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High Carbohydrate Liquid Supplements
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Some athletes train so hard that they have difficulty in eating enough food to get the carbohydrates in the amount necessary for optimal exercise. Athletes who have such problems can use high-carbohydrate liquid additives of industrial production. Most of the products are represented by 18-24% carbohydrates and contains glucose polymers (maltodextrin) for the restoration of osmosis and the potential for gastrointestinal disorders.
High-carbohydrate supplements do not replace ordinary food, they are designed to receive, if necessary, additional calories, carbohydrates and liquids, namely, with increased training or carbohydrate load. Compared to conventional high-carbohydrate food, liquid high-carbohydrate additives do not have fibers, reduce the amount of indigestible residues.
High-carbohydrate supplements can be consumed before and after training (with food and between meals). If athletes withstanding high loads also use these additives during training sessions to get energy from carbohydrates, they have a very high concentration of carbohydrates, doubling their intake.
If athletes do not have problems with consuming enough normal food, these supplements are optional.
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