Energy drink comparison and review?
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Does anyone know of a review I could read ( scientific) and factual comparing different energy drinks..i.e cytomax, gatorade, accelerade etc. I find myself confused and not sure who to believe in the advertisements. I want something good to prevent cramping, give some energy and rehydrate well. Any help would be appreciated or if you have any particular recommendations before I plunk down the $ on the wrong stuff. Thanks
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Ask a fellow biker for a sample? Careful nobody sees you exchanging bags of white powdery substance.
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#3
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Originally Posted by Dr. Mike
Does anyone know of a review I could read ( scientific) and factual comparing different energy drinks..i.e cytomax, gatorade, accelerade etc. I find myself confused and not sure who to believe in the advertisements. I want something good to prevent cramping, give some energy and rehydrate well. Any help would be appreciated or if you have any particular recommendations before I plunk down the $ on the wrong stuff. Thanks
There are many good drinks available, and in part will depend on where you are located - for e.g., if you're in Europe then SiS, H5, etc are great, but these maybe difficult to get hold of in the States (Gatorade is a great drink).
ric
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I dunno about any of that there scientifical type comparison data your looking for nut I do know what works for me. Tried and true Gatorade works fine as does Powerade. - I find Powerade to be more palatable than several of the Gatorade flavors (exceptions of the Strawberry Ice and Fierce Grape be noted <yum>).
I've found Orange or Lemon Ultima to be terrific hangover remedy (I've used this little tidbit to my advantage on many a Sunday morning workday .)
I've found Orange or Lemon Ultima to be terrific hangover remedy (I've used this little tidbit to my advantage on many a Sunday morning workday .)
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Chris Carmichael's book Food For Fitness has an excellent chapter or two on sports drinks. Great reading.
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Originally Posted by Dr. Mike
Does anyone know of a review I could read ( scientific) and factual comparing different energy drinks
Also, I know some take potassium tablets and/or Tums as supplements to prevent cramping. I don't or haven't had the need to yet.
I find it easier to drink than to eat. Thus, I enhance my drink as such: Cytomax, Kool Aid grape, Table Sugar, Table Salt (sodium), Salt Substitute (potassium), pure Maltodextrin powder (looks like coccaine). I find that 3.5 Gatorade scoops per 24 oz bottle makes a potent, drinkable, nice-grape tasting solution. I KNOW this stuff is more potent that plain Gatorade or Cytomax cause on identical routes/conditions, I need to EAT less. I think the added stuff is equiv to 1/2 Clif Bar per bottle. That said, I still bring Clif Bars and Fig Newtons.
As far as taste, unless you can get a swig from a buddy, you'll have to buy some of each to find out which one you can "stomach". Sometimes I can only take 2 24 oz bottles of Cyto before I need to use something else. You can also search for Homemade Recipes which can be just as potent as the brand names. I (unfortunately) could not find one that I found particularly yummy.
There is no magic potion. You will need to test different drinks at different strengths with different addatives to find out which one works best in YOUR BODY. Sorry 'bout that ...
Finally, stay clear of drinks that use fructose as their main sweetener (e.g., Powerade).
Best.
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All products mentioned are very similar. The one that is best for you is the one that tastes best and doesn't upset your gut. Don't try to choke something down just because you believe it is far superior to something else. (It isn't)
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Try Spiz.Use Google. I use it for 100s. Used it during recent ride Seattle/Portland.
Did not eat solids during ride lots of energy felt great for both days. Friends of mine just did Louis/Clark used Spiz the entire ride. Eating solids except fruit makes me feel ill on long trips. Going on a Double 100 soon will use Spiz. 69 years young.
Did not eat solids during ride lots of energy felt great for both days. Friends of mine just did Louis/Clark used Spiz the entire ride. Eating solids except fruit makes me feel ill on long trips. Going on a Double 100 soon will use Spiz. 69 years young.
