Potato Ingestion and Time-trial Performance
Condition: Exercise Performance
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This research study evaluates the feasibility and appropriateness of potatoes as an ergogenic
      aid in comparison to the currently promoted sports gels during a cycling challenge and time
      trial. Using a crossover design, trained cyclists will complete three separate cycling
      challenges and subsequent time trials in which they will consume either potatoes,
      commercially available sports gels, or water only.
    

Detailed description: 
      The metabolic demands created by endurance activities, which include muscle and liver
      glycogen depletion as well as losses in body fluids and electrolytes, are significant
      limitations to the performance potential of the athlete. For this reason, a well-supported
      recommendation exists for such athletes to consume a carbohydrate formula, in particular, one
      containing electrolytes during their activity.

      Currently, most commercially available exercise-nutrition products for use in endurance
      activities come at relatively high costs to the athlete. Moreover, the ingredients used
      within this market vary and could therefore hinder their effectiveness. For example,
      Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAPs) potentially
      present in common sports foods (i.e. excess fructose) are known to alter gastrointestinal
      (GI) function in some individuals. Indeed, 25-70% of endurance athletes experience GI
      symptoms during exercise. Given the prevalence of exercise induced GI discomfort in this
      population, it is possible that GI symptoms limit the adherence to nutritional
      recommendations during exercise. Therefore identification of a targeted nutrition strategy
      that maximizes GI effectiveness and dietary adherence is warranted.

      An alternative to the commercially available sports foods are whole foods. Specifically,
      white potatoes, which have a high GI index, indicates that their carbohydrate content is
      readily available. Additionally, potatoes naturally contain potassium, an important
      electrolyte. Because of these characteristics, potatoes provide the potential to be a
      low-cost alternative, and merit investigation. To this point, we know of no studies that have
      explored the effectiveness of white potatoes as an ergogenic aid. Therefore, the purpose of
      this study is to examine how capable potatoes are at off-setting the losses in muscle and
      liver glycogen and electrolytes compared to the current products available on the market,
      i.e. "sports gels."
    

Intervention name(s): Potatoes; Carbohydrate Gel; Water
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement; Dietary Supplement; Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): Pureed russet potatoes will be used as a carbohydrate supplement for participants during one of the three cycling challenges.; Commercially available PowerBar PowerGel will be used for the carbohydrate gel condition during one of the three cycling challenges.; Water will be used as a control during one of the three cycling challenges (participants will not receive any carbohydrate supplementation).
Other intervention name(s): Control
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Other
Keywords: exercise; FODMAP; gastrointestinal; endurance; cycling