Correlation between Diet and Training in Heavyweight Male Athletes

Yoshizawa Y, Matsumoto M, Konno J, Kushi H. Correlation between Diet and Training: Impact on Blood ALT and γ-GTP Levels in Heavyweight Male Athletes. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2026;72(1):19-29. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.72.19.

ABSTRACT
Some heavyweight athletes like track and field throwing and heavyweight judo, have high levels of visceral fat, which raises concerns about develop reduced liver function. This study presents a detailed analysis of the relationships among dietary intake, physical activity, and factors that exacerbate blood test results in these athletes. The study involved 20 track and field throwers (TF) and 9 judo heavyweight athletes (JH). We conducted body composition measurements using the impedance method, a training survey, and a semi-quantitative diet survey over 3 d. We performed blood tests to determine the effects of dietary intake and training on liver function. Blood tests revealed alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels of 33±3 and 22±2 U/L in the TF, and 28±5 and 25±2 U/L in the JH. Daily energy intake and exercise energy expenditure were 3,018±149 and 884±71 kcal/d in the TF, and 3,160±146 and 1,593±153 kcal/d in the JH, respectively. We found positive correlations among weight, carbohydrate intake and energy ratio, ALT levels, and γ-GTP levels in both groups. While decreased liver function is traditionally addressed by discontinuing training, this study suggests that dietary adjustments may also be necessary.

Keywords: ALT; judo; nutrition; track and field thrower; γ-GTP.

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