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Carbohydrate supplementation stabilises plasma sodium during training with high intensity
M Schrader1, B Treff2, T Sandholtet2
1Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625, Hannover, Germany. maik-g-schrader@gmx.de.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|July 29, 2016
Summary
Carbohydrate supplementation during high-intensity intermittent exercise helps maintain sodium levels, unlike plain water. However, water aided in blood and plasma volume recovery, suggesting complex hydration and electrolyte dynamics during intense activity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on carbohydrate-only beverages' effects on sodium and fluid balance during high-intensity intermittent exercise.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and hydration strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of water versus a 9.1% carbohydrate-maltodextrin solution on plasma, blood volume, and electrolyte shifts during intermittent exercise.
- To investigate the role of carbohydrate ingestion in maintaining hydration and electrolyte homeostasis during strenuous physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Ten male subjects underwent two intermittent exercise trials, ingesting either water (Plac trial) or a carbohydrate solution (CHO trial).
- Exercise involved high-intensity intervals with varying power outputs.
- Blood samples were analyzed for electrolytes, osmolality, glucose, lactate, and catecholamines; hydration status was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Main Results:
- Plasma glucose was significantly higher in the CHO trial throughout the exercise.
- Plasma osmolality increased more in the CHO trial.
- Plasma volume decreased by 5% in both trials, with partial recovery only observed in the Plac trial.
- Plasma sodium and chloride levels decreased during exercise with water but remained stable with carbohydrate supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Sole carbohydrate supplementation appears to stabilize plasma sodium levels during high-intensity intermittent exercise.
- The stabilization of sodium with carbohydrate intake cannot be solely attributed to glucose-sodium cotransport, as blood and plasma volume did not recover under CHO conditions.
- Water intake facilitated blood and plasma volume recovery, indicating distinct physiological responses to different fluid interventions during exercise.
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