This issue is powered by The Performance Nutrition Network
Dear Performance Nutrition Leaders,
This week: new research comparing carbohydrate intakes of up to 150 g/h during prolonged cycling, the latest industry news and opportunities, and Form Nutrition’s popular protein powder.
💡 EXPERT OPINION
More carbohydrate oxidised. But greater exercise capacity?
In this study, Henry Martyn, Prof James Morton and colleagues examined how carbohydrate intake affects fuel use and exercise capacity in eight trained male cyclists.
Following an initial familiarisation at 10 g/hour, participants completed randomised trials at 90, 120 and 150 g/hour, using maltodextrin–fructose drinks in a 1:0.8 ratio. The protocol involved three hours of cycling, including harder efforts in the final hour, followed by a test to exhaustion at 150% of lactate-threshold power.
Mean exogenous carbohydrate oxidation increased significantly with each dose: 1.23, 1.48 and 1.62 g/min at 90, 120 and 150 g/hour, respectively. However, mean whole-body carbohydrate oxidation was 2.6 g/min at both 120 and 150 g/hour, versus 2.3 g/min at 90 g/hour. Total exercise duration did not differ significantly between the three higher intakes.
Modelling estimated an optimal intake for total exercise duration of 107 g/hour (95% CI: 92–122).
For the full discussion of individual responses, practical implications and study limitations, read the paper.
📈NEWS
Sarah Lawson-Tilley has started a new role as First Team Nutritionist and Doctoral Researcher at Sunderland AFC.
A six-month turmeric pilot in 11 professional footballers found modest, variable microbiome changes.
Humantra has collaborated with Will Goodge’s Rizkia on a limited-edition Tropical electrolyte drink, with a reported 500 mg sodium per sachet.
A study of 202 competitive athletes linked sustainable eating practices with better self-reported recovery, resilience and perceived performance.
Myprotein has added a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut flavour to its Impact Whey Protein Milkshake range, with a reported 20 g protein per serving.
Loughborough Sport is recruiting a Performance Nutritionist supporting England Netball’s World Class Programme and Loughborough’s performance programmes. Applications for the 0.6 FTE role close on 18 October.
Performance Nutrition lists publication-fee waivers for submissions in 2026 and 2027. Its collection on female performance and health closes for submissions on 3 November.
Have an industry update you’d like to share? Drop us an email → [email protected]
💡PERFORMANCE TECH
Form Nutrition has become a popular name in the consumer wellness market, with its plant-based protein powders appealing well beyond competitive sport.
What practitioners may not realise is that its Performance Protein is also Informed Sport certified, making it an option worth considering for drug-tested athletes seeking a plant-based alternative.
Each 40g serving provides 30g of protein from a blend of pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed proteins, alongside 5g of BCAAs.
The formulation also includes curcumin, black pepper extract and digestive enzymes.
For practitioners looking to offer athletes more choice beyond traditional whey products, Form is worth a closer look.
Its crossover appeal, plant-based formulation and third-party testing make it a useful option to trial with athletes who value both performance nutrition and everyday product experience.
