Carb-Glutamine Drink Enhances Soccer EnduranceGlutamine is the most abundant amino acid in skeletal muscle and is metabolized at a higher rate than any other amino acid during exrcise. Researchers from the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil, recently compared the effects of a carbohydrate-glutamine sports drink and a carbohydrate-only sports drink on performance in a soccer-specific test of endurance involving intermittent high-intensity activity.
Nine male soccer players performed the test on two occasions with a one-week washout period between trials. Thirty minutes before each trial they randomly consumed one of the two sports drinks. The authors of the study, which was published in the journal Clinics, found that the athletes performed significantly better in the endurance test when they consumed the carb-glutamine drink beforehand, covering an average of 15,571 meters in 88 minutes versus 12,750 meters in 73 minutes after consumption of the carbohydrate-only sports drink.
The authors concluded, "The CARBOGLUT mixture was more efficient in increasing the distance covered and the length of time for which intermittent exercise was tolerated. CARBOGLUT also reduced feelings of fatigue in the players compared with the use of the CARBO mixture alone." Previous research has shown that carbohydrate-protein sports drinks and carbohydrate-branched chain amino acid sports drinks also enhance performance in various types of exercise compared to conventional, carb-only sports drinks. |