Priority use of medium-chain fatty acids during high-intensity exercise in cross-country skiers

• Main Authors: A. Yu. Lyudinina (Author), G. E. Ivankova (Author), E. R. Bojko (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group, 2018-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1550-2783; 10.1186/s12970-018-0265-4
• Keywords: medium-chain fatty acids; high intensity and submaximal exercise; competition; cycle exercise until exhaustion; Nutrition. Foods and food supply; TX341-641; Sports medicine; RC1200-1245
• Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Vol 15, Iss 1 (2018)

Background One of the topics discussed in sports science is the use of medium-chain saturated fat as an energy-saving nutrient additive when approaching high-intensity exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare the blood concentrations of medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids (FAs) across different intensity loads. Methods Fifteen male highly trained athletes from the Russian cross-country skiing team participated in the study. Blood samples were drawn at rest, at the peak of veloergometric test with a growing exercise load till exhaustion (97-100% VO2max), and after competitions. The plasma FA profile was determined using gas-liquid chromatography. Results We observed a substantial increase in the concentrations of capric acid (С10:0) (+ 164.1%), lauric acid (С12:0) (+ 223.9%), and myristic acid (С14:0) (+ 130.2%) in skiers after a sprint distance (1.3 km). A less intense increase in the concentrations of these acids (p < 0.05) was observed after a middle length distance or cycle exercise «until exhaustion». No significant differences in long-chain saturated FA content relative to baselines during exercise tests or competitions were revealed. Conclusions In conclusion, the obtained results demonstrate activation of the lipolysis and the oxidation of medium-chain FA involved in the energy supply for highly trained athletes at maximum exercise loads.