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This article originally appeared in the www.pponline.co.uksports science newsletter, Peak Performance
A new super drink containing two simple carbohydrates has been found to boost performance by increasing energy levels significantly.
Eight trained cyclists performed three exercise trials in random order. Each trial consisted of 150 minutes of cycling at 55% maximum power output while ingesting a total of 2.4 litres of one of the following:
• An 11.25% maltodextrin (glucose polymer) drink;
• A drink containing maltodextrin and fructose, providing the same amount of energy as the first drink;
• Plain water.
The researchers had hypothesised that the super-drink would produce a higher output of expendable energy.
And they were not disappointed! Conversion of ingested carbs to energy measured during the last 30 minutes of exercise was about 40% higher with the combination drink than with maltodextrin alone. ‘In addition,’ they say, ‘the oxidation rates observed in the present study were higher than those previously reported for combined glucose and fructose/sucrose ingestion during exercise.
‘These data suggest that ingestion of a solution containing multiple transportable CHO in the form of maltodextrins and fructose is recommended.’
Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005; vol 37, no 3, 426-432
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