MACRONUTRIENT AND MINERAL INTAKE EFFECTS ON RACING TIME AND

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN NON- ELITE MARATHON RUNNERS

Introduction and Aims

This study's aim was to examine how macronutrients and minerals including; sodium ion (Na+), magnesium ion (Mg2+), and potassium ion (K+) affect recreational marathon
runners' race performance and cardiovascular health. The study hypothesised that poor diet before a marathon could affect runner performance and cardiovascular health. Athletic
diets must include macronutrients and minerals for muscle contraction, heart rhythm, nerve impulse conduction, oxygen transport, oxidative phosphorylation, enzyme activation,
immune functions, antioxidant activity, bone health, and blood acid-base balance (Williams et al., 2004). The 2020 study "Macronutrients and mineral intake effects on racing time
and cardiovascular health in non-elite marathon runners" by Roca et al. 2020 proves the health advantages of macronutrients and minerals among 37 marathon runners. The study
mostly focuses on minerals like potassium, magnesium, and salt, which are lost through sweat production, because they are neglected in favour of proteins and carbohydrates. The
study also emphasises vitamins and minerals and recommends a balanced diet for recreational runners. The study examines how micronutrients affect cardiovascular health and
how they will aid marathon runners by improving racing time and blood cardiac biomarkers.

Method Conclusion
The study categorised 37 male runners from the 2016 Barcelona Marathon into two groups
The research shows that non-athlete marathon runners who consumed mono-
based on their 50th percentile race time (3.39h): fast (group 1 [G1]: 3.18 ± 0.18 h) and slow
and polyunsaturated fatty acids, limited saturated fats, and adequate K+ and
(group 2 [G2]: 3.84 ± 0.42 h), excluding those over 50 and those with pathologies or injuries.
Mg2+ performed better in races without affecting their health. However, the
Many aspects had to be examined before, during, and after the race to provide reliable and
participants' diets must be enhanced in macronutrients like fats and carbs and
precise data for the study. These include anthropometric measures including muscle damage
micronutrients like minerals. These nutrition adjustments will improve marathon
and inflammation, mineral intake such as salt, potassium, and magnesium, cardiovascular
runners' cardiovascular health and performance.
health ie: high-sensitivity troponin T and ST2. Using blood samples processed by the AU-
5800Chemistry Analyzer, lipid profiles were performed to determine triacylglycerols, low-
density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, electrolytes, and C-reactive proteins. These Table 4. Runners’ circulating blood electrolytes and lipid profiles, before, after, and 48 (hour) postrace
after
factors were examined in blood 24 hours before, after, and 48 hours after the race. In
addition, participants were given hydration requirements and weighed 2 hours before and
after the race on the same scale. Participants were also given a 3-d dietary questionnaire and
informed on serving sizes, food preparation, supplements, beverages, and other variables that
could affect diet composition assessment, which was done using DIAL.

Results and Discussion

G1 consumed frequent servings of seeds, nuts, whole cereals, fruits, and vegetables,
which are abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, iron, potassium, and magnesium,
which improve heart function and exercise adaptation. Their findings showed that an
increased mineral intake improves cardiovascular health and fitness, confirming their
greater racing performance than G2. However, the 3D dietary questionnaire shows
that participants lack carbs, which must be 5–10 g/kg of body weight to promote
cardiovascular health. The blood lipid profile of G2 shows higher triacylglycerol (TG)
values and lower HDL levels, indicating that slower runners are performing a very
demanding sport with a less optimal cardiovascular system due to inadequate
mineral consumption (refer to Table 4). Magnesium has been shown to transfer blood
sugar into muscles and eliminate lactate, which can cause weariness during exercise
(Lukaski., 2004). Marston (2019) found that magnesium decreased triglycerides by
47.4%. Additionally, magnesium was more advantageous when ingested alongside
other minerals like sodium and potassium, demonstrating how higher mineral
consumption improves runners' cardiovascular health and race performance.
References

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Marston, N. A., Giugliano, R. P., Im, K., Silverman, M. G., O'Donoghue, M. L., Wiviott, S. D., Ference, B. A., & Sabatine, M. S. (2019). Association Between Triglyceride Lowering and Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk Across Multiple Lipid-Lowering Therapeutic Classes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression
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Roca, E., Nescolarde, L., Brotons, D., Bayes-Genis, A., & Roche, E. (2020). Macronutrient and mineral intake effects on racing time and cardiovascular health in non-elite marathon runners. Nutrition, Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif (78), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2020.110806

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