Carbohydrates provide the body and, in particular the cells, with the energy necessary to perform the required activities. When carbohydrates are eaten the body turns them into glucose. This glucose then undertakes the process of oxidisation (when it reacts with oxygen) within the cells; the resultant products are carbon dioxide, water and energy. It is this energy product that allows the body to complete its daily tasks and roles, as well as all the of brains functions. However, it is only possible for the body to store a certain level of glucose, once this level is reached any excess carbohydrates are stored in the liver and muscle cells as glycogen. This glycogen is then used as fuel by cells and muscles when there are not enough carbohydrates consumed through the diet or of when the body undertakes short bursts of exercise (once all the stores of glycogen are gone the body turns to fat to stores provide energy). Therefore a correct carbohydrate intake is crucial to any sports person.

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