Applications of the Study

Some ways that the results of the studies can be used to help YOUR athletic performance.

The fact that carbohydrates lead to more energy and a prolonged onset of fatigue has intrigued many athletes, nutritionists, and active people. This interest in gaining more energy has led to an increased demand in carbohydrate products.

Testing carboyhydrate products: carbohydrates and electrolytes

Many companies such as Shaklee are starting to produce and improve carbohydrate products. In order to prove that the Shaklee products do work as well as they claim to, Shaklee performs clinical studies. In one of these studies, a product called Shaklee Performance, a carbohydrate-electrolyte prototype, was tested. Cyclists rode bicycles at 70% VO max for two to three hours. At the rate of one liter per hour, the cyclists received Shaklee Performance or water. Shaklee Performance maintained higher blood glucose levels than water throughout the test period. Shaklee Performance also maintained a higher plasma osmolality than water.

Testing products: carbohydrates and proteins

Another clinical study was done with Shaklee's Physique. Physique, a carbohydrate-protein combination, was tested among highly trained cyclists. The cyclists rode for two hours with a changing workout that simulated race-like conditions. They did this for three test periods. The athletes drank one of three drinks immediately and two hours after each ride. Physique, a protein drink similar to those of body builders, and a carbohydrate drink were consumed as drinks. Results of the clinical study showed that Physique had a greater insulin response in the blood than the carbohydrate drink which had a greater insulin response than the protein drink. The greater insulin levels led to a greater increase in the rate of muscle glycogen production in the four-hour period following exercise.

Testing carbohydrate products: one more study

Another clinical study was also done with Carbo-Crunch Bars by Shaklee. Cyclists pedaling at an energetic pace for more than three hours received Carbo-Crunch Bars and water or water alone. The speed was then turned up to sprint pace. Those who had been drinking water and eating the Carbo-Crunch Bars were able to last 24 minutes while those participants who had received only water lasted for an average of 2 minutes.

Results:

These clinical studies of Shaklee products show that carbohydrates help to prolong the onset of fatigue to keep the athlete going. Carbohydrate products have become so popular that dogs can even receive Power Bones, a product offering dogs a burst of energy from glucose and endurance from carbohydrates. The regular intake of carbohydrates during exercise help to keep body-sugar levels steady and prolong the onset of fatigue.