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Influence of postexercise glucose ingestion upon serum potassium levels and ECG function
H C Reynolds1, L Cordain, M A Harris
1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Postexercise glucose intake may alter electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, not by lowering serum potassium (K+), but possibly due to glucose level changes. Adding potassium chloride (KCl) might prevent these ECG alterations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Postexercise recovery often involves nutrient ingestion, including carbohydrates like glucose polymers.
- Exercise can induce physiological changes, including alterations in serum electrolytes like potassium (K+).
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters can reflect underlying metabolic and electrolyte disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if postexercise glucose ingestion contributes to ECG alterations.
- To determine if these ECG changes are mediated by enhanced decreases in serum potassium (K+) concentrations.
- To explore the role of serum glucose excursions versus absolute serum K+ levels in ECG changes.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen trained runners participated in two randomized trials following a 90-minute run.
- Subjects ingested a 100g glucose polymer drink, alone or with 3g potassium chloride (KCl).
- ECG parameters, serum K+, and glucose were measured at multiple time points pre- and post-ingestion.
Main Results:
- Postexercise glucose ingestion was associated with ECG changes characteristic of hypokalemia.
- These ECG alterations did not appear directly related to the return of K+ to muscle.
- Serum glucose excursions, rather than absolute serum K+ levels, were suggested as the cause of ECG changes.
Conclusions:
- Postexercise glucose ingestion may induce ECG changes independent of significant K+ shifts into muscle.
- The observed ECG alterations are potentially linked to rapid serum glucose increases following ingestion.
- Supplementation with KCl may mitigate these glucose-induced ECG changes, possibly by delaying gastric emptying.