The application of lactose in sports nutrition

Lactose is a disaccharide of glucose and galactose, found exclusively in milk. Carbohydrates represent an important fuel for endurance and prolonged exercise. Recommendations for athletes include high carbohydrate diets to maximise performance, especially before, during and after exercise. However, lactose does not feature in guidelines for carbohydrate intake for athletes, despite athletes likely consuming nutritionally relevant amounts. This review explores possible applications for lactose in a sports nutrition context. These include lactose as a fuel source, for before and during exercise, where maximising availability of readily oxidisable carbohydrate can optimise performance. Lactose could play a role in a post-exercise recovery setting, as a vehicle for the delivery of glucose and galactose, for the optimisation of muscle and liver glycogen. Lactose may also act as a prebiotic, possibly promoting beneficial changes to gut microbiota. A discussion of the possible risks associated with lactose over-consumption and intolerance will also be considered. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Athletes are recommended to consume high-carbohydrate diets for better performance before, during, and after exercise. Although lactose is not included in guidelines for carbohydrate intake for athletes, it may have various applications in sports nutrition, such as fuel source and post-exercise recovery.