Carbohydrates and human physical performance with special emphasis on sucrose

Carbohydrates are the most important substrates during exercise, especially for endurance athletes. Therefore, a sufficiently large supply of carbohydrates is necessary before, during, and after exercise, in order towards maintaining physical performance in the long term. The application of the glycemic index of foods can contribute to composing proper diets for athletes. Sucrose is a carbohydrate with a medium glycemic index. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effect of sucrose consumption on physical performance. Additional research work is necessary to determine the possible benefits of sucrose in the diet of athletes, all the more so as a recent FAO/WHO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization of the United Nations) consultation document declared sucrose to be a valuable ingredient in a well-balanced daily diet.