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Late Breaking/Rapid Science Poster Session 1

(LB02-24-24) Elevated Nutritional Requirements for Postpartum Endurance Athletes

Sunday, June 30, 2024
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CT
Location: W185A-C - Poster Board 24
Disclosure(s):
Marlene Rodriguez: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.


Objectives: Limited guidelines are available to describe the specific nutrient needs for postpartum, lactating endurance athletes. This review aimed to utilize evidence-based resources to identify the nutrients required at elevated levels for postpartum, lactating endurance athletes.

Methods: Recommendations for energy, fluids, macronutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals as outlined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values for lactating women, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on breastfeeding, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Joint Position Statement: Nutrition and Athletic Performance nutrition recommendations for endurance athletes were reviewed to provide energy, fluid, macronutrient and micronutrient needs for postpartum, lactating endurance athletes.

Results: Nutrients with elevated requirements for both endurance athletes and lactating individuals include energy, fluids, and protein. Milk production and endurance training each increase energy expenditure by ≥500 kcal/day; while fluid losses also may reach or exceed 700 ml/day for both lactation and endurance training. The RDA for protein during lactation is 1.3 g/kg/day, while endurance athletes need up to 2.0 g/kg protein per day. Endurance athletes also require higher carbohydrate intake, between 6-10 g/kg/day. The RDA for vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, chromium, iodine, and zinc during lactation is ≥50% above RDA levels for females age 19-50y. The AAP recommends 200-300 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/day during lactation.

Conclusions: Postpartum, lactating endurance athletes are a unique population with elevated nutrient requirements. Adequate education and support resources are recommended to ensure sufficient intake and health of the mother and infant.

Funding Sources: ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program (California State University Long Beach)