Effect of glucose polymer ingestion on energy and fluid balance during exercise

Abstract

Nine male triathletes were studied during 160 min of exercise at 65% VO2 max on two occasions to examine the effect of glucose polymer ingestion on energy and fluid balance. During one trial they received 200 ml of a 10% glucose polymer solution at 20 min intervals during exercise (CHO), while in the other they received an equal volume of a sweet placebo (CON). On average, blood glucose levels (CON = 4.2 +/- 0.2 mmol l-1, CHO = 4.8 +/- 0.1, mean +/- S.E.) and respiratory exchange ratios (CON = 0.84 +/- 0.01, CHO = 0.87 +/- 0.01) during exercise were higher (P less than 0.05) as a result of the glucose polymer ingestion. There were no differences between trials, however, in the estimated plas..