Final answer:
Carbohydrate intake during prolonged exercise is beneficial as it improves performance and delays fatigue by providing a source of glucose for ATP production and replenishing muscle glycogen stores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the effects of carbohydrate intake during prolonged exercise, such as distance running. During such exercises, consuming carbohydrates is beneficial because it improves performance and delays fatigue. Carbohydrates are critical for replenishing the muscle glycogen stores that the body taps into when performing long-duration activities.
When athletes consume carbohydrates during exercise, it provides a rapid source of glucose, which can be readily metabolized to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells. This process helps maintain endurance and delays the onset of fatigue, allowing for improved athletic performance.
Moreover, through the practice of "carb-loading" before an event, athletes aim to maximize their glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. The excess carbohydrates consumed are stored as glycogen, providing a larger reservoir of energy during extended bouts of exercise, ultimately enhancing endurance and delaying muscle fatigue.