Re: Carbo loading products

[Tivers@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/4/99 1:31:19 PM Pacific Standard Time,
suendavid@worldnet.att.net writes:

<<  However, carbo products seem to be very beneficial during
 the ride itself to maintain glucose levels.  The trick is to maintain
 glucose without overdoing it and getting an insulin rebound effect.  >>

Two ounces every two hours is working for about a dozen endurance riders
who've reported back. That coincides with the typical glucose curve of a
working horse. The non working horse will peak at about two hours, but the
working horse peaks somewhere between 1 1/2 and 2 hours--after that, you're on
the downside of the curve and the animal starts to lose firepower.

Note that the loading protocol on the Carbo Charge label is intended for
racehorses, or at least that's where we have the useful data. Dressage and
3-day folks can't load because their horses are jumping out of their skins at
competition time. It may not be appropriate for endurance horses, either. Sure
is great for racehorses, though.

Remember, insulin is not Public Enemy Number One. This very useful hormone
pushes blood glucose into muscle cells as glycogen--fast fuel. It, along with
Insulin-like Growth Factor is responsible for fast muscle repair and lean
muscle mass accretion. To be sure, concentrated high glycemic index
carbohydrates are going to stimulate the production of insulin--but that's the
whole idea--instant muscle fuel, starting within 15 minutes of ingestion. 

CarboCharge also includes chromium polynicotinate, registered as Glucose
Tolerance Factor. This further enhances muscle uptake of blood glucose. I take
chromium every day because it helps keep my diabetic condition under control. 

Good, Sue, you've been out in the field checking things out.  What works is
real--all we need now is to tighten the protocol and discover any necessary
adjustments for individual horses. Kat has really been helpful there. 

ti