A resistance test requires great physical effort and can be complex to face if you do not have the appropriate tools. Options like energy gels They are ideal for providing extra energy in prolonged endurance efforts, such as marathons, triathlons or trail running tests, among others.
In this article we tell you everything you need to know about energy gels, their composition, their types and everything you need to choose the gel that will accompany you in your next race.
What is an energy gel?
Energy gels are sports supplements with a single-dose format with a semi-solid texture that combine different sources of carbohydrates and may include other ingredients such as caffeine and electrolytes to provide constant energy during prolonged efforts.
How many carbohydrates does an energy gel provide?
Energy gel formats They usually contain between 20 and 25 grams of carbohydrates, although some can reach up to 40 grams of carbohydrates per gel.
Gels with and without caffeine
caffeine It is usually a common ingredient within energy gels, used for its effect reducing the feeling of fatigue and stimulating the nervous system. On the other hand, caffeine-free options are ideal for people sensitive to the use of stimulants.
How to choose an energy gel? Ingredients, composition and density
Before choosing a gel and thinking about which one to take, it is important pay attention to factors such as the ingredients it contains, the variety of flavors or their density, which can influence digestive tolerance.
Maltodextrin, fructose and 2:1 ratio
The 2:1 ratios of glucose/maltodextrin and fructose They allow the gels to provide more carbohydrates per hour with better tolerance than if only glucose were used. This ratio consists of the combination of 2 parts glucose/maltodextrin to 1 part fructose, optimizing the quantity and efficiency of carbohydrates in a gel.
Sodium and other electrolyte content
Both sodium and other electrolytes within a gel help maintain electrolyte balance, ensuring hydration and sports performance, something key in endurance competitions where there is a great loss of fluids.
Other factors: flavor, density and gel opening
When choosing a gel they are also decisive factors aspects such as flavor, distinguishing neutral options and flavored options; density, which influences the ease with which it is digested; opening, decisive especially if consumed in the middle of a competition in which there is little time to take the gel.
Types of energy gels
There are different types of energy gels depending on their absorption rate, varying depending on the type of carbohydrates they contain.
Slow absorption energy gels
The slow absorption energy gels They are formulated with gradual release carbohydrates, such as isomaltuose or Palatinose® or mixtures with maltodextrin + fructose.
They are useful options when you are looking for a constant supply of energy, without glucose peaks, and are ideal for long events such as marathons, trails or cycling.
A slow-absorbing energy gel option is AMIX Slow Gel, formulated with Palatinose® isomaltulose, to promote a sustained release of energy during exercise. 
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Fast absorption energy gels
The fast absorbing energy gels They are based on rapidly available carbohydrates, such as glucose/maltodextrin or glucose/fructose glucoses.
They are ideal options for when you are looking for an immediate supply of carbohydrates during an exercise, such as moments of high intensity, changes of pace or the end of a long test.
A fast absorbing gel is the AMIX Quick Gel, which combines quickly absorbed carbohydrates (glucose-maltose and Cluster Dextrin®) with caffeine, becoming a good resource for the final stages of an endurance test.
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Combination of fast and slow absorbing carbohydrates
Gels that combine fast and slow absorption carbohydrates are perfect for providing constant energy and, at the same time, giving that extra bit that is needed at key moments.
AMIX ROCK'S gels combine chigh and low glycemic index carbohydrates to provide constant energy and include that immediate contribution of energy when the situation requires it.
The AMIX ROCK’S XXL gels They also present that combination of high and low glycemic index carbohydrates to provide both immediate and sustained energy, but in a larger format than the previous ones.
How to use energy gels?
When using energy gels during a test or race it is important to take into account some key aspects such as amount of gels you can consume and how they should be taken
How many gels can I take per hour?
The amount of gels you should take per hour will depend on the carbohydrates they contain and the carbohydrates you need per hour depending on the physical activity or test.
For example, in an activity that last between 1 and 2 hours It is recommended to consume between 30-60g of carbohydrates per hour, so taking 1-2 gels per hour could be recommended.
With water or with isotonic?
always it is recommended Take the gels with water or isotonic drinks. Sometimes, gels can cause digestive discomfort, especially if no previous training has been done or they have not been accompanied by water or isotonic.
Taking gels accompanied by isotonic drinks or water will help reduce these possible discomforts and help take better advantage of the effect of the gels, facilitating its absorption.
Example of use of gels: Consumption strategy for a marathon
In the face of a long-distance test with great physical effort such as an endurance competition, it is necessary to create a gel consumption strategy that allows you to take advantage of the maximum potential of energy gels.
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Before the test: Take 1 quick-absorbing gel before departure, accompanied by water.
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During the test: Take the first test gel around mile 8-10. Afterwards, a reference may be to take a gel every 30-35 minutes accompanied by a few sips of water.
In the case of gels with caffeine, you can take 1 gel at kilometer 25-30 and another at the end of the test. If the temperature is high on the day of the test, prioritize gels with electrolytes and drink water at all aid stations.
Get your energy gels at AMIXSTORE
In the official AMIX store you will find the best options for energy gels for your next race as well as isotonic drink and post-race recoveries. Take a look at our options, their composition and choose the gel or gels that best suits what you need.
Take the first step towards your goal!
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