Longer-Term Effects of the Glycaemic Index on Substrate Metabolism and Performance in Endurance Athletes

Abstract

Nutrition has a decisive influence on athletic performance. However, it is not only the nutrient intake during exercise that is important, but the daily diet must also be adapted to the requirements of physical activity in order to optimally promote training adaptations. The goal of prolonged endurance training is to enhance fat oxidation, to maintain aerobic performance at a higher intensity while sparing limited carbohydrate stores. The targeted modification of macronutrient intake is a common method of influencing substrate metabolism, fuel selection, and performance. However, it is not well established whether the glycaemic index of carbohydrates in our daily diet can improve endurance performance by influencing carbohydrate or fat oxidation during training. Therefore, the aim of the following review is to elucidate the possible influence of the glycaemic index on substrate utilization during exercise and to clarify whether the consumption of a long-term high-carbohydrate diet with different glycaemic indices may have an influence on substrate metabolism and endurance performance.