Use Of Dietary Supplements, Energy and Protein Bars, Gels and Drinks Among Elite Collegiate Endurance Runners

Abstract

Elite endurance runners represent a population at risk of developing low energy availability, which may alter hormone function, bone metabolism and increase injury risk. Few studies profile the dietary and supplement intake of elite endurance runners during the competitive season. PURPOSE: Outline the intake of vitamin & mineral, amino acid, herb & botanical, fatty acid dietary supplements as well as the intake of other food and beverages taken to supplement the diet. METHODS: A sample of 90 elite collegiate endurance runners completed a web-based survey evaluating food patterns, dietary intake, dietary supplement use, and intake of performance bars, gels and drinks. RESULTS: Among the sample of 90 endurance runners, 81.1% reporting currently taking a vitamin or mineral, herb or botanical, fatty acid, amino acid, caffeine or other dietary supplements on ≥4 days per week. While 33.3% noted taking only 1-2 supplements, 47.8% reported current use of 3 or more supplements. On average, the runners reported current use of 2.2 +/- 1.8 supplements on ≥4 days per week. Among the runners, 37.8% were taking only vitamin or mineral supplements, while 40.0% reported use of a vitamin or mineral supplement and either an herb or botanical, amino acid, fatty acid, caffeine, or other supplement. The most common vitamin or mineral supplements used by runners included multivitamin/minerals (50.0%), iron (42.2%), calcium (34.4%), and vitamin D (35.6%). The most common non-vitamin or mineral supplement used by runners included caffeine (7.8%) and beta alanine (4.4%). No runner reported use of creatine. In addition, 86.7% of runners reported consuming a performance bar, gel, or beverage on at least a weekly basis (67.8% reported consuming an energy bar, 48.9% reported weekly intake of a carbohydrate or electrolyte beverage, 33.3% consumed a protein drink, and 15.6% used energy gels or chews). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of collegiate runners consume dietary supplements, energy bars, drinks, gels and chews, protein bars and drinks on most days of the week. Future research can evaluate the relationship between use of these supplement products and the nutritional adequacy of runners’ diets. Runners may also benefit from education on strategies for optimizing energy and nutrient intake with whole foods.