Caffeine Fast Energy Gel

Maurten Caffeine Energy Gel

Imagine a product that combines Hydrogel technology, carbohydrates and caffeine. Well, here it is!

While it improves athletic performance, caffeine tastes bitter. The sports nutrition industry has always tried to hide its bitterness by adding flavorings and acids in gels, or more simply with low levels of caffeine.

But artificial flavors won't help you go faster. Still, you're looking for a caffeine level high enough to boost your performance. So we decided to work around the problem. Using Hydrogel technology, we engineered a biopolymer matrix dense enough to encapsulate both caffeine and carbohydrates. The result: GEL 100 CAF 100 – a real GEL with little bitterness, low sweetness, sufficient caffeine level and lots of energy.

A world first.

The GEL 100 CAF 100 contains 100 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of 1.5 espressos – or a cup of ground coffee. That's a lot compared to the vast majority of gels available on the market. It offers 25 grams of carbohydrates thanks to a unique blend of fructose and glucose (ratio of 0.8:1) which allows a maximum assimilation of 100 grams of carbohydrates per hour. It provides a high energy ratio and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. Like all our other products, it is suitable for vegans.

You can use the GEL 100 CAF 100 on its own on short duration efforts, or you can combine it with the other Maurten products to provide you with enough energy for the duration of your training or race.

WHY CAFFEINE?

Caffeine has been shown to improve alertness and attention and reduce the body's perception of exertion – thus, it is beneficial for sports performance. GEL 100 CAF 100 can be used to increase your caffeine level – alone or combined with classic coffee – or to reach sufficient levels of caffeine during exercise.

QUANTITY OF ENERGY

Our body can use up to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour in the form of glucose or maltodextrin (polymer of glucose). By using a combination of fructose and glucose/maltodextrin, one can consume up to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Recent scientific studies have proven that by increasing the amount of fructose, a ratio of 0.5:1 can increase carbohydrate intake even more. GEL 100 CAF 100 contains a fructose/glucose ratio of 0.8:1. One serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.

GEL 100 CAF 100 – HOW TO USE IT

Developing a nutritional strategy for key races or workouts is complex. Every athlete is different – caffeine absorption and metabolism vary among individuals. There are 2 important key factors to consider: your weight and whether or not you are used to ingesting caffeine. Scientific research suggests taking 3mg of caffeine per pound of body weight to improve performance.

But again, it's very personal. We have developed general recommendations on the use of GEL 100 CAF 100, based on our own research and scientific literature.

DURATION LESS THAN 1 HOUR

This strategy requires 1 serving of GEL 100 CAF 100.

BEFORE: A beneficial level of caffeine can be achieved by consuming approximately 200mg before exercise. This level can be reached by consuming a cup of coffee in the hours preceding exercise and a GEL 100 CAF 100 gel during the warm-up. You could reach this level of caffeine by consuming two GEL 100 CAF 100, but the amount of carbohydrates would be a bit excessive for such a short activity.

DURATION LESS THAN 2 HOURS

This strategy requires 2-3 servings of GEL 100 CAF 100.

BEFORE: the goal is to consume 200 mg of caffeine before exercise, i.e. two GEL 100 CAF 100. For an effort of approximately 2 hours, the absorption of two GEL 100 CAF 100 is an effective strategy to increase both its caffeine level and carbohydrate reserves. Remember that a GEL 100 CAF 100 contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.

DURING: After 30 minutes of activity, consume another GEL 100 CAF 100 to maintain a constant and ideal level of caffeine. Don't forget to fill up on carbohydrates, the goal being to consume 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour.

DURATION MORE THAN 2 HOURS

This strategy requires at least 3 servings (depending on the duration of the effort) of GEL 100 CAF 100.

BEFORE: consume two GEL 100 CAF 100 during the hours preceding exercise. You will then have absorbed 200 mg of caffeine and 50 grams of carbohydrates.

DURING: After 30 minutes of activity, consume another GEL 100 CAF 100 to maintain a constant and ideal level of caffeine. The goal is to consume one GEL 100 CAF 100 every two hours to maintain this optimal caffeine level. Don't forget to load up on carbs – either by using GEL 100 or by drinking Drink Mix 160 or Drink Mix 320. That's ambitious, but aim to consume 60-90 grams of carbs per hour .

Remember that these tips are simplified and should be used as a simple rule of thumb. Caffeine is not for everyone. If you are unsure or pregnant, consult a doctor. Always keep in mind that there is no point in dramatically increasing your caffeine intake. You will never make up for the training and overuse will not help you.