Effect of Ketogenic and Carbohydrate Diet in Crossfit

The Effect of Ketogenic and Carbohydrate, Low-Glycemic Index Diet on Physical and Specific Performance Capacity, and Exercise Metabolism in Crossfit- Trained Athletes

The purpose of the presented study was to assess the influence of Ketogenic (KD) and a carbohydrate diet with a low glycemic index (CHO-LGI) of a 4-week diet on physical and specific performance capacity, exercise metabolism, as well as concentrations of the selected biochemical blood markers in Crossfit- trained athletes, in a randomised and parallel trial.

The impact of various dietary strategies, including the alternative ketogenic diet - recently popular among strength athletes, has not been unequivocally assessed in the high-intensity sport disciplines that Crossfit belongs to. There is also a lack of data in these disciplines about the potential longer adaptation of athletes to the very low carbohydrate intake resulting from the ketogenic diet and its impact in high-intensity Crossfit training. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the assessment of the influence of a 4-week KD and a CHO-LGI diet on physical and specific performance capacity, exercise metabolism, as well as concentrations of the selected biochemical blood markers in Crossfit- trained athletes, in a randomised and parallel trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• written consent to participate,
• a current medical clearance to practice sports,
• training experience: at least 2 years,
• minimum of 4 workout sessions (Crossfit) a week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• current injury,
• any health-related contraindication,
• declared general feeling of being unwell,
• unwilling to follow the study protocol,
• smoking, illicit drug use, alcohol consumption greater than 1-2 drinks/week, dietary supplements use less than 3 weeks before the study,
• females- being pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.