Research summary · Nutrition and energy
Carbohydrate fuelling during endurance exercise in the heat
Nine randomised crossover trials examine carbohydrate intake during exercise lasting over 30 minutes above 23°C.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review
- Journal
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
- Population / context
- Endurance sport · Hot environments
What the publication reports
Five studies reported a significant performance benefit and four did not. Protocols and carbohydrate intakes varied widely. The review did not establish consistent improvements in hydration or temperature regulation from carbohydrate supplementation.
Limits and interpretation
Seven of nine studies did not assess gastrointestinal symptoms. Limited evidence across exercise modes, especially running, reduces generalisability. Fuelling benefits should not be interpreted as protection from heat illness or as a substitute for appropriate hydration.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Carbohydrate supplementation for endurance exercise in the heat: a systematic review with practical recommendations
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42105255DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2669307Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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