Introduction
In race carbohydrate is a key aspect to endurance performance, especially when the events lasts in extent of 1-2 hours. It is common practice within the endurance community to utilize carbohydrates as the substrate, as glycogen depletion is seen as a key mechanism in performance outcome[2,4, 14]. Providing exogenous carbohydrates into the body, in theory, spares endogenous carbohydrate reserves allowing for increased exercise time[5]. The current recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine is feeding at regular short intervals (15-20 min), totaling 30-60 g/hour of a mixture of carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, maltodextrin), when the events exceeds 1 hour[8]. However, more recent reviews have questioned this …show more content…
Utilization of a low glycemic carbohydrate, such as isomaltulose, results in decreased performance, likely through slower intestinal absorption, causing GI symptoms[1]. Further, benefits to the immune response have been shown of glucose being contained in the form of highly-branched cyclic dextrin. Reduced exercise-induced stress related hormones and proteins were shown to be reduced with ingestion of highly-branched cyclic dextrin compared to a simply glucose beverage[9]. In recent studies, adding protein to the carbohydrates solutions have produced conflicting results to its enhancing effect on endurance performance[11]. Isolated, both L-alanine and whey protein hydrolysate did not improve performance, and could not provide insight into a mechanisms that could result in the potential positive effects of a carbohydrate-protein …show more content…
However, increased risk of gastrointestinal distress is present when consuming gel, especially if inappropriate hydration occurs[10]. This poses the risk to affect performance in certain individuals if careful planning and administration does not