Abstract
Current fueling tactics for endurance exercise encourage athletes to ingest a high carbohydrate diet. However, athletes are not generally encouraged to use fat, the largest energy reserve in the human body. A low carbohydrate, high fat ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional approach ensuring that the body utilizes lipids. Although KD has been associated with weight-loss, enhanced fat utilization in muscle and other beneficial effects, there is currently no clear proof whether it could lead to performance advantage. To evaluate the effects of KD on endurance exercise capacity, we studied the performance of mice subjected to a running model after consuming KD for eight weeks. Weight dropped dramatically in KD-feeding mice, even though they ate more calories. KD-feeding mice showed enhanced running time without aggravated muscle injury. Blood biochemistry and correlation analysis indicated the potential mechanism is likely to be a keto-adaptation enhanced capacity to transport and metabolize fat. KD also showed a potential preventive effect on organ injury caused by acute exercise, although KD failed to exert protection from muscle injury. Ultimately, KD may contribute to prolonged exercise capacity.
Highlights
Fat has played a dominant role in human life since the antediluvian period, where primary fuel came from meat and fat gathered or hunted by hunters
ketogenic diet (KD) loading started, mice lose an average of 2.2 g compared to the initial weight in one week, and experience consisting weight loss when compared with mice in the chow groups
Mice on chow feeding put on weight slowly, but KD feeding tended to maintain the same weight until their termination
Summary
Fat has played a dominant role in human life since the antediluvian period, where primary fuel came from meat and fat gathered or hunted by hunters. Human calorie intake changed from fat into carbohydrates, since large quantities of farm products could be obtained using cultivating techniques. Modern food preserving techniques such as freezing, canning and irradiation extend the shelf life of food, but in the long term, the human body still stores energy in the form of fat. A classic definition of ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional approach consisting of hyper-fat, an adequate amount of protein but insufficient level of carbohydrates, which means the share of glucose-induced metabolic activities should constitute less than 5% of daily calorie intake, or for humans, ~20 g per day [1,2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
