CARBOHYDRATES SUPPLEMENTS DURING EXERCISE: EFFECTS ON THE ELECTROLYTES AND GLUCOSE

Objective: To identify if the form of presentation of carbohydrate supplements (CS) influences the response of the plasma concentration of electrolytes and glucose during a long-term exercise. Twelve men performed four 90-minute tests on a cycloergometer (55-60% VO2max), followed by 6 km at maximum speed, consuming CS in different presentations (liquid, gel or solid) or just consuming water. The concentrations of sodium, potassium and glucose in blood were analyzed before exercise, every 30 minutes of testing, and after 6 km. There was no significant difference in the electrolyte response for the different ingestion conditions. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in blood glucose when CS were consumed independently of its presentation versus the exclusive consumption of water. It is concluded that the form of presentation of the CS does not influence the blood glucose concentration during the long-term exercise.