Athletic Performance

NAP: Competition (2007)

• Assessment
  In adults and young adults, is there a particular meal timing, caloric intake and macronutrient intake for optimal athletic performance during competition?

  • Conclusion
    Thirty-six studies investigating the consumption of a range of macronutrient composition during competition on athletic performance were evaluated.  Seven studies based on carbohydrate consumption during exercise lasting less than 60 minutes show conflicting results on athletic performance.  However, of 17 studies based on carbohydrate consumption during exercise lasting greater than 60 minutes, five report improved metabolic response, and seven of twelve studies report improvements in athletic performance.  Evidence is inconclusive regarding the addition of protein to carbohydrate during exercise on athletic performance.  Seven studies based on consumption of preexercise meals in addition to carbohydrate consumption during exercise suggest enhanced athletic performance. 

     

     

  • Grade: II
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: What is the evidence to support a particular meal timing, caloric intake and macronutrient intake for optimal athletic performance during competition?
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Anantaraman R, Carmines AA, Gaesser GA, Weltman A. Effects of carbohydrate supplementation on performance during 1 hour of high-intensity exercise. Int J Sports Med, 1995; 16 (7): 461-465.
      • Anastasiou CA, Kavouras SA, Koutsari C, Georgakakis C, Skenderi K, Beer M, Sidossis LS.  Effect of maltose-containing sports drinks on exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004; 14 (6): 609-625.
      • Andrews J, Sedlock D, Flynn M, Navalta J, Ji H. Carbohydrate loading and supplementation in endurance-trained women runners. J Appl Physiol. 2003; (95): 584-590.
      • Ball TC, Headley SA, Vanderburgh PM, Smith JC. Periodic carbohydrate replacement during 50 minutes of high-intensity cycling improves subsequent sprint performance. Int J Sport Nutr. 1995; 5: 151-158.
      • Below PR, Mora-Rodriguez R, Gonzalez-Alonso J, Coyle EF. Fluid and carbohydrate ingestion independently improve performance during 1h of intense exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995; 27 (2): 200-210.
      • Brundle S, Thayer R, Taylor AW. Comparison of fructose and glucose ingestion before and during endurance cycling to exhaustion. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2000; 40: 343-349.
      • Burke LM, Claassen A, Hawley JA, and Noakes TD. Carbohydrate intake during prolonged cycling minimizes effect of glycemic index of preexercise meal. Journal of Applied Physiology, 1998; 85: 2,220-2,226.
      • Carter JM, Jeukendrup AE, Mann CH, Jones DA. The effect of glucose infusion on glucose kinetics during a 1-h time trial. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004; 36 (9): 1,543-1,550.
      • Chryssanthopoulos C and Williams C. Pre-exercise carbohydrate meal and endurance running capacity when carbohydrates are ingested during exercise. Int J Sports Med. 1997; 18: 543-548.
      • Chryssanthopoulos C, Williams C, Nowitz A, Kotsiopoulou C, and Vleck V. The effect of high carbohydrate meal on endurance running capacity. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2002; (12): 157-171.
      • Chryssanthopoulos C, Williams C, Nowitz A. Influence of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution ingested during running on muscle glycogen utilisation in fed humans. Int J Sports Med. 2002; 23 (4): 279-284.
      • Claassen A, Lambert EV, Bosch AN, Rodger IM, St. Clair Gibson A, Noakes TD. Variability in exercise capacity and metabolic response during endurance exercise after a low carbohydrate diet. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005; 15 (2): 97-116.
      • Clark VR, Hopkins WG, Hawley JA, Burke LM. Placebo effect of carbohydrate feedings during a 40-km cycling time trial. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000; 32 (9): 1,642-1,647.
      • Davis JM, Welsh RS, De Volve KL, Alderson NA. Effects of branched-chain amino acids and carbohydrate on fatigue during intermittent, high-intensity running. Int J Sports Med. 1999; 20: 309-314.
      • De Bock K, Richter EA, Russell AP, Eijnde BO, Derave W, Ramaekers M, Koninckx E, Leger B, Verhaeghe J, Hespel P. Exercise in the fasted state facilitates fibre type-specific intramyocellular lipid breakdown and stimulates glycogen resynthesis in humans. J Physiol. 2005 Apr 15; 564 (Pt 2): 649-60.
      • Desbrow B, Anderson S, Barrett J, Rao E, Hargreaves M. Carbohydrate-electrolyte feedings and 1 hour time trial cycling performance. Int J Sports Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004; 14: 541-549.
