A Novel Honey Powder-Based Supplement Containing Carbohydrate and Protein Did Not Improve Endurance Performance in Recreationally Trained Cyclists

Sports supplements composed of carbohydrate and protein are widely used by endurance athletes and recreational practitioners, mostly aimed at improving performance. This study investigated the effect of a novel carbohydrate + protein honey powder (HP) product on endurance cycling performance and physiological and perceptual responses using a double-blind, crossover, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled (PLA) design. Twelve male cyclists exercised for 100 min (i.e., 5 min at 1 W/kg of body mass, followed by three sets of 10-min stages at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 W/kg, followed by 5 min at 1 W/kg), followed by a 20-min self-paced time trial (20-min TT). Blood glucose, lactate, pH, bicarbonate, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, and side effects were analyzed throughout the 100-min cycling protocol and the 20-min TT. The 20-min TT performance was similar between HP and PLA (total work done: 294 ± 40 vs. 292 ± 44 kJ, p = .72; mean power output: 245 ± 33 vs. 243 ± 37 W, p = .61), as was blood glucose, lactate, pH, and ratings of perceived exertion either during the 100 or 20-min TT protocols (all p > .05). Blood bicarbonate was lower in HP compared with PLA throughout the 100-min protocol (p = .01), and heart rate was higher in HP compared with PLA during the 20-min TT (p = .01). Finally, HP supplementation did not elicit greater side effects compared with PLA, either during the 100 or the 20-min TT protocols (all p > .05). This novel HP supplement did not improve endurance performance in this study, though future research with higher doses is encouraged.