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Influence of sodium on glucose bioavailability during exercise
M Hargreaves1, D Costill, L Burke
1Exercise Metabolism Unit, Victoria University of Technology, Footscray, Australia.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Beverage sodium content does not affect glucose bioavailability during moderate-intensity exercise. Adding sodium (0-50 mmol/L) to glucose drinks did not change how the body used glucose during exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Metabolic Studies
Background:
- Glucose bioavailability is crucial for sustained exercise performance.
- Sodium plays a role in glucose absorption in the intestines.
- The impact of varying beverage sodium concentrations on glucose utilization during exercise is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different beverage sodium concentrations on glucose bioavailability during exercise.
- To determine if sodium intake influences glucose uptake and utilization during physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Six trained male cyclists performed 30-minute cycling tests at 65% VO2max.
- Participants consumed a 10% glucose solution with varying sodium levels (0, 25, 50 mmol/L) before exercise.
- Blood samples were analyzed for plasma glucose, 3H-glucose activity, and blood lactate levels.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in oxygen uptake, heart rate, or blood lactate between trials.
- Resting plasma glucose levels remained consistent across all sodium concentrations.
- Increases in plasma glucose and 3H-glucose accumulation during exercise were similar regardless of beverage sodium content.
Conclusions:
- Beverage sodium content, ranging from 0 to 50 mmol/L, does not impact glucose bioavailability during moderate-intensity exercise.
- These findings suggest that sodium concentration in exercise beverages does not alter glucose absorption or utilization under these conditions.