Febbraio, M. A., Chui, A., Arkinstall, M. J., & Hawley, J. A. (2000). Carbohydrate ingestion before and during exercise: Effect on exercise metabolism and performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 1263.

The effects of carbohydrate ingestion on metabolism and performance before and during exercise were investigated. On four occasions, trained males (N = 7) cycled for 120 minutes at 70% VO2peak followed by a time-trial (7 kJ/kg). Ss experienced the following treatments.

• No CHO before or during a trial (PP control).
• A placebo beverage 30 minutes before exercise and then a 6.4% beverage throughout exercise (PC).
• CHO before and placebo throughout exercise (CP).
• CHO before and during exercise (CC).

Performance improved in the CC and PC conditions. Pre-exercise ingestion of CHO resulted in hyperinsulinemia but did not impair performance when CHO was ingested throughout the exercise. CHO ingestion during exercise improved subsequent time-trial performances. CHO ingestion before exercise does not seem essential for benefits to occur.

Implication. If CHO supplementation before exercise is considered, the supplementation should continue throughout the exercise. CHO supplementation throughout exercise produces performance benefits whether it is or is not taken before exercise.

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