Long-term fat diet adaptation effects on performance, training capacity, and fat utilization

Adaptation to a fat-rich carbohydrate-poor diet is associated with lower muscle glycogen content and increased fat oxidation during exercise.

• Long-term adaptation to a high-fat diet may spare muscle glycogen during exercise.
• Muscle glycogen storage is linked to endurance performance, suggesting potential effects on performance.
• Higher exercise intensity requires more carbohydrates, which may not be adequately stored on a fat-rich diet.
• Consumption of a fat-rich diet could compromise training intensity due to decreased glycogen storage.
• Fat sources for oxidation during submaximal exercise may include plasma fatty acids, plasma triacylglycerol, and muscle triacylglycerol.

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