COLUMBIA, Mo.—Competitive cyclists who consume adequate energy during training and races may help protect their bones, according to a new study out of the University of Missouri. Previous studies have shown competitive cyclists generally have significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) than other endurance athletes. However, a new study from the University of Missouri, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, found athletes who matched energy intake to energy expenditure showed increased markers of bone turnover.
Associate Professor Pam Hinton examined markers of bone formation and bone breakdown in the blood of elite cyclists participating in the Tour of Southland, a six-day, 10-stage cycling race. Hinton found significant increases in both types of markers among athletes whose energy intake matched energy expenditure.
“The findings suggest that participation in stage races might not have negative effects on bone turnover if energy intake matches the energy cost of high-intensity racing over several days,” Hinton said. “The results are consistent with the practical recommendation that elite cyclists should match their energy intake to the high energy demands of stage racing.”
The study, “Bone formation is increased to a greater extent than bone resorption during a cycling stage race,” will be published in Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism.