Wallace, M. B., & Brown, L. C. (2002). Effects of high carbohydrate v high fat diets on plasma lipoproteins, body composition, and performance in triathletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1311.

The effects of a high fat diet (fat = 52%; CHO = 30% of energy provision) were compared to a high carbohydrate diet (fat = 16%; CHO = 70%) on plasma lipids and lipoproteins, body fat, aerobic capacity, lean body mass, and bone mineral density were evaluated over 15 weeks. Triathletes (N = 28) were divided into two groups. Measurements were taken at 0, 5, 10, and 15 weeks.

The high fat diet had no adverse effects on the athletes. In the high fat diet group, HDL-C decreased significantly and triglycerides increased significantly. All other factors were similar between the two groups.

Implication. During periods of high volume endurance training, high fat diets are an acceptable way of fueling exercise without any adverse effects on body weight, adiposity, lipoprotein profile, aerobic capacity, body composition, or bone mineral density.

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