Topic
Every study covered on this subject, newest first.
A conference presentation citing Gatorade Sports Science Institute data reported that 50% of female athletes surveyed consumed zero carbohydrate during training, 43% started workouts already underhydrated, and only 20% replaced sodium losses afterwards. None of the figures can yet be checked against a method section.
Badshah et al. · 4 August 2026
Trained cyclists who finished a 160 minute ride 2.8% of body mass down oxidized about 16% less of the glucose they drank than when fully hydrated, with no change in gut comfort or gut barrier stress markers.
Journal of Applied Physiology · Macrae et al. · 1 August 2026 · PMID 42420769
A systematic review of 91 sodium bicarbonate supplementation studies found GI symptoms rising dose dependently from 0.2 to 0.5 g/kg, and identified four promising mitigation strategies, none of which has been compared head to head.
European Journal of Sport · Winter et al. · undefined August 2026 · PMID 42499192
In a randomized crossover of 13 physically active young men, 800 mg of nitrate from beetroot juice improved peak torque and power by roughly 3 to 4% at two of three tested speeds. Isokinetic strength, not endurance performance.
Nutrients 18(14):2377 · 31 July 2026
A Current Opinion in Sports Medicine argues that symptom severity, not habit, should decide whether an athlete restricts FODMAPs. Athletes with mild or occasional symptoms are likely better served by a more liberal FODMAP intake that supports gut integrity.
Sports Medicine · Scrivin et al. · 24 July 2026 · PMID 42496856
Among female triathletes at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championships, only 6 of 23 reached the 8 to 12 g/kg carbohydrate loading guideline. Interviews found the gap was not knowledge but travel logistics, nerves, food access, and identity around eating.
European Journal of Sport · Fortis et al. · undefined July 2026 · PMID 42274547
A methodological review of carbohydrate loading research found that only two of fourteen studies used a double blind placebo controlled design, and neither found a performance benefit. The weaker studies reported effects at roughly the magnitude expected from placebo.
International Journal of Sport · Jones et al. · 24 June 2026 · PMID 42342234
In a double blind crossover of 12 healthy adults doing four hours of simulated occupational heat stress, a 55% fructose sports drink and a matched sucrose drink produced the same rise in a kidney stress marker. A useful null on the fructose side of multi carbohydrate fueling, from a June paper.
American Journal of Physiology · Tourula et al. · 16 June 2026 · PMID 42302737
In a double blind crossover trial, a 2:1 glucose to fructose blend oxidized more of the ingested carbohydrate than glucose alone, and the advantage held after 48 hours on half energy intake. Better oxidation did not rescue performance after the deficit.
The Journal of Nutrition · Barney et al. · 13 May 2026 · PMID 42134413
A major review, From Metabolism to Medals, revisits contemporary carbohydrate guidelines for fueling endurance athletes during exercise, written by an author list that spans the field's main carbohydrate research groups.
Journal of Nutrition 156(5) · Morton et al. · undefined May 2026 · PMID 41759826
A personalized carbohydrate test produced individual doses of 49 to 80 g per hour, averaging about 65, that matched the oxidation achieved by a generic 90 g per hour protocol with 28 percent less carbohydrate, lower perceived effort and less stomach fullness, as reported by the University of Birmingham.
Performance Nutrition 1:2 · Podlogar et al. · 9 April 2025
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