Knowledge of carbohydrate consumption does not alter exercise‐induced lymphocyte apoptosis following an acute bout of high‐intensity aerobic exercise

Abstract

Carbohydrate consumption during strenuous aerobic exercise has been reported to reduce the amount of lymphocyte cell death compared to placebo. It is not known whether actual carbohydrate consumption or merely the knowledge of carbohydrate consumption mediates this alteration. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if knowledge of carbohydrate beverage could result in an alteration of apoptotic lymphocytes, independent of actual carbohydrate intake. Endurance trained males and females (N = 10) were randomly assigned to either a correct or false knowledge of carbohydrate intake. For instance in the false group, subjects were informed that they were receiving the carbohydrate beverage, but actually received the placebo beverage. Participants completed a 60‐min ride on a cycle ergometer at 80% VO2peak. Venous blood samples were collected at rest (PRE) and immediately after exercise (POST), and used to determine plasma glucose concentration and lymphocyte apoptosis. We did not find a significant effect of knowledge of drink type on lymphocyte cell death (P = 0.43). There was a significant effect of exercise on lymphocyte apoptosis (PRE = 6.3±3%, POST = 11.6±3%, P<0.01). Knowledge of drink type does not appear to alter immunity in terms of lymphocyte cell death following exercise.