Correlation between Diet and Training: Impact on Blood ALT and γ-GTP Levels in Heavyweight Male Athletes.

Blood ALT and γ-GTP levels were elevated in both track and field throwers and heavyweight judo athletes.

• ALT levels were 33±3 U/L in track and field throwers (TF) and 28±5 U/L in judo heavyweight athletes (JH).
• γ-GTP levels were 22±2 U/L in TF and 25±2 U/L in JH.
• The study involved 20 track and field throwers and 9 judo heavyweight athletes.
• Blood tests were performed to determine the effects of dietary intake and training on liver function.

Daily energy intake and exercise energy expenditure differed between track and field throwers and heavyweight judo athletes.

• Daily energy intake was 3,018±149 kcal/d in TF and 3,160±146 kcal/d in JH.
• Exercise energy expenditure was 884±71 kcal/d in TF and 1,593±153 kcal/d in JH.
• JH athletes had substantially higher exercise energy expenditure than TF athletes.
• Data were collected via a semi-quantitative diet survey over 3 days.

Positive correlations were found among body weight, carbohydrate intake and energy ratio, ALT levels, and γ-GTP levels in both athlete groups.

• The correlations were observed across both the track and field throwers and the judo heavyweight groups.
• Carbohydrate intake and carbohydrate energy ratio were among the dietary factors positively correlated with liver enzyme levels.
• Body weight was also positively correlated with ALT and γ-GTP levels.
• These findings implicate dietary composition, particularly carbohydrate intake, as a factor associated with liver function markers in heavyweight athletes.

Heavyweight athletes, including track and field throwers and heavyweight judo athletes, have high levels of visceral fat, raising concerns about reduced liver function.

• Body composition was measured using the impedance method.
• The study specifically targeted heavyweight athletes in two sports known for high visceral fat accumulation.
• High visceral fat in these athletes is associated with concerns about developing reduced liver function.
• A training survey was conducted alongside body composition and dietary assessments.

Dietary adjustments may be necessary to address decreased liver function in heavyweight athletes, in addition to the traditional approach of discontinuing training.

• The study suggests that reduced liver function in heavyweight athletes is not solely attributable to training load.
• Dietary factors, particularly carbohydrate intake, were identified as correlates of elevated liver enzymes.
• The authors conclude that dietary adjustments may also be necessary when addressing elevated ALT and γ-GTP levels.
• This contrasts with the traditional management approach of discontinuing training when liver function decreases.