Similar performance after intake of carbohydrate plus whey protein and carbohydrate only in the early phase after non-exhaustive cycling

AimThe aim of the present study was to compare performance 5h after a 90-min endurance training session when either carbohydrate only or carbohydrate with added whey hydrolysate or whey isolate was ingested during the first 2h of the recovery period. MethodsThirteen highly trained competitive male cyclists completed three exercise and diet interventions (double-blinded, randomized, crossover design) separated by 1week. The 90-min morning session (EX1) included a 60min time-trial (TT60). Immediately and 1h after exercise, participants ingested either (1) 1.2g carbohydrate.kg(-1).h(-1) (CHO), (2) 0.8g carbohydrate.kg(-1).h(-1)+0.4g isolate whey protein.kg(-1).h(-1) (ISO) or (3) 0.8g carbohydrate.kg(-1).h(-1)+0.4g hydrolysate whey protein.kg(-1).h(-1) (HYD). Additional intakes were identical between interventions. After 5h of recovery, participants completed a time-trial performance (TTP) during which a specific amount of work was performed. Blood and urine were collected throughout the day. ResultsTT(P) did not differ significantly between dietary interventions (CHO: 43:541:36, ISO: 46:55 +/- 2:32, HYD: 44:31 +/- 2:01min). Nitrogen balance during CHO was lower than ISO (p<0.0001) and HYD (p<0.0001), with no difference between ISO and HYD (p=0.317). In recovery, the area under the curve for blood glucose was higher in CHO compared to ISO and HYD. HR, VO2, RER, glucose, and lactate during EX2 were similar between interventions. ConclusionPerformance did not differ after 5h of recovery whether carbohydrate only or isocaloric carbohydrate plus protein was ingested during the first 2h. Correspondingly, participants were not in negative nitrogen balance in any dietary intervention.