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Study note

Effects of protein in combination with carbohydrate supplements on acute or repeat endurance exercise performance: a systematic review.

PMID 24343835 (2014): carbohydrate, carb — Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

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Study note • PMID 24343835

Effects of protein in combination with carbohydrate supplements on acute or repeat endurance exercise performance: a systematic review.

Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)2014 • DOI 10.1007/s40279-013-0133-y

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: synthesis evidence present.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

The purpose of this review was to provide a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the literature that tested the hypothesis that protein supplements, when combined with carbohydrate, directly enhance… (systematic review / meta-analysis; n=11 trained athletes).

In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: The purpose of this review was to provide a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the literature that tested the hypothesis that protein supplements, when combined with carbohydrate, directly enhance…
  • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance.
  • Population: n=11 trained athletes.
  • Protocol cues: abstract may omit dose/timing; use the full paper to replicate accurately.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: carbohydrate, carb.
  • Dose/time/duration: abstract doesn’t include enough detail; use the full paper’s methods section.
  • Outcomes: Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (n=11 trained athletes) working on fueling.
  • Athletes who can measure Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population: n=11 trained athletes.
  • Outcomes measured: Time to exhaustion, Time-trial performance, Fat oxidation.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 24343835 (2014) — Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.).

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

When carbohydrate is delivered at optimal rates during or after endurance exercise, protein supplements appear to have no direct endurance performance enhancing effect.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources