Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Maple Syrup Carbohydrate Dose-Response on 20-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance

This study aims to discover if maple syrup can boost performance for trained male cyclists during long rides. Researchers are testing different amounts of maple syrup to see how they impact cycling speed, how the body uses energy (like carbohydrates and fats), stomach comfort, and how tired cyclists feel. They will compare four drinks: a plain 'dummy' drink and three maple syrup drinks with varying sugar levels. Participants will cycle, provide samples, and report how they feel. The goal is to help athletes choose natural energy sources that work well and feel good during endurance exercise, potentially showing maple syrup as a useful sports nutrition option.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Université de Montréal

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Exercise Endurance Cycling Performance Carbohydrate Intolerance Sport Nutrition

What is this study about?

Imagine you're a keen cyclist, always looking for natural ways to boost your energy during long rides. This study is exploring whether maple syrup, a natural sugar source, could be just the ticket. Researchers want to see if drinking maple syrup during exercise helps male cyclists ride faster and further.

They're not just looking at speed, though. They also want to understand how different amounts of maple syrup affect your body's fuel use – that's how your body burns carbohydrates and fats for energy. And importantly, they'll check if these drinks cause any tummy troubles, as stomach comfort is key during exercise. They'll compare a simple 'dummy' drink (with no active ingredients) to three different maple syrup drinks, each with a different amount of sugar.

The findings from this study could be really helpful for athletes and active people. It might show that maple syrup is not just a tasty topping for pancakes, but also a good natural option for giving you energy during endurance activities. This could help people make better choices about what to eat and drink to perform their best and feel good doing it.

Key takeaways

Exploring maple syrup as a natural energy source for cyclists.
Testing different amounts of maple syrup for performance and comfort.
Specifically for trained male cyclists aged 18-45.
Involves multiple cycling sessions and body sample collection.
Could help athletes choose better natural sports nutrition.
All drinks are masked to prevent bias.

Who may be eligible?

This study is specifically looking for male cyclists between the ages of 18 and 45. To join, you need to be quite fit and regularly cycle for at least 5 hours a week, and have been doing endurance training for over a year. Your fitness levels will be checked to make sure you meet the study's requirements.

There are also some important health conditions that would mean you can't join. For example, if you have any history of diabetes, heart problems, or certain stomach conditions like IBS or Crohn's disease, you wouldn't be able to take part. Similarly, if you have allergies to maple or fructose, or are currently taking medicines that affect your body's energy use, you wouldn't be eligible.

The study also can't include people who smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, or have had a recent illness or injury. You'll also need to be able to stick to your regular training routine throughout the study period.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a male between 18 and 45 years old?
Do you cycle for at least 5 hours every week and have been doing endurance training for over a year?
Do you have good overall health with no history of diabetes, heart problems, or serious stomach issues like IBS or Crohn's?
Are you free from allergies to maple or fructose?
Are you able to maintain your training routine throughout the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening visit. This includes a health check-up, some tests, and a fitness assessment to see if you meet the study's requirements and for you to practice the cycling tests. You'll then attend four separate study sessions, each involving specific tasks.

During each of these four sessions, you'll drink one of the special study beverages while cycling steadily for two hours. You'll also do two short, all-out sprints and then a 20-kilometre cycling challenge as fast as you can. Throughout these sessions, you'll be asked about any stomach problems and how hard you feel you're working. You'll also provide breath, blood, urine, and sweat samples so researchers can understand how your body uses fuel.

To make sure the results are fair, all the drinks will look, taste, and smell the same, so neither you nor the researchers will know which one you're getting. Meals before each session will be provided to keep things consistent. The study will likely involve a few visits over several weeks, ending after your fourth cycling session.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the chance to contribute to scientific knowledge about sports nutrition and potentially gain insights into your own cycling performance. There are also some potential risks, such as discomfort from the exercise, minor discomfort or bruising from blood samples, and potential stomach upset from the drinks, although these are carefully monitored. You will be closely supervised by medical professionals throughout. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre EPIC
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada

Common questions

What is the main purpose of this study?

The study wants to find out if maple syrup can improve cycling performance in trained men and how different amounts affect their bodies and comfort.

Will I know which drink I'm getting?

No, the drinks are designed to look, taste, and smell the same, so neither you nor the researchers will know which one you're receiving. This is called 'blinding'.

What will I have to do during the study visits?

You'll cycle for set periods, do some sprints, complete a 20km time trial, and provide small samples like breath, blood, urine, and sweat. You'll also report on your feelings and comfort.

Are there any health conditions that would stop me from joining?

Yes, conditions like diabetes, heart disease, certain stomach problems, or allergies to maple/fructose would mean you couldn't participate.

How long will the study take for each person?

You'll have a screening visit and then four separate exercise sessions, spread out over a period. The total duration will depend on how quickly you can complete all the sessions.

How to find out more

Philippe Parent, BSc

philippe.parent.1@umontreal.ca +1-438-393-9720 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.