Endurance activities are always challenging because of
longer hours and as the hours roll on, our body demands more energy. As the
demand for energy starts to increase, the body simply cannot process fats
quickly enough to meet demand and so the use of glucose becomes gradually more
predominant. Unlike fat, glucose, in the form of glycogen is stored in
exceptionally limited quantities. During high-intensity endurance exercise or
performance, glycogen can become severely depleted and energy levels drop significantly,
and subsequently, the pace of exercise/performance drops significantly.
Consuming exogenous sources of carbohydrates provides an
alternative source of carbohydrates to fuel energy. Therefore, athletes often
load them with carbohydrates in the form of carbohydrate sources like
sugar-loaded foods or glucose-based sports nutrition products to meet their
energy demands in between the races. However, ingesting higher amounts of
carbohydrates can create an “over-dose” effect, which can impair performance
and affect endurance capacity.
This is because while we can consume any amount of
carbohydrates in an hour, we can only oxidize and absorb a very specific
amount. The human body at its maximum capacity can only transport glucose at a
rate of 1 gram per minute resulting in 60 grams per hour because there is a
bottleneck within the human digestive tract that limits the amount of glucose
that could enter the bloodstream to be sent to the muscle for energy. The
glucose transporter called SGLT-1 in the intestine becomes saturated at 60 grams/hour
and is thus unable to transport excess glucose in the intestinal into the
blood. This leads to excess glucose in the intestinal tract which sets off a
chain of unpleasant experiences some of which manifest in the form of GI
distress, stomach, and abdominal pain, and result in athletes slowing down or
dropping out due to severe discomfort [2].
Therefore, with the desire to deliver the maximum hourly
caloric intake via carbohydrates, while also reducing potential GI stress
during long training sessions, long grueling races, and long activities at
challenging climatic conditions, we developed Unived Drink Mix 160 with a 2:1
ratio of carbohydrates with supporting ingredients like electrolytes, osmolyte,
and others.
Our Formulation
The Unived Elite Drink Mix 160 is a specially formulated
sports drink that provides a balanced combination of simple and complex
carbohydrates. Each serving contains 26.6 grams of glucose (as maltodextrin)
and 13.3 grams of isomaltulose, resulting in a total of 40 grams of
carbohydrates and 160 kcal. In addition to carbohydrates, this drink mix also
contains Beta-alanine, Betaine, Electrolytes (Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, and
Potassium), and Caffeine.
The purpose of Unived Elite Drink Mix 160 is to supply you
with a steady source of energy, while also replenishing lost electrolytes. By
maintaining optimal hydration and fluid uptake levels, this isotonic sports
drink helps you stay focused on your endurance goals. The electrolytes,
including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride, replace the salts lost
from your body, support muscle protein synthesis, aid in fluid absorption, and
prevent muscle cramps. Beta-alanine is included to support muscle endurance and
reduce fatigue, while Betaine helps maintain fluid balance and protect cells
from dehydration.
The Science behind our Formulation
Our product utilizes a concept known as "multiple
transportable carbohydrate absorption" to optimize its performance.
Glucose is the preferred source of fuel because it can be readily processed by
the muscles once it enters the bloodstream. On the other hand, fructose follows
a different and longer pathway through the liver before it is converted into
glucose. This delay in fructose absorption occurs because it uses a different
pathway called GLUT-5. The absorption of fructose through this pathway is
slower, which means it becomes available for use when the absorption of glucose
through the SGLT-1 pathway reaches its maximum capacity
Research suggests that when the SGLT-1 transporter becomes
saturated with glucose, it leads to an increase in fructose absorption. This
allows for the maximum utilization of carbohydrates per hour [1]. To achieve
this optimal absorption, our product maintains a 2:1 ratio of glucose to
fructose. This ratio ensures that the body's glucose absorption threshold,
which is known to be 60 grams per hour, is not exceeded. The remaining 30 grams
per hour of carbohydrate fuel is provided by the fructose component at a rate
of 0.5 grams per minute. In total, our product delivers 90 grams of
carbohydrates per hour.
Furthermore, the 2:1 ratio of glucose to fructose also
enhances the utilization of lactate in active muscle fibers. This serve as
additional fuel for the skeletal muscles during exercise. Additionally, this
ratio promotes a healthy gastrointestinal system by reducing abdominal cramps
and improving gastrointestinal distress. This is achieved through faster
absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines. Moreover, it enhances
performance and increases intestinal water absorption by 65% compared to
glucose alone [3].
Mode of action of other supportive ingredients:
Betaine:
- Betaine is an osmolyte that maintains fluid balance and
protects cells against dehydration by increasing their water retention and
protects proteins, and enzymes from environmental stresses like heat. - It also releases energy and improves physical endurance.
Beta-Alanine:
- Increases skeletal muscle carnosine levels
- Acts as an intramuscular buffer of hydrogen ions, thus
maintaining acid-base balance. - Delay fatigue and improve exercise performance.
Electrolytes:
a. Sodium:
- Sodium works closely with Chloride and redirects precious
fluids to the cells and tissues - Prevents ‘gut bomb’ effect (vomiting during races)
- Prevents hyponatremia (nausea, fatigue, and confusion)
b. Chloride:
- Regulates the body-water balance and helps to retain water.
- Limits the loss of hydration reserves lost to sweat and
urine. - Maintains the necessary volume of fluids in the blood.
c. Magnesium:
- Proper transmission of nerve impulses.
- Helps muscular contraction and energy production.
d. Potassium:
- Works closely with sodium and chloride in maintaining
hydration. - Helps in generating nerve impulses in the nerves and
muscles. - Enhances performance.
References:
2. Jentjens, Roy LPG, and Asker E. Jeukendrup. "High
rates of exogenous carbohydrate oxidation from a mixture of glucose and
fructose ingested during prolonged cycling exercise." British Journal of
Nutrition 93.4 (2005): 485-492.
