An article published in the 2008 Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition studied the diets of 86 female runners that ran at least 20 miles per week and found the the women runners that consumed less fat in their diet had a higher rate of running-related injuries over the next 12 months.
While the authors note that it was not possible to draw a direct correlation between the lower-fat intake and the increase in running injuries, there are a could of potential reasons that come to mind.
If overall fat intake is decreased, then there would also probably be a decrease in the healthier poly-unsaturated fats (PUFAs) such as omega-3 fatty acids. PUFAs have been shown to have a role in decreasing inflammation, so if there was a decrease in total fats as PUFAs, there could be a resultant increase in inflammation to tendons, muscles and ligaments than may predispose the femal runners to running injuries.
Another possible reason is the impact of a lower-fat diet on overall endurance. A previous study had demonstrated that runners on a lower-fat diet also had decreased endurance and increased fatigue. The diminshed performance capabilites could lead to biomechanical-related issues that could lead to increased injuries (Just think how well you run after you ‘bonk’ during a long run…)
Other mechanisms proposed by the authors include the potential impact of decreased absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins in the female runners on a low-fat diet. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is not only important for managing the blood clotting cascade, but is also used by the enzyme osteocalin in the mineralization of bone. Lower levels of Vitamin K would result in lower osteocalin function and a decrease in bone mineralization, potentially resulting in an increased risk in stress fractures.
How much dietary fat should female runners have in their diet – in this study, the authors conclude that women runners with 30% of total daily calories from fat appeared to have less running injuries.
Pass the canola and fish oil…
Dealing with a running injury? Let the San Diego sports medicine doctors at Coastal Sports and Wellness help get you back on track.
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, I rate this post for four from five. Decent info, but I have to go to that damn msn to find the missed parts. Thanks, anyway!
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- Jack