Energy Gel Comparison
energy
Energy is the most important component of an energy gel and you form of carbohydrates (complex carbs and simple sugars), protein and/or fat. The types and amounts of
calories
e-Gel
150
your gel
Each pack of e-Gel provides 50% more energy than your gel. This helps to make e-Gel more economical. You also have fewer packs to carry and less trash to deal with, that’s a good thing!
carb sources
e-Gel
Maltodextrin
Fructose
your gel
none specified
complex carbs
e-Gel
30 g
your gel
Your body can uptake more energy when you use complex carbs instead of simple sugars. How is this possible?
Click below for the detailed explanation
This isn’t something that we’ve invented here a Crank Sports, it’s proven science.
Read on (or watch this video)
The carbs/energy in an energy gel are transported into your cellular system through osmosis. If you recall learning about osmosis in science class, it’s the way a fluid crosses a membrane. In order for the fluid to cross, it has to be an equal or lower concentration than the fluid on the other side of the membrane. In this case you’re trying to get the gel across your cellular membrane so you can use the energy. Gels by themselves are extremely concentrated (hypertonic), that’s why you need to use water with gel so that you can lower the concentration until it becomes isotonic (the same concentration as your cellular fluids). When you do, the gel and water get absorbed – osmosis!!
What’s interesting is that the concentration of a fluid (also called the osmolality) is largely dependent on the NUMBER of particles in the fluid, and less dependent on the size of the particles. Complex carbs by definition have a larger molecular structure than simple sugars, basically they have more glucose molecules stuck together. But remember, it’s the number of particles, not the size that matters most. What that means is that at the point of absorption (isotonic), a fluid with complex carbs can transport nearly twice as much energy into the cellular system compared to one with simple sugars.
Many energy gels (including e-Gel) use at least some maltodextrin for this reason. Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate with an extremely large molecular structure. Where e-Gel sets itself apart from other products is that we use much more complex carb and less sugar. This allows you to get more energy when you use e-Gel compared to our competitors. Why do other companies use so much sugar? Simple, because it’s sweet and inexpensive, and sweet things sell. So if you want to sell a lot of something you make it sweet. But if you want to make the best PERFORMING product you use complex carbs.
complex carbs
e-Gel
82% of energy
your gel
sugar content
e-Gel
18% of carbs
your gel
useable energy
e-Gel
150 calories
your gel
electrolytes
sodium
e-Gel
230 mg
your gel
e-Gel is the only energy gel to provide complete electrolyte replacement in the gel – where it should be!
Sodium is by far the most important electrolyte that you need to replenish to help you maintain hydration and to avoid cramping and injuries.
For a more detailed discussion of why it’s important to have this level of electrolytes in the gel instead of getting your electrolytes some other way:
potassium
e-Gel
85 mg
your gel
Potassium is the other electrolyte that is important to replace during your training and competition, along with sodium. The level of potassium in e-Gel is designed to meet the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendation for replacement during athletic activity.
other ingredients
amino acids
e-Gel
Histidine, Leucine,
Valine, Isoleucine
your gel
Amino acids help to reduce lactic acid build up, reduce soreness, maintain muscle protein and aid in quicker recovery.
citrates
e-Gel
Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate and Citric Acid
your gel
Citrates assist in the carbohydrate to energy conversion process as well as slow the build up of lactic acid in your muscles.
protein
e-Gel
o g
your gel
Each pack of e-Gel provides more energy than your gel. This helps to make e-Gel more economical. You also have fewer packs to carry and less trash to deal with, that’s a good thing!