Abstract des Autors

Fat plays a very important role during prolonged exercise. In numerous ways people have attempted to influence fatty acid oxidation rates in order to spare muscle glycogen. This paper describes the effects of MCT (medium chain triglycerides) supplementation. MCT are rapidly absorbed and oxidized especially when taken in combination with carbohydrates. However the quantity that can be ingested is limited as MCT's can induce gastrointestinal complaints. The suggested effects of MCT supplementation are therefore hard to reveal and practical relevance is disputable. Another way to increase fat oxidation is to change long-term food intake: a long-term high-fat diet could lead to an adaptation and increase performance. Solid scientific evidence is however lacking. For now endurance training seems to be the best way to increase fatty acid oxidation and to spare glycogen stores. Fatty acids, besides their function as fuel, also play an important role as functional element in membranes and as precursor for eicosanoids. By manipulating fatty acid composition in the diet, for example by supplementing fish oil, it has been tried to increase performance. However, also in this case studies that have systematically examined these effects are still lacking. Verf.-Referat