Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The performance benefit of ingesting carbohydrate (CHO) plus protein (PRO) beverages during prolonged endurance exercise vs. the ingestion of traditional CHO-only beverages is still controversial. PURPOSE: To investigate the aerobic endurance characteristics of a low caloric CHO + PRO drink against a traditional 6% CHO sports beverage and a placebo beverage. METHODS: Eleven male and female trained cyclists exercised on four separate occasions at intensities that varied between 55% and 75% VO2max for 2.5 h and then at 80% VO2max until fatigued. Supplements (250.1 ± 8.1 mL) were provided every 20 min and consisted of a 3% carbohydrate + 0.75% protein complex (CHO/PRO), a 6% carbohydrate supplement (CHO), or a placebo (PLA). Treatments were administered using a double-blind randomized design. RESULTS: Time to fatigue at 80% VO2max following 2.5 hours of variable intensity cycling was significantly longer (P < 0.05) during the CHO (29.3 ± 6.3 min; mean ± SE), and the CHO/PRO (31.2 ± 6.6) trials compared to the PLA trial (16.0 ± 3.5), with no significant difference between the CHO and the CHO/PRO treatments. In general, blood glucose, plasma insulin, CHO and fat oxidation, and RER, were elevated above PLA during the CHO and CHO/PRO trials. With the exception of blood glucose and plasma insulin, no differences in the above measurements occurred among the CHO, and CHO/PRO treatments. Only minor differences in blood glucose and plasma insulin responses occurred among the CHO and CHO/PRO treatments, and there were no differences noted in heart rate, energy expenditure, blood lactate, or plasma myoglobin among these treatments. CONCLUSION: A low-caloric CHO + PRO sports drink was as effective in improving endurance performance as a traditional 6% CHO sports drink despite containing significantly less CHO and fewer calories. These results suggest that a small amount of PRO can replace CHO in a traditional sports drink without a loss of efficacy. This could be an important consideration for individuals who are concerned about caloric intake and body weight.
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.
