Carb Loading With Omega 3 Chia Seeds Does Not Enhance Vigorous Athletic Performance

Scientists who tested two high-carbohydrate formulas found that a drink containing chia seeds and Gatorade had the benefit of using less sugar, but otherwise offered no performance advantage to highly-trained athletes undergoing rigorous exercise. The study compared a traditional carb-loading formula – 100 percent Gatorade – against a formula consisting of half Greens Plus Omega 3 Chia seeds and half Gatorade. Six highly-trained males did a one-hour run on a treadmill followed by a 10 k time trial run on a track. The researchers concluded that the Omega 3 Chia formula was a “viable option” for lower-sugar carb loading prior to vigorous exercise of more than 90 minutes, but offered no measurable performance advantage over plain Gatorade.