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Fat oxidation research

Useful for long events, but most athletes benefit most from better fueling and pacing first.

Last updated/Feb 12, 2026, 10:18 PM

Outcome

Fat oxidation

Useful for long events, but most athletes benefit most from better fueling and pacing first.

What to do first

  • Fuel long runs and practice gut tolerance; don't chase under-fueling.
  • Build steady aerobic volume for 8–12 weeks.
  • Use race-specific long sessions to train the system you’ll use on race day.

Study library (reference)

Studies that measured this outcome.

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Creatine supplementation and endurance performance: surges and sprints to win the race.

PMID 37096381 (2023): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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New Horizons in Carbohydrate Research and Application for Endurance Athletes.

PMID 36173597 (2022): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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Carbohydrate ingestion during endurance exercise improves performance in adults.

PMID 21411610 (2011): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutrient timing.

PMID 28919842 (2017): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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Nutrition and Supplement Update for the Endurance Athlete: Review and Recommendations.

PMID 31181616 (2019): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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Carbohydrate intake during exercise and performance.

PMID 15212750 (2004): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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Glucose and Fructose Hydrogel Enhances Running Performance, Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation, and Gastrointestinal Tolerance.

PMID 34334720 (2022): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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Carbohydrate and exercise performance: the role of multiple transportable carbohydrates.

PMID 20574242 (2010): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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The use of carbohydrates during exercise as an ergogenic aid.

PMID 23846824 (2013): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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A step towards personalized sports nutrition: carbohydrate intake during exercise.

PMID 24791914 (2014): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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Effects of Energy Gel Ingestion on Blood Glucose, Lactate, and Performance Measures During Prolonged Cycling.

PMID 31977833 (2021): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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What Should I Eat before Exercise? Pre-Exercise Nutrition and the Response to Endurance Exercise: Current Prospective and Future Directions.

PMID 33198277 (2020): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

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