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Int J Sports Med 2002; 23(4): 279-284
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-29078
Nutrition
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Influence of a Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Solution Ingested During Running on Muscle Glycogen Utilisation in Fed Humans

C.  Chryssanthopoulos1 , C.  Williams1 , A.  Nowitz1
  • 1Human Muscle Metabolism Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Sports Science and Recreation Management, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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Publication History



October 22, 2001

Publication Date:
14 May 2002 (online)

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Abstract

This study investigated whether the ingestion of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during running would influence muscle glycogen utilisation in subjects who had consumed a carbohydrate meal 3 hours before exercise. Eight men completed two 60-min treadmill runs at 70 % V˙O2max. Before each run they consumed a carbohydrate meal (183 ± 7g) 3 hours before exercise and either 1) a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during the run (46 ± 1g) (M+C), or 2) water during the run (M + W). Biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle at rest and after 60 min of running. Serum insulin concentrations were higher (p < 0.01) in both trials at the start of exercise compared with fasting values, whereas blood glucose concentrations were higher (p < 0.01) after 60 min of running in the M+C trial. Pre-exercise muscle glycogen concentrations were similar in both trials (M+C: 321.9 ± 27.2 vs M+W: 338.8 ± 32.8 mmol × kg × dry weight-1 [dw]; NS). There was no difference in the amount of glycogen used during exercise (M+C: 96.1 ± 22.1 vs M+W: 77.9 ± 11.7 mmol × kg × dw-1; NS). In conclusion, a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution ingested during treadmill running at 70 % V˙O2max does not influence muscle glycogen use during the first hour of exercise when a carbohydrate meal is consumed 3 hours before exercise.

Key words

Pre-exercise meal - muscle glycogen - sports drink - running - glucose - insulin

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Prof. C. Williams

Department of Physical Education · Sports Science and Recreation Management · Loughborough University

Loughborough · Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, · England · UK ·

Phone: +44 1509-228186

Fax: +44 1509-223970

Email: C.Williams@lboro.ac.uk