The science of hydrogels in endurance sports with Andy King, PhD | EP#333

Andy King, PhD, is an exercise physiologist at the Australian Catholic University. Andy joins us to discuss the science and application of hydrogel products like Maurten and SiS Beta Fuel. Do they work, how do they work, and is it worth paying the premium compared to regular sports nutrition products? 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-What are hydrogels, and how are they different from regular gels? 

-The theory behind how hydrogels could work to improve endurance performance

-What does the science say? Do hydrogels improve endurance performance, metabolic markers, or gastrointestinal symptoms compared to regular gels?

-Practical recommendations: is it worth it to use hydrogels? 

-Glucose and fructose - is there an ideal ratio for sports nutrition products? 

-How to maximise carbohydrate intake (e.g. taking in 120 g/h of CHO) 

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts333/

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SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free online Sweat Test and Quick Carb Calculator on precisionfuelandhydration.com. Book a free one-on-one consultation to chat with the team and refine your fueling and hydration even further. Listeners of That Triathlon Show get 15% off their first order of fueling and hydration products. If you didn't catch the discount code in the episode, email Andy and the team at hello@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help. 

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LINKS AND RESOURCES:

• Andy's Twitter and ResearchGate
• Carbohydrate Hydrogel Products Do Not Improve Performance or Gastrointestinal Distress During Moderate-Intensity Endurance Exercise - King et al. 2020
• Glucose and Fructose Hydrogel Enhances Running Performance, Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation, and Gastrointestinal Tolerance - Rowe et al. 2021

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