Cited by 22Muscle metabolism and nutritionSports Performance and TrainingThermoregulation and physiological responses

Carbohydrate supplementation: A critical review of recent innovations

Baur, Daniel A., Saunders, Michael J.·2021·European Journal of Applied Physiology

Abstract

Purpose To critically examine the research on novel supplements and strategies designed to enhance carbohydrate delivery and/or availability.Methods Narrative review.Results Available data would suggest that there are varying levels of effectiveness based on the supplement/supplementation strategy in question and mechanism of action. Novel carbohydrate supplements including multiple transportable carbohydrate (MTC), modified carbohydrate (MC), and hydrogels (HGEL) have been generally effective at modifying gastric emptying and/or intestinal absorption. Moreover, these effects often correlate with altered fuel utilization patterns and/or glycogen storage. Nevertheless, performance effects differ widely based on supplement and study design. MTC consistently enhances performance, but the magnitude of the effect is yet to be fully elucidated. MC and HGEL seem unlikely to be beneficial when compared to supplementation strategies that align with current sport nutrition recommendations. Combining carbohydrate with other ergogenic substances may, in some cases, result in additive or synergistic effects on metabolism and/or performance; however, data are often lacking and results vary based on the quantity, timing, and inter-individual responses to different treatments. Altering dietary carbohydrate intake likely influences absorption, oxidation, and and/or storage of acutely ingested carbohydrate, but how this affects the ergogenicity of carbohydrate is still mostly unknown.Conclusions In conclusion, novel carbohydrate supplements and strategies alter carbohydrate delivery through various mechanisms. However, more research is needed to determine if/when interventions are ergogenic based on different contexts, populations, and applications.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s00421-020-04534-y

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Authors
Baur, D. A., & Saunders, M. J.
Affiliations
  • Virginia Military Institute (US)
  • James Madison University (US)
Corresponding author
Baur, Daniel A.
Venue
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Published
2020-10-27
Volume
121
Issue
1
Pages
23-66
ISSN
  • 0020-9376 (ISSN-L)
  • 1439-6319
  • 1439-6327
OpenAlex
W3093996995
Cited by
22
References
376
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 5
FWCI
0.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • European Journal of Applied Physiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
Keywords
carbohydrate supplementation, hydrogels, gastric emptying, intestinal absorption, glycogen storage, fuel utilization, exercise performance, ergogenic aids, carbohydrate intake
MeSH terms
Animals, Dietary Carbohydrates, Humans, Nutritive Value, Dietary Supplements, Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

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