Supplementation of Maltotetraose Enhances Endurance Capacity and Energy Metabolism of ICR Mice

Carbohydrate supplementation during endurance exercise is an effective strategy to enhance performance and reduce exercise-induced damage. This study investigated the effects of maltotetraose (G4), a linear α-1,4-linked tetrasaccharide, on endurance capacity, tissue injury, energy metabolism, and gut health in ICR mice subjected to endurance training. G4 supplementation significantly improved the exercise performance, maintained the endogenous antioxidant capacity, and alleviated tissue injury induced by metabolic stress. Mechanistically, G4 stabilized blood glucose levels, increased hepatic and muscular glycogen storage, and enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby improving the aerobic exercise capacity. Moreover, G4 intake supported gut barrier integrity and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genera such as Akkermansia and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, while reducing opportunistic pathogens, including Ruminococcus and Anaerotruncus. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that G4 exerts beneficial effects on enhancing exercise performance, mitigating tissue damage, and maintaining gut homeostasis in mice, highlighting its potential as a novel carbohydrate source in sports nutrition.