Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners

Background: Explanations for the phenomenal success of East African distance runners include unique dietary practices. The aim of the present study was to assess the food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners during a period of high intensity exercise training at altitude and prior to major competition. Methods: The dietary intake of 10 highly-trained Ethiopian long distance runners, living and training at high altitude (approximately 2400 m above sea level) was assessed during a 7 day period of intense training prior to competition using the standard weighed intake method. Training was also assessed using an activity/training diary. Results: Body mass was stable (i.e., was well maintained) over the assessment period (pre: 56.7 +/- 4.3 kg vs. post: 56.6 +/- 4.2 kg, P = 0.54; mean +/- SD). The diet comprised of 13375 +/- 1378 kJ and was high in carbohydrate (64.3 +/- 2.6%, 545 +/- 49 g, 9.7 +/- 0.9 g/kg). Fat and protein intake was 23.3 +/- 2.1% (83 +/- 14 g) and 12.4 +/- 0.6% (99 +/- 13 g, 1.8 +/- 0.2 g/kg), respectively. Fluid intake comprised mainly of water (1751 +/- 583 mL), while no fluids were consumed before or during training with only modest amounts being consumed following training. Conclusions: Similar to previous studies in elite Kenyan distance runners, the diet of these elite Ethiopian distance runners met most recommendations of endurance athletes for macronutrient intake but not for fluid intake

Y chromosome haplogroups of elite Ethiopian endurance runners

Favourable genetic endowment has been proposed as part of the explanation for the success of East African endurance athletes, but no evidence has yet been presented. The Y chromosome haplogroup distribution of elite Ethiopian athletes (n=62) was compared with that of the general Ethiopian population (n=95) and a control group from Arsi (a region producing a disproportionate number of athletes; n=85). Athletes belonged to three groups: marathon runners (M; n=23), 5–km to 10–km runners (5–10K; n=21) and other track and field athletes (TF; n=18). DNA was extracted from buccal swabs and haplogroups were assigned after the typing of binary markers in multiplexed minisequencing reactions. Frequency differences between groups were assessed by using contingency exact tests and showed that Y chromosome haplogroups are not distributed amongst elite Ethiopian endurance runners in the same proportions as in the general population, with statistically significant (P less than 0.05) differences being found in four of the individual haplogroups. The geographical origins and languages of the athletes and controls suggest that these differences are less likely to be a reflection of population structure and that Y chromosome haplogroups may play a significant role in determining Ethiopian endurance running success