Determining Carbohydrate Consumption for Maximal Glycogen Replacement

Why was this study done?

Competitive cyclists expend a large amount of energy and replacing glycogen (short-term storage of glucose) is important to maintain high performance throughout long exercise bouts. It has been estimated that consuming between 525 to 648 grams of carbohydrate in the 24 hours following exercise is ideal for glycogen replacement. This study was designed to determine whether competitive cyclists were, indeed, consuming enough carbohydrate for ideal glycogen replacement.

What did the study find?

Competitive cyclists were consuming enough carbohydrate to replace glycogen and, according to the study’s authors, were a model for other endurance athletes.

Dietary intakes of male endurance cyclists during training and racing.
Authors: Jensen CD, Zaltas ES, Whittam JH. J Am Diet Assoc. 1992 Aug;92(8):986-8.
PubMed Citation PMID: 1640044.
PDF Manuscript: J Am Diet Assoc, 1992.