EAL

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?
- 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?
- Search Plan and Results: Pre-Competition (24 hours prior) 2006