Nutrition in CrossFit® - scientific evidence and practical perspectives: a systematic scoping review

Diogo V Martinho; André Rebelo; Filipe Manuel Clemente; Renato Costa; Élvio R Gouveia; Adam Field; Juliano Casonatto; Daniel van den Hoek; Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalsk; Michael J Ormsbee; Hugo Sarmento

doi:10.1080/15502783.2025.2509674

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Nutrition in CrossFit® - scientific evidence and practical perspectives: a systematic scoping review

Journal article

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Nutrition in CrossFit® - scientific evidence and practical perspectives: a systematic scoping review

Diogo V Martinho, André Rebelo, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Renato Costa, Élvio R Gouveia, Adam Field, Juliano Casonatto, Daniel van den Hoek, Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalsk, Michael J Ormsbee, …

International Society of Sports Nutrition. Journal, Vol.22(1), pp.1-39

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2025.2509674

PMCID: PMC12143013

PMID: 40471841

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Abstract

carbohydrates

caffeine

energy

performance

strength

conditioning

Background CrossFitⓇ sessions and competitions are characterized by high-intensity challenges that combine aerobic and anaerobic activities with short recovery periods. As a result, effective nutritional practices play a crucial role in optimizing performance and enhancing recovery. Therefore, nutritional practices are central to optimizing performance and accelerating recovery. This review aims to summarize current evidence on nutritional and ergogenic aid responses to CrossFitⓇ practice. Methods The search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus). Gray literature was also extracted for studies exploring the nutritional habits of CrossFitⓇ participants as well as the ingestion of ergogenic aids. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the impacts of dietary habits and ergogenic aids on performance. Results Forty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the current review. Carbohydrate intake was below the recommendations for athletes, although protein ingestion remains adequate. High-carbohydrate diets had a positive effect on CrossFitⓇ performance. The evidence concerning the effects of a ketogenic diet on performance is limited. When used prior to or during the workout, the impact of carbohydrates on CrossFitⓇ performance was negligible, whereas the effect of caffeine was significant. Ergogenic aids, particularly creatine and protein, are commonly used by CrossFitⓇ participants. Conclusion The standard diets recommended to CrossFitⓇ participants need to be revised because they are characterized by lower values of carbohydrates. Caffeine should be used prior to or during the CrossFitⓇ sessions. Regarding the impact of ergogenic aids on recovery, future studies are needed.

Details

Title: Nutrition in CrossFit® - scientific evidence and practical perspectives: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Diogo V Martinho (Corresponding Author) - University of Coimbra
André Rebelo - Universidade Lusófona
Filipe Manuel Clemente - Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
Renato Costa - University of Coimbra
Élvio R Gouveia - Universidade da Madeira
Adam Field - Manchester Metropolitan University
Juliano Casonatto - Universidade Norte do Paraná
Daniel van den Hoek - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalsk - Charles University
Michael J Ormsbee - Florida State University
Hugo Sarmento - University of Coimbra
Publication details: International Society of Sports Nutrition. Journal, Vol.22(1), pp.1-39
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2025.2509674
ISSN: 1550-2783
PMID: 40471841; PMC12143013
Copyright note: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Data Availability: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, DVM, upon reasonable request.
Grant note: This research was funded by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR), IAPMEI/ANI/FCT under the Agenda [C645022399–00000057] (eGamesLab).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991131191002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Nutrition & Dietetics; Sport Sciences