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i read that powerade was lame because fructose is less usable by your muscles than sucrose. would Ric Stern or somebody else who is well versed in the physiology please let me know about this specific point? thanks..
#10
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the biggest issue with fructose is that it can cause GI distress
ric
ric
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is that all?
i thought the thing i read at another thread here said that your muscles and your brain (it specifically mentioned the brain) couldn't deal with fructose.
thanks though - i appreciate it.
i thought the thing i read at another thread here said that your muscles and your brain (it specifically mentioned the brain) couldn't deal with fructose.
thanks though - i appreciate it.
#12
Just ride.
Seems like there was a comparison in Bicycling Mag several months ago. I don't think it was particularly scientific... mostly based on nutrients and specs on the label, with the authors critique on flavor. A public library would have back issues.
I think it's a somewhat personal thing, i.e. there's no ideal drink for everyone or every ride. IMO, the most ingredient is easily digested calories, the addition of sodium and potassium make it a "sports drink", preferably in at least a 2:1 ratio. Personally, I feel the higher the ratio of potassium, the better.
I think it's a somewhat personal thing, i.e. there's no ideal drink for everyone or every ride. IMO, the most ingredient is easily digested calories, the addition of sodium and potassium make it a "sports drink", preferably in at least a 2:1 ratio. Personally, I feel the higher the ratio of potassium, the better.
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Originally Posted by boze
your muscles and your brain (it specifically mentioned the brain) couldn't deal with fructose.
https://sln.fi.edu/brain/carbs.htm
https://www.acnp.org/g4/GN401000064/CH064.HTML
I believe it was brain cells and red blood cells burn glucose, not fructose. Is it true? Probably. I'm not a physiologist/chemist/physician to tell you otherwise. I'm a web developer (yada yada blah blah whatever ...).
I ran across another link that said that 25% of the body's glucose is consumed by the brain (can't find it now). Whatever ...
The consensus seems to be your need glucose and fructose (not just fructose). And for endurance sports, you need long chain carbs which burn slowly and get converted by your body over time.
Best.
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You could make your own for pennies:
water
couple of tablespoons of brown sugar
pinch of salt
flavoring (tea, lime or lemon juice)
Should be close to Gator or Power
water
couple of tablespoons of brown sugar
pinch of salt
flavoring (tea, lime or lemon juice)
Should be close to Gator or Power
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Originally Posted by JimLane
couple of tablespoons of brown sugar
...Should be close to Gator or Power
...Should be close to Gator or Power
#16
Just ride.
A minor point, but if I were making my own, I would use Morton Lite Salt. Based on the label, 1/4 teaspoon contains 290 mG sodium, 340 mG potassium. As electrolytes go, potassium is the one that is easier to miss.
In fact, if you use salt at all, you should use Morton Lite Salt, IMO! Same reason... you need to keep up with your potassium, especially if you're taking in sodium.
(No, I don't work for Morton. )
In fact, if you use salt at all, you should use Morton Lite Salt, IMO! Same reason... you need to keep up with your potassium, especially if you're taking in sodium.
(No, I don't work for Morton. )
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This is what I use before a ride Met-rx shake 37 grams of protein + 1000 milligrams of potassium(Dr Mike= no more Cramping) + 27 vitamins + minerals(sp?)
During the ride I use ABB Carbo-force and Gatorade's propel. Just look at what Carbo-force has in it. Be warned it taste like *****! But it does work for me.
https://www.americanbodybuilding.com/p.asp
DR.Mike I looked all over the web and I can't find one review of power drinks,
During the ride I use ABB Carbo-force and Gatorade's propel. Just look at what Carbo-force has in it. Be warned it taste like *****! But it does work for me.
https://www.americanbodybuilding.com/p.asp
DR.Mike I looked all over the web and I can't find one review of power drinks,
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Can you substitute maltodextrin for the brown sugar? I know a lot of the drinks/gels out there have it in place of sucrose/fructose.
BTW, if so, where would I be able to find it?
