But according to new Australian research, substantial amounts of dairy foods can be included in meals consumed prior to strenuous cycling without impairing either gut comfort or performance. In a randomised crossover trial, 32 well-trained female cyclists completed two trials in which they consumed a meal (2 g/kg carbohydrate and 54 kJ/kg) that either included or excluded dairy (3 servings – ~1350 mg calcium) 2 hours prior to a 90 min cycling session.
Researchers monitored the effects of both meals on gastrointestinal discomfort and subsequent cycling performance. There was no statistical or clinical evidence of an effect of meal type on maximum mean power and on gut comfort before or after exercise.