Carbohydrate Loading: A Dangerous Practice

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Abstract
To the Editor.— In an effort to improve endurance, competitive distance runners engage in a dietary manipulation called carbohydrate loading. Evidently, a limiting factor of endurance is how much glycogen a muscle can bind to itself. Thus, any method that can bind the most glycogen on the muscle should enhance endurance. A few years ago, the noted physiologist Astrand set out to find how he could bind the most glycogen to muscle. He found that by depleting leg muscles and then ingesting a heavy carbohydrate diet, a runner could markedly enhance his endurance. Astrand confirmed these studies by a biopsy assay for glycogen content. Procedure.— Seven days before the race of the year, the runner depletes his leg muscles by taking a long run, such as 15.5 km. The next three days he avoids carbohydrates, eating mostly protein. On pre-race days four, three, and two a normal diet is supplemented

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