Energy gel

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Energy gels

Energy gels are edible carbohydrate gels that provide energy for exercise and promote recovery, [1] commonly used in endurance events such as running, cycling, and triathlons. Energy gels are also referred to as endurance gels, sports gels, nutritional gels, and carbohydrate gels. [1]

Contents

Energy gels are packaged in small, single-serve plastic packets. Each packet has a strip with a small notch at the top that can be peeled off to reveal an opening through which the gel can be consumed. One-handed operation is often adopted by users to facilitate continuous exercise performance.

Packaging and ingredients

The size content of energy gels is commonly 1.2 oz (32g), with a range from 1 oz to 1.5 oz packets. The portable packaging is designed to facilitate uninterrupted training or performance conditions. [2] Common ingredients include water, maltodextrin, fructose, and various micronutrients, preservatives, and flavor compounds or caffeine. [2]

History

Sports energy gels emerged in the United Kingdom in 1986 as a "convenient, prewrapped, portable" way to deliver carbohydrates during endurance events. [3] Gels have a gooey texture and are sometimes referred to as "goo" generically. [4] [5] The gel Leppin Squeezy was distributed at the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 1988. Once considered a "cult product in clear packaging", energy gel products are now marketed in fancy packaging [6] and come in a variety of flavors. [3] The energy gel market grew during the 1990s, as professional athletes began endorsing products. Manufacturers generally encourage the consumption of multiple packets, with water, when participating in endurance events. [3]

Use

Energy gels are promoted to individuals seeking a boost from caffeine and carbohydrates during exercise performance. [7] [8] The recommended use of an energy gel is 15 minutes before starting and 30–45 minutes after starting the endurance exercise. [1]

Taste

Energy gels have varied taste by addition of flavor ingredients added during manufacturing, such as menthol and chai latte. [9] [10]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Energy gel for running - how to use, ingredients and selection
  2. 1 2 "GU Energy Gel - Nutrition / Ingredients". GU Energy New Zealand. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Schwarb, John (January 3, 2003). "Forget carb-filled bars, runners gaga for goo". St. Petersburg Times . St. Petersburg, Florida. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ Gallman, Judith M. "Brian Vaughan: GU Guru". Oakland Magazine. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  5. ↑ Blake, Judith (November 19, 2004). "A new fuel for athletes: energy gels". The Baltimore Sun . Tribune Company. ISSN   1930-8965. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  6. ↑ "The Energy Bomb - Chocolate honey for energy, focus, stamina". Zang. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  7. ↑ Fukuda, David H.; Smith, Abbie E.; Kendall, Kristina L.; Stout, Jeffrey R. (1 September 2010). "The possible combinatory effects of acute consumption of caffeine, creatine, and amino acids on the improvement of anaerobic running performance in humans" . Nutrition Research. 30 (9): 607–614. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2010.09.004. PMID   20934602 . Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  8. ↑ "As Olympians Suck Down Energy Gels, A Believer In 'GU' Gel Seeks Reality Check". www.wbur.org. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  9. ↑ Stevens, Christopher J.; Ross, Megan L. R.; Vogel, Roxanne M. (27 November 2020). "Development of a "Cooling" Menthol Energy Gel for Endurance Athletes: Effect of Menthol Concentration on Acceptability and Preferences" . International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 31 (1): 40–45. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0190. PMID   33248439. S2CID   227218991 . Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  10. ↑ Taylor, Tom. "How GU Energy creates its flavors in a lab". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
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