Metabolic study demonstrates higher carbohydrate oxidation and lower oxygen cost in elite marathoners at 120 g·h−1, suggesting benefits alongside gut training needs.
We used stable isotope methodology to evaluate exogenous rates of CHO oxidation in elite male marathoners. We report that 120 (maltodextrin:fructose ratio 1:1) g·h −1 CHO induces greater whole body and exogenous CHO oxidation compared with 60 (1:0)–90 (2:1) g·h −1 and reduces the O 2 cost of running. However, the performance implications of such doses remain to be determined. The prevalence of GI symptoms across the doses suggests targeted fueling practice and gut training is warranted.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ravikanti et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: