Carbohydrate loading and supplementation in endurance-trained women runners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) augmentation on endurance performance and substrate utilization in aerobically trained women. Eight endurance-trained women completed a 24.2-km (15 mile) self-paced treadmill performance run under three conditions: CHO supplementation (S), CHO loading and supplementation (L+S), and placebo (P). Dietary CHO was ∼75% of energy intake for L+S and ∼50% for both S and P. A 6% CHO-electrolyte solution (S and L+S) or placebo (P) was ingested preexercise (6 ml/kg) and every 20 min during exercise (3 ml/kg). Blood glucose was significantly higher at 40, 60, and 100 min during L+S, and at 60, 80, and 100 min during S compared with P ( P < 0.05). Blood lactate was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) during L+S than S and P. Blood glycerol was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) at 20, 80, and 100 min during L+S, and at 80 and 100 min during S than P. The proportion of CHO (%) utilized during exercise was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) during L+S (71.3 ± 3.8%) and S (67.3 ± 4.3%) than P (59.2 ± 4.6%). Performance times ( P > 0.05) were 132.5 ± 6.3 min (S), 134.4 ± 6.3 min (L+S), and 136.6 ± 7.9 min (P). In conclusion, it appears that when CHO availability in women is increased through CHO loading and/or CHO supplementation, there is a concomitant increase in CHO utilization. However, this may not necessarily result in significantly improved performance.