Do sugars enhance physical performance?
[The following answer is from the IFIC, International Food Information Council Foundation, 1100 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036. (reference in bibliography, Part 8)] As carbohydrates, sugars are preferred as a metabolic fuel during high- intensity exercise. [15,16] Further, by consuming adequate amounts of carbohydrate before and immediately after exercise, athletes can maintain body stores of carbohydrate, or glycogen. The amount of muscle glycogen directly affects endurance capabilities, or the time an athlete may effectively perform during an event. [17, 18, 19] Adequate carbohydrate consumption immediately after exercise enables multiple activities in a single day and renews carbohydrate stores on a daily basis.
