The effects of carbohydrate supplementation on mood states of bodybuilders consuming a low energy diet

Many bodybuilders attempt to lose large amounts of weight in short periods of time through the use of low energy diets. Research suggests that consumption of a low energy, low carbohydrate diet may negatively affect mood states. Further research suggests that carbohydrate consumption can positively affect mood states. This study evaluated two main ideas: (1) does the consumption of a carbohydrate supplement affect mood states during weight training bouts and (2) does carbohydrate supplementation affect perception of effort of a weight training bout. Male weightlifters (N=17) consumed a low energy diet for four days (21 kcal/kg body weight). On the fifth day, the weightlifters consumed either a carbohydrate beverage ( "Sports Shot" at 1.15 gm CHO/kg bw) or a placebo beverage ( "Challenge" at 1.06 gm protein/kg bw) before testing was started. The subjects filled out a Profile of Mood states (POMS) questionnaire fifteen minutes prior to and immediately after a bench press exercise test. The flat bench press exercise test consisted of lifting 7 sets of decreasing repetitions at 60% of their maximum lift with the final set continuing until volitional fatigue. Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were recorded between each set. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA. The carbohydrate group had a significantly (p<0.05) lower total POMS score compared with the placebo and control groups (30±5.84 vs. 46.6±5.84 and 42.3±5.46). There were no differences in RPE between groups. These results suggest that carbohydrate ingestion 15 minutes prior to lifting weights decreases the total mood disturbance that may be experienced while lifting on a low-calorie diet.