Effects of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Gastrointestinal Disorders in Triathletes

Abstract

In long-term efforts, such as triathlon, the requirement for carbohydrate intake can also work as an ergogenic strategy. However, the literature has reported and recorded gastrointestinal discomfort by athletes during the race when performing this practice, which can compromise performance. Mouth rinses with carbohydrates, followed by the disposal (spitting) of the solution, is a strategy to maintain performance, without generating side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the potential side effects of carbohydrate mouth rinse in triathlon athletes during cycling practice. Twelve trained male - triathletes were subjected to two experimental situations, in which they have completed 1.5 km of swimming, followed by 40 km of cycling, within the shortest time possible and self-regulated intensity (time trial test). Throughout the cycling, blindly and crossed-wise, the volunteers rinsed their mouths using a bolus of 25 ml of 0% CHO placebo solution and 16% CHO (maltodextrin) solution, for each 12.5% of the distance to be covered. A gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaire was answered at the end of the 40 km cycling. Only one volunteer (8.33%) reported discomfort, while 91.66% of them presented no type of symptoms according to the CHO rinse protocol. Therefore, carbohydrate mouth rinse presents no gastrointestinal side effects during long-term exertion.