Millard-Stafford, M. L., Rosskopf, L. B., Snow, T. K., Colwell, P., Fennessy, J. M., & Baker, C. R. (2002). Effects of sports drink with B vitamins on performance during cycling. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1304.

Trained cyclists (N = 12) performed a 95-minute cycling bout at 80% VO2max under three conditions: a placebo (water), a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) drink, and a 6% CE drink with B vitamins. The volume of fluid ingested was 400 ml before cycling, 3.5 ml/kg every 20 minutes in the task, and as much as needed in 30 minutes of recovery. A 15-min performance ride was included.

Work accomplished in the performance ride was 7% greater in both CE conditions than placebo. There were no differences in carbohydrate oxidation, heart rate, changes in plasma volume, blood lactate, or perceived exertion between CE beverages. Blood glucose was significantly lower in placebo than in the CE conditions.

Implication. The addition of B vitamins to a 6% CE drink did not result in any added benefit over that demonstrated by CE alone.

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