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Does Carbohydrate Intake During Endurance Running Improve Performance? A Critical Review
1Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
Carbohydrate intake during endurance running can improve performance, especially for events over two hours. However, excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal issues without added benefits.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Previous reviews on carbohydrate ingestion during exercise have not specifically addressed running.
- Distance running is popular, and carbohydrate supplements are widely used by runners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the existing evidence on carbohydrate ingestion during endurance running performance.
- To synthesize findings regarding the efficacy and optimal strategies for carbohydrate intake in runners.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of experimental studies meeting specific inclusion criteria (running, >60 min, carbohydrate ingestion).
- Inclusion of 30 studies involving 76 women and 505 men.
Main Results:
- Thirteen of 17 studies showed a performance benefit with carbohydrate beverages compared to placebo.
- Benefits are more likely in events exceeding two hours, though some studies show advantages for 90-120 minute events.
- High intake levels and carbohydrate gels for shorter distances (16-21 km) did not consistently improve performance and may increase gastrointestinal discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Carbohydrate ingestion generally benefits endurance running performance, particularly for longer durations.
- Optimal intake strategies, especially for diverse populations (women, adolescents, older adults) and fed conditions, require further investigation.
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