GI Stress Research Paper

The second thing to consider is the problem of gastrointestinal stress (GI) during these events. It would make sense that if you were suffering from GI stress you would have a harder time eating or drinking, but does it make it so that ultramarathon runners cannot consume enough nutrients? With up to 37% - 47% of ultramarathoners in any given race experiencing symptoms ranging from abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting it is a serious issue to consider.7 The first study that was examined, was led by Stuempfle in Arizona at the Javelina Jundred 100-Mile Endurance Run.7 This study looked at fifteen runners (five women and ten men). The course was 6.5 loops (25 km ea.) and every time the runners finished a loop any foods, liquids, electrolyte capsules were recorded, and Nutritionist Pro software analyzed how many nutrients the items contained. Out of the 15 runners, nine complained of GI stress. GI stress happened to both those finishing the race and those that did not. The men (80%) …show more content…
According to UM nutrition guidelines the percentage of fat that was consumed at an average of 16.5% for those without GI stress was still well below the recommendations and 11.1% for those with GI stress is even lower. The percentage of protein that was consumed by both group (.06g per kg) was significantly lower than the recommended. The without GI stress group got an average of .65g/kg per hour of CHO while the with GI group only got .45g/kg per hour, which is below the recommendation, but both fell below recommendations. For total calories consumed the GI stress group only took in 2.3 kcal/kg per hour while the no GI group took in 3.4 kcal/kg per hour. Both fell below the current