First, recent research has shown that it is better to combine different types of carbohydrate that you ingest prior to, during, and following exercise because different forms of carbohydrate have varying rates of oxidation.   For example, the oxidation rates of moderate to high GI carbohydrates like sucrose, maltose, and maltodextrins are relatively high while lower GI carbohydrates like fructose, galactose, trehalose, and isomaltulose are lower [1, 2]. Combinations of glucose-sucrose and maltodextrin-fructose have been shown to maximize carbohydrate utilization during exercise.   What does this mean for you?  You will see more and more sport nutrition products combining different forms of carbohydrate in order to optimize carbohydrate availability prior to and during exercise as well as promote recovery after exercise.
 
Second, research has shown that a new large-sized carbohydrate (i.e., those with higher molecular weight) can affect how quickly carbohydrate leaves the stomach, enters the blood, and is absorbed into muscle.  In this regard, research has shown that a high molecular weight carbohydrate extracted from starch promoted a 2.3 times faster emptying of carbohydrate from the stomach [3]; a 1.7 times faster rate of carbohydrate storage in the muscle after exercise [4]; and, a 1.2 times greater exercise capacity after recovery from an initial bout of intense prolonged exercise [5].  This new carbohydrate is sold under the brand name Vitargo™ by GENr8. Vitargo should not be confused though with waxy maize corn starch that can be found in a number of recent products.  Although this starch has been shown to promote a prolonged release of glucose over time, it has yet to be shown to promote a faster gastric emptying, a greater muscle glycogen replenishment, or improve performance like Vitargo.  This is why I have recommended that the athletes I have worked with use Vitargo.

Last, I recently became aware of a new carbohydrate called “SuperStarch™” that is being marketed by GlyGenix, Inc.  This form of carbohydrate is a low-osmolality form of carbohydrate that is extracted through a special processing method.  Preliminary studies show that this form of carbohydrate has a slow release profile over time and therefore has less of an insulin release compared to other forms of carbohydrates. While this carbohydrate is just hitting the scene, I would not be surprised if you begin to see products with “SuperStarch” in them in the near future.
  
References   
             
1.           Venables, M.C., F. Brouns, and A.E. Jeukendrup, Oxidation of maltose and trehalose during prolonged moderate-intensity exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2008. 40(9): p. 1653-9.
2.           Jentjens, R.L. and A.E. Jeukendrup, Effects of pre-exercise ingestion of trehalose, galactose and glucose on subsequent metabolism and cycling performance. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2003. 88(4-5): p. 459-65.
3.           Leiper, J.B., K.P. Aulin, and K. Soderlund, Improved gastric emptying rate in humans of a unique glucose polymer with gel-forming properties. Scand J Gastroenterol, 2000. 35(11): p. 1143-9.
4.           Piehl Aulin, K., K. Soderlund, and E. Hultman, Muscle glycogen resynthesis rate in humans after supplementation of drinks containing carbohydrates with low and high molecular masses. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2000. 81(4): p. 346-51.
5.           Stephens, F.B., et al., Post-exercise ingestion of a unique, high molecular weight glucose polymer solution improves performance during a subsequent bout of cycling exercise. J Sports Sci, 2008. 26(2): p. 149-54.
 
About the Author
Dr. Kreider serves as Professor, Department Head, and Thomas A. and Joan Read Endowed Chair for Disadvantaged Youth in the Department of Health & Kinesiology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Kreider also directs the world renown Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab. Dr. Kreider has conducted numerous studies on nutrition and exercise and has published three books, more than 400 research articles and abstracts in scientific journals, and over 150 articles for health and fitness magazines.  His most recent book entitled Exercise and Sport Nutrition: Principles, Promises, Science and Recommendations has been described by Anthony Almada, MSc (Cofounder of EAS and CEO of GENr8) as "....the new sports nutrition bible..... This book is TRULY evidence-based and should be on the shelf of EVERY sports nutrition enthusiast and influencer."  Dr. Kreider is a Fellow of the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM); an active member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a founding board member and Fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN); and, Co-Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Book URL's
ExerciseAndSportNutrition.com
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