Time-restricted eating effects on performance, immune function, and body composition in elite cyclists: a randomized controlled trial

Tatiana Moro, Grant Tinsley, Giovanni Longo, Davide Grigoletto, Antonino Bianco, Cinzia Ferraris, Monica Guglielmetti, Alessandro Veneto, Anna Tagliabue, Giuseppe Marcolin, Antonio Paoli, Tatiana Moro, Grant Tinsley, Giovanni Longo, Davide Grigoletto, Antonino Bianco, Cinzia Ferraris, Monica Guglielmetti, Alessandro Veneto, Anna Tagliabue, Giuseppe Marcolin, Antonio Paoli

Abstract

Background: Although there is substantial interest in intermittent fasting as a dietary approach in active individuals, information regarding its effects in elite endurance athletes is currently unavailable. The present parallel randomized trial investigated the effects of a particular intermittent fasting approach, called time-restricted eating (TRE), during 4 weeks of high-level endurance training.

Methods: Sixteen elite under-23 cyclists were randomly assigned either to a TRE group or a control group (ND). The TRE group consumed 100% of its estimated daily energy needs in an 8-h time window (from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) whilst energy intake in the ND group was distributed in 3 meals consumed between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Fat and fat-free mass were estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and VO2max and basal metabolism by indirect gas analyzer. In addition, blood counts, anabolic hormones (i.e. free testosterone, IGF-1) and inflammatory markers (i.e. IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed.

Results: TRE reduced body weight (- 2%; p = 0.04) and fat mass percentage (- 1.1%; p = 0.01) with no change in fat-free mass. Performance tests showed no significant differences between groups, however the peak power output/body weight ratio (PPO/BW) improved in TRE group due to weight loss (p = 0.02). Free testosterone and IGF-1 decreased significantly (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively) in TRE group. Leucocyte count decreased in ND group (p = 0.02) whilst the neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) decreased significantly (p = 0.03) in TRE group.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that a TRE program with an 8-h feeding window elicits weight loss, improves body composition and increases PPO/BW in elite cyclists. TRE could also be beneficial for reducing inflammation and may have a protective effect on some components of the immune system. Overall, TRE could be considered as a component of a periodized nutrition plan in endurance athletes.

Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04320784 on 25 March 2020.

Keywords: Elite cyclists; Endurance; Immune system; Inflammation; Intermittent fasting.

Conflict of interest statement

GMT serves as a consultant for a mobile phone application that assists users in implementing intermittent fasting programs. This consultancy consists of providing research-based information about the effects of intermittent fasting. The remaining authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Experimental design. TRE, Time Restricted eating; ND, Normal Diet; GXT, Graded Exercise Testing, PPO, Peak Power Output
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Body composition analysis. a total body mass; b fat-free mass and c fat mass. Data are mean ± SD * significantly different form pre values (P < 0.05); # significantly different form TRE value (P < 0.05). TRE, Time Restricted eating; ND, Normal Diet
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
White blood cells response to 4 weeks of treatment. a White Blood Cells; b Neutrophils; c Lymphocytes and d Neutrophils-to-Lymphocytes ratio (NTR). Data are mean ± SD * significantly different form pre values (P < 0.05). TRE, Time Restricted eating; ND, Normal Diet

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