The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on the immunological function of judoists during a training session. Sixteen male judo athletes were submitted to two 120 min training sessions within 3 days interval. In the first session eight athletes randomly chosen were supplemented (3mL/kg body weight) with a carbohydrate solution (CHO group) while the others ingested a placebo solution (PLA group) in a randomized and double blind way. In the second session, treatments were inverted. Leukocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and neutrophil were counted and blood levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate were assessed at rest (Pre-E), immediately after the training session (Post-E) and one hour after the training session (1h Post-E). The results showed that the blood glucose levels increased during the training session when athletes were given CHO and decreased when they ingested PLA. Cortisol levels increased during the training session in both conditions and decreased 1h Post-E. Athletes consuming CHO presented a reduced number of leukocytes when compared to those ingesting PLA in both Post-E and 1h Post-E periods. The increase in blood lactate concentration in response to exercise training was positively correlated with the increase in the leukocyte number (r = 0. 86, p<0.001) in both conditions. It was concluded that CHO supplementation during a judo training session resulted in less disturbance of total leukocytes. It suggests that such nutritional strategy protected the athletes' immunological health.
judo; training; nutritional sciences; immune system
