What effect does high fiber content in carbohydrates have during exercise?

High fiber content in carbohydrates can indeed lead to gastrointestinal distress during exercise. This occurs because fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, adds bulk to the digestive system and can slow the process of digestion and absorption. When exercise is initiated, blood flow is diverted away from the digestive tract to prioritize blood flow to the muscles, potentially exacerbating any gastrointestinal discomfort.

During prolonged or intense exercise, consuming high-fiber foods beforehand can lead to symptoms like bloating, cramping, gas, and overall discomfort, which can impede athletic performance. Athletes typically need to manage their carbohydrate intake carefully around their training and competition schedules, often favoring lower-fiber options before and during events to avoid these digestive issues.

While high fiber carbohydrates have important health benefits such as aiding in digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels, these benefits can be counterproductive in the context of strenuous physical activity if consumed immediately before or during exercise.