Carbohydrate loading

Carbohydrate loading (also: carbohydrate ( s) loading ) is a concept of feeding high carbohydrate diet before a big load endurance of the human body.

Endurance Sports

In sports, carbohydrate loading is in athletes in endurance sports a strategy frequently used to ensure the structure of the glycogen stores in the muscles. Therefore, many athletes take on the evening before the competition, large amounts of carbohydrates to himself. This measure is known in sporting circles also known as pasta party.

Preoperative carbohydrate loading

A similar approach is also discussed before (larger) surgical procedures, as these are also a far-reaching impact on the body ( endurance exercise ). It is not a routine application in anesthesia dar.

The usual procedure before a surgery is a six-hour waiting for solid food ( sobriety ). This is a perioperative aspiration be avoided. Taking a clear liquid but can be expected from a full stomach passage within two hours.

A carbo-loading drink high-calorie needs, particles, fat and dairy free as well, to be lactose because of a possible lactose intolerance of the patient. It is given 90 to 120 minutes before induction of anesthesia. A relevant influence of gastric pH should not take place.

The advantages of preoperative nutritional intake reduced perioperative metabolic stress response and postoperative peripheral insulin resistance and a subjectively increased patient comfort can be specified. By carbohydrate loading, there is an increase in the insulin value and inhibition of lipolysis, the free fatty acids concentrations in the blood are lower. There is no negative influence of preoperative carbo-loading on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV ) are known. Essential to maintain the close glucose monitoring is intra-and perioperatively.