BTW, if so, where would I be able to find it?
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Originally Posted by JimLane
Can you substitute maltodextrin for the brown sugar?
I've seen other articles that say (basically) the same thing:
https://www.foodsciencebureau.com.au/nutrit/sugar.htm
A tri buddy of mine uses Carbo Pro which you can get here:
https://www.nvo.com/sportquestdir/copyhomepete/
https://www.nvo.com/sportquestdir/pag...stdir/products
If it is good enough for Tim DeBoom, then it is probably good enough for you.
Stuff is not cheap though, about $6+ per lb.
We got (somebody else) 50 lbs and then split it up. The place was somewhere near Anaheim Stadium (the Angels). Much much cheaper. More like (I'm guessing here) $3 per lb. I'll have to find out where; searched just now but can't find the place.
As far as DIRECT substitution, I'm guessing NO. Malto has a slightly sweet flavor but not the same potency as sugar. You may need some sugar and whole lot of Malto. The sugar will make it yummy and will burn quickly, and the Malto will burn nice and slowly for you.
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Here is maltodextrin information from Arnie Baker -
https://www.arniebakercycling.com/pub...tion%20ABC.pdf
Where we got the maltodextrin:
https://www.supplementdirect.com/?con...oduct_id=10818
They sell 8 lb tubs and 50 lb bags. The Fullerton (CA) store carries the 8 lb tub. The store does NOT carry the 50 lb bag; that was done via mail order @ about $13 shipping. After checking, I think the cost was closer to $2 per lb.
I (we) came up with "Enhanced" Gatorade and Cytomax "recipes". Both are pallatable (sp?) and are fare more potent that their off-the-shelf versions. I find it much easier to drink than to eat so "drinking" a Clif Bar gets fuel into my system more ... steadily/frequently ... than eating a little bit every so often. The only catch is that I must BRING the powder with me on long rides so that I can make the 2nd or 3rd bottle as needed. However, since all I need is cold water, this is still way cheaper than buying a premixed bottle of some un-yummy flavor of Gatorade that some mini-mart happens to have.
Again, there is no magic potion. Trial and error is the only way to test but you'll eventually find a mix that is cost effective, potent, and tasty.
Best.
https://www.arniebakercycling.com/pub...tion%20ABC.pdf
Where we got the maltodextrin:
https://www.supplementdirect.com/?con...oduct_id=10818
They sell 8 lb tubs and 50 lb bags. The Fullerton (CA) store carries the 8 lb tub. The store does NOT carry the 50 lb bag; that was done via mail order @ about $13 shipping. After checking, I think the cost was closer to $2 per lb.
I (we) came up with "Enhanced" Gatorade and Cytomax "recipes". Both are pallatable (sp?) and are fare more potent that their off-the-shelf versions. I find it much easier to drink than to eat so "drinking" a Clif Bar gets fuel into my system more ... steadily/frequently ... than eating a little bit every so often. The only catch is that I must BRING the powder with me on long rides so that I can make the 2nd or 3rd bottle as needed. However, since all I need is cold water, this is still way cheaper than buying a premixed bottle of some un-yummy flavor of Gatorade that some mini-mart happens to have.
Again, there is no magic potion. Trial and error is the only way to test but you'll eventually find a mix that is cost effective, potent, and tasty.
Best.
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From labels (Sodium (mg), Potassium (mg), Carbs (g)):
Gatorade.Nor 110 30 14.0
Gatorade.End 200 90 15.0
Cytomax 50 55 10.0
per 8 oz mix. I want a solution that "enhances" Gatorade, Cytomax, (or others) more like:
SportsDrink.Enh [target] 200 100 15.0
I.e., closer to Gatorade Endurance (which ARAIK, only comes in lemon line). I use Cytomax Grape as the base so here's my mix:
1 gal Cytomax powder
1 t salt
1/4 t salt substitute
3 T sugar
15 T maltodextrin
1 packet Kool Aid grape
which should yield (if my calculations are correct ): 200 93 18.5
So this is far more potent that the base Cytomax. Your mileage will vary depending upon how strong you mix this concoction.
