Effect of acute meal and long-term intake of a Mediterranean Diet providing different amounts of carbohydrates on physical performance and biomarkers in non-professional strength athletes

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the effect of an acute meal and long-term intake of Mediterranean Diet (MD) on different parameters such as strength, physical performance, body composition and blood markers in a group of non-professional athletes who practice a strength activity. Thirteen volunteers completed two 8-week dietary interventions in a randomised, cross-over design. Also an acute study was performed. Subjects received a MD High in carbohydrates, characterised by at least five portions of pasta/week and an average 55–60% of daily energy derived from carbohydrates, versus an MD reduced in carbohydrates, with less than two portions of pasta/week and an average of 40–45% of daily energy provided by carbohydrates. Mainly, data did not show significant differences for the parameters analysed, except for Elbow Flexor maximum voluntary contraction (p = .039). Results enlighten that increasing total carbohydrates intake, as typically in the MD, does not negatively affect physical performance, body composition and strength.

Keywords:

• Mediterranean diet
• carbohydrates
• pasta
• strength performance
• sport nutrition

Acknowledgments

The study authors would like to thank all study participants who volunteered their valuable time and attention. The authors thank Barilla G&R F.lli. SpA, Parma, Italy for providing some of cereal products for the study participants.

Author contributions

PR conceptualised the study and with FE designed the experimental protocol;

AT, MT, EB, VV contributed to the management of volunteers, collection of data on food intake and ematochemical parameters;

CD, MB, EC performed and collected data on physical performance;

AL, SM, AB, SB collected anthropometric parameters;

PR, FE, DM, CDB, SB, AB, MP supervised the data collection and elaboration of results;

SP performed the statistical analysis and with PR, FE, CD, MB interpreted the data;

SP, AT, MT, DM, CDB, EB, MB, VV performed the literature review;

SP, CD, AT, PR drafted the first version of the manuscript;

All authors have read and critically revised the manuscript and approved the final version.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Barilla G&R F.lli. SpA, Parma, Italy. The funding sources had no role in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in writing of this and any reports; and in the decision to submit the article for publication.