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Exercise performance in relation to glucose drink and their effect on some biochemical parameters
S C Meludu1, L Asomgha, E C Dioka
1Departments of Human Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi. PMB 5001, Nnewi Nigeria.
Summary
Pre-exercise glucose intake significantly improved marathon performance in untrained athletes. This carbohydrate supplementation enhanced endurance and spared energy stores, suggesting benefits for athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Marathon running places significant demands on energy metabolism.
- Carbohydrate intake is a common strategy to fuel endurance exercise.
- The specific effects of glucose supplementation on untrained marathon runners' performance and biochemical markers require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a glucose drink on marathon running performance.
- To assess the effects of glucose supplementation on key biochemical parameters during prolonged exercise.
- To determine if pre-exercise glucose intake influences energy substrate utilization.
Main Methods:
- Seven untrained male student athletes participated in a double-blind study.
- Participants completed marathon runs with and without a glucose drink (1 g/kg body weight).
- Blood samples were analyzed for serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and packed cell volume (PCV) at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in serum glucose and triglyceride levels were observed after glucose intake (P < 0.01).
- Packed cell volume (PCV) remained unchanged regardless of glucose consumption.
- Over 80% of participants ran farther when consuming the glucose drink compared to the control condition.
Conclusions:
- Pre-exercise carbohydrate (glucose) intake can enhance endurance exercise performance in untrained individuals.
- Glucose supplementation appears to spare both glycogen and lipid utilization during prolonged exertion.
- This suggests that strategic carbohydrate intake is beneficial for optimizing marathon running capacity.
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