Abstract
Background: The impact of oxidative stress (OS) on exercise performance and recovery depends on the mode, intensity, and duration of physical activity, which can lead to inflammation, fatigue, and muscle dysfunction. The effects of carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplementation, as well as their combination (CHO-PRO), on exercise performance remain controversial, particularly under normal and hot environmental conditions. Objectives: The present study examined the influence of locally based isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplements on muscle damage and oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers during cycling in the heat (31°C, 70% relative humidity), compared to a placebo (PL). Methods: Sago (Sa), Soy (So), and Sago+Soy (SS) were used as the carbohydrate (CHO), protein (PRO), and CHO-PRO supplements, respectively. The Sa, So, and SS supplements contained 7.5% Sa, 7.5% So, and 6.0% Sa+1.5% So, respectively. Twelve well-trained male cyclists (age: 19.0 ± 5.6 years, height: 170.8 ± 7.6 cm, body weight: 60.1 ± 11.2 kg, and VO2max: 56.5 ± 6.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) participated in four experimental trials. Each trial involved 90 minutes of steady-state cycling on an ergometer at 60% VO2max, followed by a 20-km exhaustive cycling time-trial performance. During the steady-state cycling, participants received supplements five times at 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes. Results: Plasma concentrations of creatine kinase and F2-isoprostanes, which are biomarkers of muscle damage and oxidative stress (OS), significantly decreased after the trials (P < 0.05). The reduction in these biomarkers in the placebo group indicated that Sa, So, and SS supplementation did not provide additional benefits, as the placebo exhibited similar effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite the unexpected results, endurance athletes exercising in hot and humid conditions may potentially reduce symptoms of muscle damage and oxidative stress by consuming greater amounts of carbohydrate and protein supplements.
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