Energy gel

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]

Energy gels

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. Energy gel for running - how to use, ingredients and selection
  2. "GU Energy Gel - Nutrition / Ingredients". GU Energy New Zealand. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  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. 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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