[Research Review] Latest Report on Carbohydrate Loading Ratios and Gastrointestinal Tolerance in Long-Distance Endurance Running: Exploring the Relationship Between Clinical Medicine and Athletic Performance (Article 1054)

Reference Source: Sports Medicine Journal • International Scientific Research Findings Review Series

This article is based on the latest research findings from the internationally renowned sports science journal Sports Medicine Journal. In modern athletic performance analysis, evidence-based medicine and scientifically quantified data play a critical role. This study explores the physiological adaptations, mechanical benefits, and their application in training practice for athletes under long-term training or extreme race conditions, aiming to provide endurance sports enthusiasts with academically supported training plan guidelines.

Pre-Race Carbohydrate Loading and the Muscle Glycogen Supercompensation Mechanism

Carbohydrate loading refers to increasing carbohydrate intake (typically 8-12 g per kilogram of body weight) during the 1-3 days prior to a long-distance endurance event, combined with reduced training intensity, to promote a supercompensated state of muscle and liver glycogen stores. This study compared the traditional one-week loading protocol with the modern 1-day rapid loading method, finding that as long as carbohydrate intake is sufficient and training volume is simultaneously reduced, a single day of rapid loading can increase muscle glycogen stores by 20%-40%—an effect comparable to the traditional depletion-loading method, but with significantly lower gastrointestinal discomfort and fatigue.

In-Race Fueling: Gastrointestinal Tolerance and Carbohydrate Absorption Rates

During long-distance endurance events such as marathons, athletes need to consume 60-90 g of carbohydrates per hour to maintain blood glucose stability. However, single-source sugars (such as pure glucose) have a physiological ceiling for intestinal absorption rates; exceeding this limit readily causes osmotic diarrhea and bloating. This study tested the “glucose:fructose = 2:1” dual-channel absorption fueling strategy. Because the two sugars are absorbed via different intestinal transporter proteins (SGLT1 and GLUT5), this approach raises the hourly carbohydrate absorption ceiling to above 90 g, while reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort by approximately 35%.

Comparative Data on Gastrointestinal Tolerance Across Different Carbohydrate Fueling Ratios and Strategies

Below is a compiled comparison of experimental control groups and multi-dimensional data:

Core Research Conclusions and Practical Recommendations

Based on the experimental conclusions of this paper, the following arrangements are recommended for actual training or product selection:

• Pre-race loading strategy: Increase carbohydrate intake to 8-12 g per kilogram of body weight during the 1-3 days before the race, while simultaneously reducing training volume to facilitate glycogen supercompensation.
• In-race fueling ratio: For long-distance events, adopt the “glucose:fructose = 2:1” dual-sugar fueling strategy to improve absorption efficiency and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Fueling timing plan: Begin small, frequent fueling 30-45 minutes after the race starts; avoid waiting until noticeable fatigue or hunger sets in before fueling.
• Individualized tolerance testing: Gastrointestinal tolerance to different fueling products varies from person to person. Be sure to test repeatedly during training and never try a new product for the first time on race day.
• Concurrent hydration and electrolytes: Carbohydrate fueling should be paired with adequate fluid and sodium intake to prevent high-concentration sugar solutions from exacerbating gastrointestinal osmotic imbalance and discomfort.

Common Research Q&A (FAQ)

Q: Does pre-race carbohydrate loading require eating until overly full?

A: No. With the modern 1-day rapid loading method, as long as carbohydrate intake is sufficient (8-12 g per kilogram of body weight) and training volume is simultaneously reduced, a glycogen supercompensation effect comparable to the traditional one-week depletion-loading protocol can be achieved, with less gastrointestinal burden.

Q: Why is glucose plus fructose recommended for in-race fueling rather than a single sugar source?

A: Because glucose and fructose are absorbed via different intestinal transporter proteins (SGLT1 and GLUT5), mixed fueling can break through the intestinal absorption rate ceiling of a single sugar, raising hourly carbohydrate intake to above 90 g while reducing the risk of diarrhea and bloating.

References and Academic Citations

1. Sports Medicine Journal (2025). Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 245-258. “Carbohydrate Loading Strategies and Gastrointestinal Tolerance in Endurance Runners”

2. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2026). “Multiple Transportable Carbohydrates and Exogenous Oxidation Rates During Prolonged Exercise”

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