GLOSSARY

Aerobic

Situation in the presence of oxygen.

 

Lactic acid

A substance produced by the body from carbohydrates when an exercise is carried out without oxygen.

 

Anaerobic

Situation in the absence of oxygen.

 

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate : the substrate that allows cells to transform energy for muscular contraction.

  

Isotonic drink

Isotonic energy drinks have the same molecular density (mineral salts, glucose) as blood. Their specific formula allows for a proper gastric emptying and an optimal intestinal absorption of nutrients.

  

Dextrose

Crystallised form of glucose.

 

Fructose

Simple sugar obtained industrially from sucrose. Very common in nature, it is the sugar found in fruits. It has a very high sweetening power (110–170). Glycaemic index: 12–24.

 

Carbohydrates

Nutrients that must make up 50 to 55% of daily energy intake in a balanced diet.

A distinction is made between foods rich in complex carbohydrates (starches) and those rich in simple carbohydrates (sugar, fruits, sweets).

In a balanced diet, the most important daily intake should consist of foods rich in complex carbohydrates.

  

Glucose

Simple carbohydrate highly present in many foods; its sweetening power is less important than that of other sugars such as sucrose and fructose. Sweetening power: 50–80. Glycaemic index: 100.

  

Glycogen

A form of carbohydrate storage in the body (in the muscles and liver).

 

Hypoglycaemia

A decrease in blood glucose level below normal.

 

Isotonic

Which has the same osmotic pressure as blood (same molecular density).

 

Lipids

Nutrients that must make up 30 to 35% of daily energy intake in a balanced diet. The foods richest in lipids are fats (oils, butters, margarine) though they are also found in some other foods (cold meats, fatty meats, fatty cheeses, fried foods, pastries).

  

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from corn or wheat cereals, the starch of which is hydrolysed into smaller glucose chains. Its slightly sweet taste combined with its high glycaemic index is beneficial to athletes.

  

Proteins

Nutrients that must make up 10 to 15% of daily energy intake in a balanced diet. Proteins are essential components of the body, especially muscles. The foods with the highest protein content are meat and its equivalents (fish, eggs, etc.), dairy products, pulses and soya.

  

Sucrose

Combination of fructose and glucose. It is extracted from sugar beet and sugarcane. It is also called “sugar”. Sweetening power: 100. Glycaemic index: 58–65.

  

VO2 max

The maximum volume of oxygen per unit of time that an athlete is able to use.