Re: Complex Carbohydrate Use

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/15/99 10:36:29 PM Pacific Standard Time, DVeritas 
writes:

<<   Can COMPLEX carbohydrate be stored in horses' (in the form of glycogen) 
(like human athletes), burned AFTER fat stores IF the horse is kept in 
aerobic ranges?>>

Recent work suggests that fat DOES have some glycogen-sparing effects.  (Tom, 
read Valentine, Hintz, and others) but actual feeding of fat can be 
detrimental on race day.  (Tom is accurate in his statement that fat slows 
gastric emptying, and thereby slows down the gut, rather than maintaining 
good gut motility.)  What we want on race day is a good fiber fill (and it IS 
accurate to describe cellulose as a complex carbohydrate) so that there is 
VFA production going on in a steady fashion.  VFA's are NOT the same thing as 
triglycerides or "fat."

<<     It is my understanding that protein is not stored, and would we want 
it to be?>>

Well, I guess there are a couple of ways to look at that.  Muscle is a huge 
"protein store" but we don't want to dip into it as an energy source as there 
are some high metabolic prices to pay for that.  Aside from that, no, protein 
is not stored.  It can be broken down into constituents which can fuel the 
Krebs cycle, but is not a really "choice" energy source there, either.

  <<   And, yes, I do understand that human and horse athletes are not the 
same, but I believe some correlations are relevant when discussing aerobic 
endurance endeavors.>>

Yes, some correlations are relevant.  Muscle physiology, as Tom points out, 
is pretty much the same.  But keep in mind that the muscle is burning ATP 
from the Krebs cycle, NOT carbs.  ALL sources of energy have to go through 
the Krebs cycle first in order to make ATP to fuel muscles.  And horses' 
digestive physiology DOES differ from humans in that they can convert 
cellulose to useable VFA's and we cannot.  Their regulation of carbs is 
"tuned" to the fact that that process is supposed to be going on concurrently 
with any carb use.  All I'm trying to point out here is that the carbs are 
not the whole picture in the horse.

<< PS:  Proper carbo loading works in human endurance endeavors, but I believe
 that periodic injections of simple carbohydrate (sugar) during said 
endeavors to enhance endurance is like starting a fire with gasoline, yeah, 
it catches immediately, but it doesn't last long, and, in some cases, can 
actually serve as a catalyst to quicken the expenditure of remaining glycogen 
stores.  (Am I off in left field in these opinions?)>>

No, I don't think you are off in left field at all with that, Frank.  And in 
fact, that's why a horse that is attuned to making maximum use of his VFA's 
does NOT deplete his glycogen as quickly, and does not hit the wall, as did 
the horses that prompted this discussion.

Heidi
      
 
  >>


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