Of course, you can modify these to suit your taste.
For Gatorade:
64 oz Gatorade powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 t salt substitute
5 T maltodextrin
should yield: 185 105 18
You can add as much (or as little) of the maltodextrin powder as you like. As I mentioned before, I find the more I add, the less I "feel" like I need to eat. Malto has a minimally sweet flavor so it really won't affect the flavor of the drink as much. I use a gallon of the Cyto powder so I can use the whole packet of Kool Aid so that's why that formula is double the Gatorade one. Also, without the sugar, Malto doesn't make the drink sweet enough (Kool Aid makes it too "tart"). Gatorade already tastes OK (I like the blue flavors) so I don't add Kool Aid to it.
Bottom line ... if it don't taste good, I won't drink it, so whatever you mix, make sure you like it.
Unfortunately, it is all TRIAL and ERROR (you may end up with a batch that is too sweet or too salty).
Best.
Gatorade.Nor 110 30 14.0
Gatorade.End 200 90 15.0
Cytomax 50 55 10.0
per 8 oz mix. I want a solution that "enhances" Gatorade, Cytomax, (or others) more like:
SportsDrink.Enh [target] 200 100 15.0
I.e., closer to Gatorade Endurance (which ARAIK, only comes in lemon line). I use Cytomax Grape as the base so here's my mix:
1 gal Cytomax powder
1 t salt
1/4 t salt substitute
3 T sugar
15 T maltodextrin
1 packet Kool Aid grape
which should yield (if my calculations are correct ): 200 93 18.5
So this is far more potent that the base Cytomax. Your mileage will vary depending upon how strong you mix this concoction.
Of course, you can modify these to suit your taste.
For Gatorade:
64 oz Gatorade powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 t salt substitute
5 T maltodextrin
should yield: 185 105 18
You can add as much (or as little) of the maltodextrin powder as you like. As I mentioned before, I find the more I add, the less I "feel" like I need to eat. Malto has a minimally sweet flavor so it really won't affect the flavor of the drink as much. I use a gallon of the Cyto powder so I can use the whole packet of Kool Aid so that's why that formula is double the Gatorade one. Also, without the sugar, Malto doesn't make the drink sweet enough (Kool Aid makes it too "tart"). Gatorade already tastes OK (I like the blue flavors) so I don't add Kool Aid to it.
Bottom line ... if it don't taste good, I won't drink it, so whatever you mix, make sure you like it.
Unfortunately, it is all TRIAL and ERROR (you may end up with a batch that is too sweet or too salty).
Best.
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In my experience, Cytomax is far superior to all others. It allows you to train harder and longer without lactic acid burn in your legs. They promote it as having buffers of some kind, and they work great. It's like being able to do more reps weightlifting; the longer the ride, without pain, the stronger you get. Great for interval sprints.It allows you to ride how you want to.
Yet, I'll have to try some of these recipes.
Yet, I'll have to try some of these recipes.
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Originally Posted by CycleFreakLS
1 gal Cytomax powder
1 t salt
1/4 t salt substitute
3 T sugar
15 T maltodextrin
1 packet Kool Aid grape
1 t salt
1/4 t salt substitute
3 T sugar
15 T maltodextrin
1 packet Kool Aid grape
Best.
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Check out the Gatorade website. Gatorade is the most researched sports drink in the world. Using that as a reference, I make my own with the same amount of sodium, potassium and carbohydrate. Mix one cup of sugar with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of Lite salt. Use one tablespoon of this mixture for 8 ounces of water. A squirt of lemon juice is optional. Some say sugar is bad, but high-fructose corn syrup is worse. Don't use raw sugar or brown sugar, as the smaller salt grains will sink to the bottom.
Tom
Tom