu republic team the Russian national team in cross-country ski aged 17- 33 years took part in this study. To assess physical performance, athletes underwent a test VO2 max, on the Oxycon-Pro ergospirometric system in the "breath-by-breath" mode. Indicators of oxygen consumption (VO2), oxygen utilization ratio, VO2 max, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), anaerobic threshold (AnT), Watt/pulse were estimated. Consumption of different classes of FAs was assessed using the on-line service "Fatty acids in food items". Results: High variability in the consumption of difference classes of Fas was observed. Most ski racers reporten and higher consumption of n-6 linoleic acid and saturated fats compared to the recommended values. At the same time, consumption of n-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids was lower than recommended. Singificant correlations were observed between essential а-linolenic acid cnosumption and VO2 max and watt/pulse AnT in the studied sample. Conclusion: Our results suggest an association between the indicator of the efficiency of autonomic support for muscle work -the watt/pulse AnT and insufficient consumption of а-linolenic acid. The results of the study can be applied to optimize the diet and increase the functional reserves and physical performance in athletes.