We’ve learned this lesson for the second time recently, it’s worth paying attention to and one we won’t forget again.
Not all energy gels are created equal. 100 calories of this product, is not the same as 100 calories as that product…at least as far as your body’s ability to absorb and digest those calories is concerned. The carbohydrates are still there, but your body may reject that particular type of sugar so having more than one option could save your day. We have had much better success with carbohydrate products that have multiple types of sugar.
For example, some gels have only Long Chain Maltodextrin. Great if your body wants it, but not too helpful if it doesn’t. Other sugars to look for in gel products are; Ribose, Dextrose, Trehalose, and Fructose. Some types of sugar i.e. fructose have anecdotal evidence showing that they cause digestive upset, but everyone’s stomach seems to respond differently (especially with the stress and intensity of a race situation). We’ve had bad bonks, and bad GI issues with single sugar gels.
Popular gel contents:
PowerBar Gel: Maltodextrin, Fructose
Hammer Gel: Maltodextrin
Carbo Pro 1200: Ribose, Dextrose, Trehalose, Maltodextrin
Gu: Maltodextrin, Fructose
CarbBoom: Maltodextrin, fruit puree
Clif Shot: Brown Rice Syrup, some flavors have fruit puree
