Conducted by researchers at the University of California-Davis, the study evaluated the effects that natural versus commercial carbohydrate supplements have on endurance running performance. Runners depleted their glycogen stores in an 80-minute 75% V02 max run followed by a 5k time trial. Runners completed three randomized trials (raisins, chews and water only) separated by seven days. Findings included:
- Those that ingested raisins or sports chews ran their 5k on average one minute faster than those that ingested only water
- Eating raisins and sports chews promoted higher carbohydrate oxidation compared to water only