      • Earnest CP, Lancaster SL, Rasmussen CJ, Kerksick CM, Lucia A, Greenwood MC, Almada AL, Cowan PA, Kreider RB. Low vs high glycemic index carbohydrate gel ingestion during simulated 64-km cycling time trial performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2004; 18 (3): 466-472.
      • el Sayed MS, Rattu AJM, Lin X, Reilly T.  Effects of active warm down and carbohydrate feeding on free fatty acid concentrations after prolonged submaximal exercise.  Int J Sports Nutr 1996;6(4):337-347.
      • Febbraio MA, Chiu A, Angus DJ, Arkinstall MJ, Hawley JA. Effects of carbohydrate ingestion before and during exercise on glucose kinetics and performance. J Appl Physiol. 2000; 89: 2,220-2,226.
      • Horowitz JF, Mora-Rodriguez R, Byerley LO, Coyle EF. Substrate metabolism when subjects are fed carbohydrate during exercise. Am J Physiol. 1999; 276 (5 Pt 1): E828-835.
      • Ivy JL, Res PT, Sprague RC, Widzer MO. Effect of a carbohydrate-protein supplement on endurance performance during exercise of varying intensity. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003; 13: 382-395.
      • Jeukendrup A, Brouns F, Wagenmakers AJM, Saris WHM. Carbohydrate-electrolyte feedings improve 1 h time trial cycling performance. Int J Sports Med. 1997; 18 (2): 125-129.
      • Jeukendrup AE, Wagenmakers AJM, Stegen JHCH, Gijsen AP, Brouns F, Saris WHM. Carbohydrate ingestion can completely suppress endogenous glucose production during exercise. Am J Physiol. 1999; 276 (4 Pt 1): E672-683.
      • Kang J, Robertson RJ, Denys BG, DaSilva SG, Visich P, Suminski RR, Utter AC, Goss FL, Metz KF. Effect of carbohydrate ingestion subsequent to carbohydrate supercompensation on endurance performance. Int J Sport Nutr. 1995; 5: 329-343.
      • Kimber NE, Ross JJ, Mason SL, Speedy DB. Energy balance during an Ironman Triathlon in male and female triathletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2002; 12 (1): 47-62.
      • McConell G, Kloot K, Hargreaves M. Effect of timing of carbohydrate ingestion on endurance exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996; 28 (10): 1,300-1,304.
      • Meyer T, Gabriel HHW, Auracher M, Scharhag J, Kindermann W. Metabolic profile of 4 h cycling in the field with varying amounts of carbohydrate supply. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2003; 88: 431-437.
      • Millard-Stafford ML, Sparling PB, Rosskopf LB, Snow TK. Should carbohydrate concentration of a sports drink be less than 8% during exercise in the heat? Int J Sports Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005; 15 (2): 117-130.
      • Nassis GP, Williams C, Chisnall P. Effect of a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink on endurance capacity during prolonged intermittent high intensity running. Br J Sports Med. 1998; 32: 248-252.
      • Nicholas CW, Tsintzas K, Boobis L, Williams C. Carbohydrate-electrolyte ingestion during intermittent high-intensity running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999; 31 (9): 1,280-1,286.
      • Nicholas CW, Williams C, Lakomy HKA, Phillips G, Nowitz A. Influence of ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on endurance capacity during intermittent, high-intensity shuttle running. J Sports Sci. 1995; 13 (4): 283-290.
      • Riddell MC, Partington SL, Stupka N, Armstrong D, Rennie C, Tarnopolsky MA. Substrate utilization during exercise performed with and without glucose ingestion in female and male endurance-trained athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003; 13: 407-421.
      • Rowlands DS, Hopkins WG. Effect of high-fat, high-carbohydrate, and high-protein meals on metabolism and performance during endurance cycling. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2002; 12 (3): 318-335.
      • Saunders MJ, Kane MD, Todd MK. Effects of a carbohydrate-protein beverage on cycling endurance and muscle damage. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004; 36 (7): 1,233-1,238.
      • Sugiura K, Kobayashi K. Effect of carbohydrate ingestion on sprint performance following continuous and intermittent exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998; 30 (11): 1,624-1,630.
      • Tsintzas OK, Williams C, Wilson W, Burrin J. Influence of carbohydrate supplementation early in exercise on endurance running capacity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996; 28 (11): 1,373-1,379.
  • Search Plan and Results: Competition 2006
     
  In adults and young adults, is there a particular meal timing, caloric intake, and macronutrient intake for optimal athletic performance during the 24 hours prior to competition?

