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[Expiry: March 2020]
Unived’s Elite Gel & Elite Drink Mix have been formulated to deliver multiple transportable carbohydrates in the optimal 2:1 ratio of simple to complex carbohydrates. It is clinically proven that when we combine Glucose, which is oxidized via the SGLT1 pathway at a rate of 1g/min or 60g/hr, with Fructose, which is oxidized via the GLUT5 pathway, in a 2:1 ratio, the rate of ingested carbohydrate can exceed 1.5g/min or 90g/hr.
The 2:1 ratio ensures a happy gut as it reduces abdominal cramps and improves gastrointestinal distress, due to a faster intestinal absorption of carbohydrates, and increases intestinal water absorption by 65% as compared with glucose alone[7].
Unived’s Elite Gel & Elite Drink Mix each contain 30g simple + 15g complex carbohydrates, per packet. The reason to go with 30+15 in both products, is to give you the freedom to consume either two Elite Gels, two Elite Drink Mix’s, or one Elite Gel + one Elite Drink Mix, per hour, and still get the maximum hourly carbohydrate intake totaling to 90g carbohydrates and 380kcal, per hour.
In addition, we’ve included Betaine which works as an osmoprotectant, protecting cells against dehydration by increasing their water retention[8], Beta-Alanine which helps improve performance by buffering the acidity in active muscles during high-intensity exercise [9, 10, 11], Sodium Bicarbonate which delays the onset of fatigue by buffering the hydrogen ions produced by lactic acid buildup, and all the essential Electrolytes to aid re-hydration.
Endurance activities are always challenging and as the hours roll on, our body begins to respond to ongoing stress, external conditions, and various internal reactions, often leading our pallet and stomach to frequently change their flavour and substrate requirements.
Now, with the choice of a gel or a drink mix, various flavours, non-caffeine and different caffeinated options, you have the ability to plan your hourly caloric and caffeine intake in a manner that ensures optimal peak performance.
Betaine
Betaine is an osmoprotectant. It protects our cells against dehydration by acting as an osmolyte, thereby increasing the water retention of cells. Some studies have indicated that Betane may also reduce inflammation[12].
Betaine safeguards cells against the detrimental effects of extreme temperature, salinity and humidity. Betaine insulates the cells and organs, and ensures that they are constantly receiving optimal hydration.
Erythrocytes, the red blood cells that carry oxygen, are also protected by Betaine from extreme hydration imbalances. Erythrocytes are vulnerable to shriveling (due to dehydration) or bursting (due to excessive hydration), which can have a damaging effect on the oxygen supply to your muscles, brain and heart. Betaine shields erythrocytes from these extremes, by maintaining a balanced fluid environment inside and outside of cells.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is the rate limiting precursor to carnosine, an endogenous intracellular (muscle) buffer, and one of the immediate defences against the accumulation of protons in the contracting musculature during exercise (Lancha Junior et al., 2015). Carniosone (B-alanyl-L-histidine) is a dipeptide found in muscle tissue that acts as an intramuscular buffer of Hydrogen ions.
Beta-Alanine increases skeletal muscle carnosine levels, this supports the maintenance acid-base balance, delay fatigue, and improve exercise performance.
Sodium Bicarbonate
The build up of acid inside our muscles is one of the factors responsible for fatigue. Increased acidity ultimately inhibits energy transfer and the ability of our muscles to contract, leading to a decrease in exercise performance. Sodium Bicarbonate helps us by neutralizing this acid build-up and thereby reducing fatigue and increasing performance.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are a key variable in determining sports performance as they mediate the constant transport of nutrients, enzymes, and water in and out of cells. These precious nutrients are the first casualty of exercise, as they are easily lost via sweat and urine. Our energy gel has been designed around your physiology, to recharge you with the major electrolytes that will give you strategic performance gains, no matter what your activity.
Refueling with sodium and chloride redirects precious fluids to your cells and major tissues, eliminating mid-activity cramps, nausea, fatigue, and stomach distress. A sodium top-up prevents the ‘gut bomb’ affect (vomiting during races) and ‘hyponatremia’ (nausea, fatigue, confusion) during long distances.
Chloride works closely with sodium to regulate the body-water balance, helping you retain water better. It also limits the amount of precious hydration reserves lost to sweat and urine, and maintains the necessary volume of fluids in your blood.
Magnesium is gaining prominence as a factor in influencing mid-race performance. Deficiency can result in a sub-optimal performance, as magnesium is important for the proper transmission of nerve impulses, muscular contraction, and energy production processes. Magnesium can also have a direct impact on the utilization of sodium, potassium, and calcium by the muscles. The longer and more intense your exercise, the faster the depletion of magnesium levels through sweat and urine. This depletion, if not corrected, can cause muscle cramping, irregular heart rate, and fatigue.
Potassium is a major electrolyte that works closely with sodium and chloride in maintaining hydration, and in generating electrical impulses in the nerves and muscles, including the heart. This translates to better muscle performance, even at the stage when you have already logged in several miles.
We strongly feel that this new combination gives you complete freedom. It takes math out of the equation as all we now need to focus on is consumption of two units, per hour. A unit being an Elite Gel, or Elite Drink Mix. When temperatures are hot, you may find yourself drinking a bit more, and when temperatures are cooler, you may find yourself leaning towards more concentrated forms of energy, like the gel.
CHART OF VARIOUS COMBINATION OPTIONS
Some equations for you to consider below, based on hourly intake:
The Elite Gel or Elite Drink Mix, can also be used in combination with a Unived Regular Gel. For example, one Elite Gel + one Regular Gel will give you 190+110 = 300kcal, delivering a total of 56g of simple carbs and 15g of complex carbs. Since 60g simple carb is the maximum we can absorb per hour, this combination delivering 56g helps us stay within limit. This combination tilts the ratio by increasing the total simple carbohydrates to total complex carbohydrates (meaning, it is no longer a 2:1 ratio) and gives you an edge with a spike in energy levels.
