Role of carbohydrate in physical activity

Carbohydrate is an essential fuel for prolonged, strenuous exercise, although the carbohydrate stores of the body are limited. Research studies have provided evidence that carbohydrate depletion is associated with fatigue, decrease in exercise intensity, and even exercise cessation. With the appropriate diet and exercise protocol, however, the carbohydrate stores of the body can be substantially increased and exercise performance improved by carbohydrate supplementation before and during exercise. In this article, the role of carbohydrate supplementation for increasing carbohydrate stores before exercise, maintaining blood glucose during exercise, and the rapid replenishment of the carbohydrate stores after exercise are discussed. Considered in the discussion are the types, amounts and forms of carbohydrate supplements that are most effective, and the most appropriate times for their ingestion.