Leading science experts suggest that your body needs
carbohydrates, fat or protein to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – a molecule that allows your body to use and store energy.
4
When you take part in high-intensity exercise, nearly 100% of your ATP is produced by carbs (though this is only true for around three minutes whilst all energy systems are fired up – after around three minutes if exercise is low to moderate, then fat can fuel exercise too).4
If you’re taking part in endurance exercise or any type of exercise over 60 minutes, your energy levels will begin to drop as you burn through the carbohydrates in your body. Topping up your levels with a potent source of carbohydrates can give your body the energy boost it needs to keep going.5 And that’s where energy gels come in.
Packed full of carbohydrates, research shows that energy gels can work to supplement some of the used carbohydrates to keep you energised and fuel your muscles.3,6
Sometimes containing electrolytes, energy gels can help to replace essential minerals, such as salt (sodium),
potassium, calcium,
magnesium and chloride, which are lost through sweat, to help regulate your nerve and muscle function and maintain hydration during prolonged exercise.
7,8
Depending on the brand, energy gels can also contain
caffeine – a stimulant that may have a positive effect on physical performance and may reduce post-exercise pain caused by muscle damage.
9-11
So, if you’re looking for a convenient way to keep your energy levels raised during extended periods of exercise, energy gels take some beating.