2:1 Glucose Fructose Energy Drinks

Recent research claims that if you take a 2:1 glucose-fructose mix, you increase the rate at which you can take up carbohydrates. Studies have shown that if two carbohydrates (Maltodextrin and Fructose) are blended in a 2:1 ratio, an athlete is capable of using 1.3 to 1.4 grams of carbohydrate per Kg of bodyweight per hour. This is about 40% higher than previous estimates of the amount of carbohydrate that could be taken on board when just maltodextrin was taken. This is especially important for cyclists doing long distance as it gives a greater ability to refuel, when the biggest challenge is taking on sufficient calories. Interestingly, maltodextrin has a GI index of 100. This means it directly provides glucose to the blood stream. Fructose (fruit sugars) work in a different way, giving a slower release of glucose to the energy. A fructose only energy drink would fail to give sufficient quick release of energy. However, when released together, they enable a parallel release of energy from different sources. I’ve tested on some longer rides, and doesn’t seem to do any harm in energy release. From anecdotal evidence of own rides, it is hard to test the claims of greater [...]

Source: http://cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog/nutrition/21-glucose-fructose-energy-drinks/

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