Carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement during a simulated triathlon in the heat

Abstract

Effects of a 7% carbohydrate-electrolyte drink (CE) or a flavored water placebo (P) on physiological function and performance were compared during a simulated triathlon (ST) in the heat. Ten trained male triathletes performed two STs, consisting of 1.5 km swimming, 40 km cycling, and 10 km running in an environmentally controlled area at self-selected race pace. Subjects consumed 2 ml.kg-1 (130-174 ml) of CE or P following the swim, at 8.0-km intervals during cycling, and at 3.2-km intervals during running. Sweat rate, rectal and mean skin temperatures, perceived exertion, heart rate, plasma osmolality, percent change in plasma volume, total protein, Na+, K+, and lactate were similar during the ST under both drink conditions, but RER and plasma glucose were higher (P less than 0.05) with CE. During the last 4 km of running, VO2 was significantly higher with CE. Mean run time and total ST time were faster with CE (by 1.4 and 1.2 min) although not significantly different (P less than 0.06 and P less than 0.10) from P. Subjects reported no significant difference in nausea, fullness, or stomach upset with CE compared to P. General physiological responses were similar for each drink during 2 h of multi-modal exercise in the heat; however, blood glucose, carbohydrate utilization, and exercise intensity at the end of a ST may be increased with CE fluid replacement.