Energy Gel

The main fuel for prolonged, intense endurance events is carbohydrates and the amount of carbohydrate that is stored in the body is one of the main determinants of performance . As such, it is important that carbohydrate stores are maximised before endurance exercise and that during prolonged exercise where this stores are depleted, additional carbohydrate is consumed to maintain performance and avoid fatigue . Consuming carbohydrates will help to maintain blood glucose and replenish muscle glycogen . If no carbohydrates are consumed, muscle glycogen will be depleted after approx. 90 minutes of exercise and severe fatigue may occur.

The amount of carbohydrate that you should take on during exercise will depend on the length of your training or competition.

• Exercises < 1h : not necessary to consume carbohydrates during exercise.
• Exercises 1-2h: 30-60g carbohydrates per hour exercise.(~1-2 energy gels)
• Exercises 2-3h: 60-90g carbohydrates per hour exercise.(~2-3 energy gels)
• Exercises >3h: 90-120g carbohydrates per hour exercise.(~up to 3 energy gels)

The Energy Gel contains 30g of carbohydrates, in an ideal 2:1 ratio (glucose:fructose) for optimal carbohydrate absorption. To consume the same amount of carbohydrates through, for example, an energy drink, you would need to drink large volumes, which can cause stomach discomfort. Furthermore, this gel contains no added nutrients such as proteins or fats, which slow down gastric emptying. Who will benefit from the Energy Gel?

The Energy Gel is suitable for all athletes that need to quickly replenish their energy during prolonged exercise. Therefore it is ideal to consume immediately before or during prolonged endurance events such as cycle sportives, triathlons and marathons. Furthermore, it may also be useful for team sport athletes to consume during rest periods

Why 2:1 carbohydrate ratio?

During intense efforts, the body can absorb a maximum of about 60g of glucose per hour from the intestine due to the saturation of the glucose transporter. During prolonged efforts lasting more than three hours, this can become a limiting factor because the need for carbohydrates exceeds 60g per hour. By ingesting different types of carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose, simultaneously, the total carbohydrate absorption can increase to 90g per hour or more, as absorption occurs via two different channels in the intestine. Studies show that with an intake of up to 90g of carbohydrates per hour, products with a glucose:fructose ratio of 2:1 or 1:0.8 are a safe and effective choice for most athletes and contribute to better stomach and intestinal comfort.

The Energy Gel with a 2:1 ratio (glucose:fructose) optimally uses different absorption channels and is therefore ideal for (endurance) athletes who perform at high intensity for long periods and aim for carbohydrate intake up to 90g per hour. Additionally, fructose contributes to a natural, pleasant sweetness, making this energy gel not only purposeful but also enjoyable to consume. This way, you get the energy you need without an overly sweet or artificial taste experience.