A comparison of the effects of Carbohydrate and Carbohydrate-Protein supplements on Performance and Selected Immune markers during intermittent soccer activities

Background and Aim: The main purpose of this study a comparison of the effects of Carbohydrate and
Carbohydrate-Protein supplements on Performance and Selected Immune markers during intermittent soccer
activities. Materials and Methods: Towenty four soccer players of super clubs (age 20.48±4.7 year, height
165.5±7.1cm, weight 65.66±6.8 kg, BMI 20.77±1.68 (kg/m2), and Vo2max 63.4±4.62 ml. kg-1. min) selected and
divaided into 3 groups as a carbohydrate (CHO), carbohydrate-protein (CHO-PRO) and placebo (P).
Intermittent activities included 24 trials of modified Ekblom tests or activities of soccer simulation, that
divaided in two parts. At the end of each trial to monitor intensity of activites, Rating of Perceived Exertion
(RPE), Borg scale and heart rat were checked. Subjects ingested drinks before, during and 1 hour after
intermittent activities. CHO group 60g carbohydrate, group 60g carbohydrate+18g protein and Placebo group
some Aspartame ingested in 1 liter water. Blood samples were collected before (baseline), immediately, 1 and
24 hour after intermittent activities. Immune cells, Cortisol hormone, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-
6 (IL-6) levels were measured each time. Results: The results showed significant differences in RPE at the end
of the second part of the soccer simulation activites, IL-6 level, Leukocyte and Neutrophil counts, immediately
and 1 hour after intermittent activities of CHO and CHO-PRO groups compared to placebo group (p≤0.05).
Any significant difference between CHO and CHO-PRO group was not. Also an increased in IL-6 level,
Cortisol, Leukocyte, Neutrophil and Lymphocyte counts immediately and 1 hour after intermittent activities
and CPR from 24 hours after intermittent activities in CHO-PRO, CHO and P compared to baseline.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that acute ingestion of carbohydrate with additional protein
before, during and 1 hour after intermittent activities of soccer simulation does not attenuate Immune markers
and RPE than when the carbohydrate was ingested alone. Although, both CHO-PRO and CHO groups
compared to P group decrease in RPE and positive alternation at some Immune markers were observed.