Brooks, D., Bradley, J. L., Lane, P., & Hodgson, R. (2002). Assessment of the effects of an isotonic carbohydrate get on exercise performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 769.

The effects of a commercially available carbohydrate (CHO) gel, water, and a CHO liquid supplement were compared in moderate exercise. Male endurance runners (N = 8) performed defined track sessions on four occasions each separated by at least seven days. Training consisted of 5,200 meters followed by a 5-km time trial. Before the time trial, Ss ingested nothing (control), 500 ml of water, a 70 ml sachet of CHO gel, or 25 gm of CHO on its own.

The gel produced a significantly smaller change in blood volume over the time trial when compared to the control or water conditions. It produced a significantly greater increase in blood glucose than the control treatment.

Implication. Gel CHO supplementation produces smaller blood volume changes than control or water conditions and increased blood glucose. Gel CHO is a viable way of raising blood glucose valued during exercise.

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