Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 3

How could glucose ingestion prior to exercise actually increase the rate of glycogen depletion? What could be done to minimize this effect?

Step 1 of 3

Many athletes and sports persons believe that consuming glucose prior to the event provides extra energy as the blood glucose levels increases. Most athletes also believe that this decreases the breakdown of glycogen and thus, performance can be delivered for longer durations. However, the exactly opposite occurs when glucose is taken prior to a sport event. The breakdown of glycogen is increased when glucose is ingested before an event. Performance decreases by about 20% if glucose is ingested prior to exercise or performance.