Nutritional Practices of Extreme Endurance Swimmers the Marathon-Swim in the Lake of Zurich 2006

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional habits of extreme endurance swimmers before, during and after long distance swimming in open water. Athletes had to complete a questionnaire about their nutrition before, during and after the race. In the 4 weeks before the race, 50 percent ingested a protein rich diet, but 42 percent followed no special diet. Sixteen percent consumed ergogenic supplements, 66 percent consumed vitamins and 75 percent minerals. The day before the start of the race, 83 percent accomplished a carbo-loading. During the race, 20 different solid food and 12 beverages were consumed. Mainly bananas (75 percent) and carbohydrate gels (66 percent) were eaten, whilst isotonic sport drinks (92 percent) and water (42 percent) were the main beverages. After the race, 26 different solid food and 10 beverages were consumed. Rice (58 percent), chocolate (50 percent), vegetables (50 percent) and bananas (50 percent) were preferred; water (58 percent) and isotonic sport drinks (33 percent) were the main beverages. Extreme endurance swimmers in the Marathon-Swim in the lake of Zurich followed preferentially a protein-rich diet in the 4 weeks before the race. During the race, they consumed preferably a carbohydrate-rich nutrition (bananas, carbohydrate gels) and drank isotonic sports drinks. After the race, they preferred carbohydrate-rich nutrition and drank water.