Originally Posted by
canklecat
Incidentally, some bouts of sudden urge to poop may -- with some folks, not all -- be due to some ingredients in common sports snacks and drinks. Some folks report stomach upset, gas and diarrhea or constipation from sugar alcohols -- mannitol is the most common but there are others. Some sugar alcohols are used as artificial sweeteners, and offer some energy boosting benefits over sugar and carbs.
So check the ingredients carefully on your electrolyte drinks and mixes, and energy bars and gels.
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Since mannitol is often used as a laxative, it's definitely something to be restricted if not avoided entirely before a long ride.
I generally avoid sports drinks and snacks because I think they're all marketing gimmickry, but can you give some examples of ones that contain mannitol?
Avoid sugar-free hard candy, BTW. It's usually one of the main ingredients, and a lot of people have gotten really bad cases of the runs from popping a bunch of those.