Intakes of Carbohydrates and Resistant Starch Food Sources Among Regular Exercisers in Blacksburg, VA and San Jose, Costa Rica

Carbohydrates and fats are the main fuel sources for energy production during exercise. Consumption of low glycemic index foods slows digestion and absorption in the small intestine. The slow digestibility of resistant starch containing foods contributes to the slow and sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream, minimizing occurrence of hyperinsulinemia-induced suppression of lipolysis. The objectives of this study were to determine the consumption of resistant starch (RS) by regular exercisers (Blacksburg and San Jose (SJ)); and to analyze the eating and exercise habits of the subjects. Subjects were recruited at gyms in SJ (n=27) and Blacksburg (n=26). Participants kept 3-day food records and completed a questionnaire on eating habits and physical activity. Mean body mass index for the subjects was similar (SJ: 23.06 Kg/m² ± 2.55; Blacksburg: 23.53 Kg/m² ± 3.09). Average exercise time was 12 hours/week, and > 50% engaged in weight training in addition to aerobic type exercise. Percentage contribution of carbohydrates to the total energy intake was significantly higher for SJ males (53.53% ± 8.06%) compared to Blacksburg males (48.39% ± 6.33%; alpha=0.10). Prominent RS food sources in both groups were pasta, potatoes, bananas, and corn. Rice and various legumes were more frequent in the SJ group. It appears that consumption of RS is higher among SJ subjects. Consumption of RS prior to prolonged exercise could cause stable glycemic and insulinemic responses that may help delay the onset of fatigue during exercise.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

Department dc:contributor.department

Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Dengo, Ana Laura

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Niba, Lorraine L.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Hosig, Kathryn W.
• Anderson, Francine

• Exercise
• carbohydrates
• resistant starch
• glycemic index

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-06282005-175436

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/33795