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 % ingested a protein rich diet, but 42 % followed no special diet. Sixteen percent consumed ergogenic supplements, 66% consumed vitamins and 75 % minerals. The day before the start of the race, 83 % accomplished a carbo-loading. During the race, 20 different solid food and 12 beverages were consumed. Mainly bananas (75%) and carbohydrate gels (66%) were eaten, whilst isotonic sport drinks (92%) and water (42%) were the main beverages. After the race, 26 different solid food and 10 beverages were consumed. Rice (58%), chocolate (50%), vegetables (50%) and bananas (50%) were preferred; water (58%) and isotonic sport drinks (33%) 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