Fuelin Sessions Does Your Hourly Carb Ingestion Timing Matter: Insights from the 90g/h Study with Dr Alan McCubbin
Dec 18, 2025
Dr. Alan McCubbin, a sports scientist specializing in carbohydrate ingestion for endurance athletes, joins to unpack a fascinating study. They dive into how different carbohydrate feeding patterns—frequent small feeds versus larger, less frequent ones—impact performance. Surprisingly, the study found no significant differences in athlete performance or physiological responses. Alan emphasizes the importance of personalizing fueling strategies based on individual needs, setting the stage for innovative future research.
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Feeding Pattern Didn't Change Outcomes
- The study tested whether taking 90 g/h carbs as small frequent feeds or larger less frequent feeds changed outcomes.
- Alan McCubbin and Scott Tindal concluded the pattern itself made no meaningful difference for the protocol studied.
Pick A Practical Feeding Pattern
- Choose a carb feeding pattern that fits your practical needs since physiological responses were similar.
- Scott Tindal and Alan McCubbin recommend personalising feeding based on what you can carry and tolerate.
Study Protocol And Real-World Relevance
- The trial used 3 hours at 90% of LT1 then a time-to-exhaustion at 150% LT1 to assess performance.
- Results are most applicable to sustained low–moderate intensity cycling, not all race situations.