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© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Triathlon is a multi-sport event that combines swimming, cycling and running. The distances vary and the physiological demands are high. Objectives: This review compiles information on nutritional strategies and ergogenic supplements for triathlon training, competition and recovery. It aims to provide an understanding of the specific challenges and needs of the sport to help triathletes and coaches optimise performance through effective training and nutrition plans. Methods: English-language publications were searched using the keywords triathlon, nutrition, recovery and ergogenic aids, alone or in combination, in databases. Results: Maintaining good glycogen levels, consuming enough carbohydrates and staying properly hydrated are key to athletic performance, especially for triathletes. Education regarding nutrition, the role of probiotics and supplements, and diet modification for the enhancement of performance and recovery are pivotal considerations. Conclusions: Triathletes are at risk of RED-S due to negative energy balance and high fibre/plant protein diets, especially women. Optimising muscle glycogen through tailored diet and training, especially pre- and in-race nutrition, including carbohydrate loading and hydration strategies, is critical. Education is needed to improve post-exercise nutrition, while probiotics and certain supplements may aid performance and recovery. Dietary support is important for resistance training to optimise performance and recovery.

Details

Title
Triathlon: Ergo Nutrition for Training, Competing, and Recovering
Author
Miguel-Ortega, Álvaro 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Rodríguez-Rodrigo María-Azucena 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Mielgo-Ayuso Juan 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Calleja-González, Julio 4   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 Faculty of Education, Alfonso X “El Sabio” University (UAX), 28691 Madrid, Spain, Regional Ministry of Castilla y León Board of Education, HS Conde Diego Porcelos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; [email protected] 
 Regional Ministry of Castilla y León Board of Education, HS Conde Diego Porcelos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; [email protected] 
 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos (UBU), 09001 Burgos, Spain; [email protected] 
 Physical Education and Sports Department, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01007 Vitoria, Spain; [email protected], Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10110 Zagreb, Croatia 
First page
1846
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
20726643
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3217738935
Copyright
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.