Possible Link Between Carb Mouth Rise and Exercise Endurance

SÃO PAULO, Brazil—Athletes are well aware that carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation can improve performance in endurance exercises through several mechanisms—maintenance of glycemia and sparing endogenous glycogen, as well as the possibility of a central nervous-system action. Some studies have emerged in recent years in order to test the hypothesis of ergogenic action via central nervous system (Nutr J. 2010; 9:33). Recently, studies have demonstrated CHO mouth rinse can lead to improved performance of cyclists, and this may be associated with the activation of brain areas linked to motivation and reward. These findings have already been replicated in other endurance modalities, such as running. These results are interesting, as they present a possibility of a cross-over product that is formulated as a mouth rinse and marketed as a sports nutrition product as well as an oral care product. Perhaps a different approach to nutricosmetics?