Abstract This comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) needs of an amateur marathon runner and a "normal" non-athlete or sedentary person illustrates the difference in the quantities of nutrients each need to maintain a healthy and well functioning body. It also shows the consequence of continued consumption of such a diet to the marathon runner if the athlete becomes a non-athlete.
From the Paper "Once established, the calorie requirement per day will illustrate the difference in needs between the athlete and non-athlete. The normal sedentary adult requires .40 grams per pound of body weight per day of protein to stay within RDA guidelines. The adult competitive athlete requires .90 grams per pound of body weight per day, more than twice the number of the non-athlete. (Parsons, 2003)"