  • Conclusion
     

     

    Nineteen studies investigating the consumption of a range of macronutrient composition during the 24 hours prior to competition on athletic performance were evaluated.  Of eight studies, six reported no significant effect of meal consumption 90 minutes - 4 hours prior to trials on athletic performance.  Six studies, which focused on the consumption of food or beverage within the hour prior to competition, reported no significant effects on athletic performance, despite hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, increased carbohydrate oxidation and reduced free fatty acid availability.  Variations in research methology on glycemic index of meals consumed prior to competition have led to inconclusive findings. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
  • Grade: II
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: What is the evidence to support a particular meal timing, caloric intake and macronutrient intake for optimal athletic performance during the 24 hours prior to competition?
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Achten J, Jeukendrup AE. Effects of pre-exercise ingestion of carbohydrate on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses during subsequent exercise at differing intensities. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2003; 88: 466-471.
      • Cramp T, Broad E, Martin D, Meyer BJ. Effects of preexercise carbohydrate ingestion on mountain bike performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004; 36 (9): 1,602-1,609.
      • DeMarco HM, Sucher KP, Cisar CJ, Butterfield GE. Pre-exercise carbohydrate meals: application of glycemic index. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999; 31 (1): 164-170.
      • Diboll, DC, Boone WT, Lindsey LR. Cardiovascular and metabolic responses during 30 minutes of treadmill exercise shortly after consuming a small, high-carbohydrate meal. Int J Sports Med. 1999; 20: 384-389.
      • Febbraio MA, Stewart KL. CHO feeding before prolonged exercise: effect of glycemic index on muscle glycogenolysis and exercise performance. J Appl Physiol. 1996; 81 (3): 1,115-1,120.
      • Febbraio MA, Keenan J, Angus DJ, Campbell SE, Garnham AP. Pre-exercise carbohydrate ingestion, glucose kinetics, and muscle glycogen use: effect of the glycemic index. J Appl Physiol. 2000; 89: 1,845-1,851.
      • Jentjens RLPG, Cale C, Gutch C, Jeukendrup AE. Effects of pre-exercise ingestion of differing amounts of carbohydrate on subsequent metabolism and cycling performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2003; 88: 444-452.
      • Kirwan JP, Cyr-Campbell D, Campbell WW, Scheiber J, Evans WJ. Effects of moderate and high glycemic index meals on metabolism and exercise performance. Metabolism, 2001; 50 (7): 849-855.
      • Kirwan JP, O'Gorman DJ, Cyr-Campbell D, Campbell WW, Yarasheski KE, Evans WJ. Effects of a moderate glycemic meal on exercise duration and substrate utilization. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001; 33 (9): 1,517-1,523.
      • Moseley L, Lancaster GI, Jeukendrup AE. Effects of timing of pre-exercise ingestion of carbohydrate on subsequent metabolism and cycling performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2003; 88: 453-458.
      • Okano G, Sato Y, Takumi Y, Sugawara M. Effect of fourth pre-exercise high-carbohydrate and high-fat meal ingestion on endurance performance and metabolism. Int J Sports Med. 1996; 17 (7): 530-534.
      • Okano G, Sato Y, Murata Y. Effect of elevated blood FFA levels on endurance performance after a single fat meal ingestion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998; 30 (5): 763-768.
      • Palmer GS, Clancy MC, Hawley JA, Rodger IM, Burke LM, Noakes TD. Carbohydrate ingestion immediately before exercise does not improve 20 km time trial performance in well trained cyclists. Int J Sports Med. 1998; 19: 415-518.
      • Paul D, Jacobs KA, Geor RJ, Hinchcliff KW. No effect of preexercise meal on substrate metabolism and time trial performance during intense endurance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003; 13 (4): 489-503.
      • Schabort EJ, Bosch AN, Weltan SM, Noakes TD. The effect of a preexercise meal on time to fatigue during prolonged cycling exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999; 31 (3): 464-471.
        
      • Sparks MJ, Selig SS, Febbraio MA. Pre-exercise carbohydrate ingestion: effect of the glycemic index on endurance exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998; 30 (6): 844-849. 
      • Wee SL, Williams C, Gray S, Horabin J. Influence of high- and low-glycemic index meals on endurance running capacity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999; 31 (3) :393-399.
      • Wee SL, Williams C, Tsintzas K, Boobis L. Ingestion of a high-glycemic index meal increases muscle glycogen storage at rest but augments its utilization during subsequent exercise. J Appl Physiol. 2005; 99: 707-714.
      • Whitley HA, Humphreys SM, Campbell IT, Keegan MA, Jayanetti TD, Sperry DA, MacLaren DP, Reilly T, Frayn KN. Metabolic and performance responses during endurance exercise after high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals. J Appl Physiol. 1998; 85 (2): 418-424.
  • Search Plan and Results: Pre-Competition (24 hours prior) 2006