A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise

Abstract

PurposeThe performance and physiological effects of isomaltulose and maltodextrin consumed intermittently during prolonged soccer-specific exercise were investigated.MethodsUniversity soccer players (n = 22) performed 120 min of intermittent exercise while consuming 8% carbohydrate–electrolyte drinks (equivalent to ~ 20 g h−1) containing maltodextrin (Glycaemic Index: 90–100), isomaltulose (Glycaemic Index: 32) or a carbohydrate-energy-free placebo in a manner replicating the practices of soccer players (i.e., during warm-up and half-time). Physical (sprinting, jumping) and technical (shooting, dribbling) performance was assessed.ResultsBlood glucose and plasma insulin (both P < 0.001) concentrations varied by trial with isomaltulose maintaining > 13% higher blood glucose concentrations between 75 and 90 min versus maltodextrin (P < 0.05). A decline in glycaemia at 60 min in maltodextrin was attenuated with isomaltulose (−19 versus −4%; P = 0.015). Carbohydrates attenuated elevations in plasma epinephrine concentrations (P < 0.05), but isomaltulose proved most effective at 90 and 120 min. Carbohydrates did not attenuate IL-6 increases or reductions in physical or technical performances (all P > 0.05). Ratings of abdominal discomfort were influenced by trial (P < 0.05) with lower values for both carbohydrates compared to PLA from 60 min onwards.ConclusionsAlthough carbohydrates (~ 20 g h−1) did not attenuate performance reductions throughout prolonged soccer-specific exercise, isomaltulose maintained higher blood glucose at 75–90 min, lessened the magnitude of the exercise-induced rebound glycaemic response and attenuated epinephrine increases whilst maintaining similar abdominal discomfort values relative to maltodextrin. When limited opportunities exist to consume carbohydrates on competition-day, low-glycaemic isomaltulose may offer an alternative nutritional strategy for exercising soccer players.

Profiling the Responses of Soccer Substitutes: A Review of Current Literature

“…The fact that pass-completion rates remained similar for substitutes compared to either the player being replaced or those remaining on the pitch for the full 90 min [22] is a potentially important observation. Whilst starting players may set a lower benchmark for comparison due to the deleterious effects of soccer-specific exercise on their ability to execute game-specific skills [7,8,11,12,15], these reports suggest that despite regulations preventing performance of ball-skills during their preintroduction rewarm-ups, substitutes are able to meet the technical demands of the matches that they enter.…”

“…Amongst the most robust observations existing in soccer literature are the declines in indices of both physical (e.g., highintensity running; HIR) and technical (e.g., shooting and passing skills such as speed, accuracy, success etc.) performances that occur transiently and progressively over the course of 90 min [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12], responses which seem exacerbated in matches requiring extra-time [8,[13][14][15][16]. A variety of fatigue-mechanisms, both central and peripheral in origin, have been proposed to explain these changes, although the causes of such responses are likely multifactorial [1,[17][18][19][20][21].…”

A match-day analysis of the movement profiles of substitutes from a professional soccer club before and after pitch-entry

“…Soccer-specific exercise compromises indices of physical and technical performance throughout 90 min [6–8], responses which appear exacerbated during matches requiring extra-time [9–11]. Notably, for players starting a match, high-speed running (HSR; typically defined as moving at a speed ˃5.5 m∙s -1 ), a commonly-used indicator of physical performance in soccer; and one that may discriminate between playing levels [6], reduces progressively during match-play [6, 12].…”

Carbohydrates for Soccer: A Focus on Skilled Actions and Half-Time Practices

“…The paucity of studies investigating the effects of consuming low GI carbohydrates in soccer, may be attributed to concerns over the risk of gastric distress associated with products offering prolonged versus expedited appearance of exogenous energy during high-intensity exercise [ 52 ]. However, work by Stevenson et al [ 53 ] investigated the effects of an 8% solution of low GI isomaltulose (GI: 32) consumed during the warm-up and at half-time throughout a soccer match simulation that included extra-time. Isomaltulose promotes a lower insulinaemic response and slower delivery of glucose into the systemic circulation when compared to higher GI sources of carbohydrate, and participants better maintained glycemia throughout the second half of exercise than when equivalent volumes of maltodextrin were consumed (GI: 90–100).…”