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The effects of ingesting polylactate or glucose polymer drinks during prolonged exercise
T D Fahey1, J D Larsen, G A Brooks
1Department of Physical Education, California State University, Chico 95926.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Polylactate (PL) and glucose polymer (GP) supplementation during prolonged exercise showed similar results, but PL enhanced blood buffering capacity. Polylactate may be beneficial for athletic fluid replacement beverages.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Maintaining blood glucose and acid-base balance is crucial during prolonged exercise.
- Athletic performance can be limited by substrate availability and metabolic acidosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polylactate (PL) compared to glucose polymer (GP) and a control (C) on physiological responses during prolonged cycling exercise.
- To assess the potential of PL as a component in athletic fluid replacement beverages.
Main Methods:
- Five trained male cyclists completed three 180-minute cycling sessions at 50% VO2max.
- Subjects consumed PL, GP, or C solutions in a double-blind, balanced order before and during exercise.
- Venous blood samples were analyzed for various metabolites and acid-base parameters.
Main Results:
- Polylactate (PL) and glucose polymer (GP) yielded similar overall results.
- pH and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels were significantly higher in the PL group compared to GP and C.
- No significant differences were observed in perceived exertion, heart rate, oxygen consumption, or temperature between treatments.
Conclusions:
- Polylactate may help maintain blood glucose levels during prolonged exercise.
- PL appears to enhance blood buffering capacity, potentially mitigating acidosis.
- Polylactate shows promise as a beneficial ingredient in athletic fluid replacement beverages.