The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate supplementation on free plasma DNA and conventional markers of training and tissue damage in long-distance runners undergoing an overload training program. Twenty-four male runners were randomly assigned to two groups (CHO group and control group). The participants were submitted to an overload training program (days 1-8), followed by a high-intensity intermittent running protocol (10 × 800 m) on day 9. The runners received maltodextrin solution (CHO group) or zero energy placebo solution as the control equivalent before, during, and after this protocol. After 8 days of intensive training, baseline LDH levels remained constant in the CHO group (before: 449.1 ± 18.2, after: 474.3 ± 22.8 U/L) and increased in the control group (from 413.5 ± 23.0 to 501.8 ± 24.1 U/L, p < 0.05). On day 9, LDH concentrations were lower in the CHO group (509.2 ± 23.1 U/L) than in the control group (643.3 ± 32.9 U/L, p < 0.01) post-intermittent running. Carbohydrate ingestion attenuated the increase of free plasma DNA post-intermittent running (48,240.3 ± 5,431.8 alleles/mL) when compared to the control group (73,751.8 ± 11,546.6 alleles/mL, p < 0.01). Leukocyte counts were lower in the CHO group than in the control group post-intermittent running (9.1 ± 0.1 vs. 12.2 ± 0.7 cells/µL; p < 0.01) and at 80 min of recovery (10.6 ± 0.1 vs. 13.9 ± 1.1 cells/µL; p < 0.01). Cortisol levels were positively correlated with free plasma DNA, leukocytes, and LDH (all r > 0.4 and p < 0.001). The results showed that ingestion of a carbohydrate beverage resulted in less DNA damage and attenuated the acute post-exercise inflammation response, providing better recovery during intense training.
Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 May 17. Carbohydrate supplementation delays DNA damage in elite runners during intensive microcycle training.
Eat your carbs people! :)
Permalink Reply by Plantivore on Permalink Reply by Plantivore on Me, too!
Jacob, I'm having trouble finding this one online. Where did you see this, if you don't mind my asking. I see it's brand new.
I can't imagine what is going through the heads of low carb athletes. You might be interested in the studies mentioned here if you're as befuddled by these guys as me.
Permalink Reply by Jacob on 
Permalink Reply by Josh Phillips on It's definitely not listed here:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/1439-6319/111/6/
Edit: Found it:
Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Lord III on 
Permalink Reply by Kaz on Did they assess the effect of providing an alternative calorie source such as fat or protein?
It wouldn't surprise me to hear that recovery is better if the body does not have to cannibalise existing tissue for the energy to release repair components.
Permalink Reply by Josh Phillips on The runners received maltodextrin solution (CHO group) or zero energy placebo solution as the control equivalent before, during, and after this protocol.
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