Abstract des Autors

We know how to improve performance in short-term and strength/power sport-creatine, bicarbonate loading, and plyometrics, to name a few techniques. For endurance performance, the choices are more limited. Everyone knows that carbohydrate (CHO) loading works, but until recently, other legal options were not known. Now it appears that there may be another ergogenic aid for endurance athletes, especially those exercising in hot and humid environments. The ergogenic aid is glycerol, which has recently become available as an ingredient in rehydration drinks (for example, ProHydrator, by Internutria). Glycerol is a 3-carbon structure that is part of a triglyceride molecule. When ingested, it is absorbed into the fluid compartments of the body. Because of its osmotic action, it allows water consumed with it to remain in the body until the kidneys excrete the glycerol (i.e., the body would then have a positive water balance). The reserach results are mixed, but most of the studies indicate that hydration with glycerol possibly can benefit endurance performance by prolonging the time period it takes for dehydration to occur. Verf.-Referat