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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017 Nov;117(11):2321-2333.
doi: 10.1007/s00421-017-3719-5. Epub 2017 Sep 19.

A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise

Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise

Emma J Stevenson et al. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017 Nov.

Erratum in

Abstract

Purpose: The performance and physiological effects of isomaltulose and maltodextrin consumed intermittently during prolonged soccer-specific exercise were investigated.

Methods: University soccer players (n = 22) performed 120 min of intermittent exercise while consuming 8% carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks (equivalent to ~ 20 g h-1) containing maltodextrin (Glycaemic Index: 90-100), isomaltulose (Glycaemic Index: 32) or a carbohydrate-energy-free placebo in a manner replicating the practices of soccer players (i.e., during warm-up and half-time). Physical (sprinting, jumping) and technical (shooting, dribbling) performance was assessed.

Results: Blood glucose and plasma insulin (both P < 0.001) concentrations varied by trial with isomaltulose maintaining > 13% higher blood glucose concentrations between 75 and 90 min versus maltodextrin (P < 0.05). A decline in glycaemia at 60 min in maltodextrin was attenuated with isomaltulose (-19 versus -4%; P = 0.015). Carbohydrates attenuated elevations in plasma epinephrine concentrations (P < 0.05), but isomaltulose proved most effective at 90 and 120 min. Carbohydrates did not attenuate IL-6 increases or reductions in physical or technical performances (all P > 0.05). Ratings of abdominal discomfort were influenced by trial (P < 0.05) with lower values for both carbohydrates compared to PLA from 60 min onwards.

Conclusions: Although carbohydrates (~ 20 g h-1) did not attenuate performance reductions throughout prolonged soccer-specific exercise, isomaltulose maintained higher blood glucose at 75-90 min, lessened the magnitude of the exercise-induced rebound glycaemic response and attenuated epinephrine increases whilst maintaining similar abdominal discomfort values relative to maltodextrin. When limited opportunities exist to consume carbohydrates on competition-day, low-glycaemic isomaltulose may offer an alternative nutritional strategy for exercising soccer players.

Keywords: Carbohydrate; Extra-time; Football; Half-time; Rebound hypoglycaemia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Ethical standards

This study was approved by an appropriate ethics committee and has therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. All participants provided written informed consent prior to any participation.

Conflict of interest

Authors MR and ES received a Grant from BENEO GmbH to complete this work. The study results and data contained in this publication have been developed by and/or for BENEO of which authors AH and ST are employees. BENEO reserves the exclusive right to use the results and data for possible Health Claim requests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Overview of main trial procedures
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Blood glucose (a) and plasma insulin (b) concentrations throughout the PSE (black solid line), MDX (black dashed line) and PLA (grey dashed line) trials (n = 22, data are presented as mean ± SD). *Significant difference between PSE and PLA at corresponding time-point; a represents significant difference between PSE and MDX at corresponding time-point; b represents significant difference between MDX and PLA at corresponding time-point

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