The influence of fructose feeding on physical performance

Abstract

Athletic competition requires great energy expenditure and the ability to maintain performance depends on an adequate supply of metabolic fuels, which has led to the use of dietary supplements. Much of the data concerning fructose supplementation is contradictory in nature, but it shows that fructose feeding before or during exercise can enhance performance under certain conditions. Preexercise nutrition seems to be the most important condition to be met. It has been theorized that prefeeding elevates liver glycogen and spares muscle glycogen, which prolongs activity. There is also good evidence to indicate that the addition of fructose to the diet during ultraendurance events can improve performance by 126%. The gastrointestinal discomfort created by large amounts of fructose can hinder performance and has limited research with this supplement. Therefore, even though positive effects have been demonstrated, more research is needed to determine the role that fructose can play in enhancing athletic performance.