There are 3 types of maltodextrin sold at SMI (the nonprofit where I work): 50 lb bags, containers of a few pounds, and small packets. The small packets could be any of the many products out there (such as powergel, gu, hammergel, etc), but eGel gave SMI a good price, thier malto is as good as any other, and the product contains a bit of fructose and salt which is a benefit (in larger amounts these things would not be good, however). In order to help people use eGel properly that choose to purchase some, I made an information sheet on it. I was asked to post it somewhere so here it is:
eGel
WHAT
•121 Calories of maltodextrin (glucose) that fuels your muscle during and right after exercise
•29 Calories of fructose that the liver can convert into glucose (you don’t want more fructose)
•Vitamin C and E which could reduce free-radical damage and amino acids
•230 mg Sodium correlates to the amount you lose in 1 liter (32 oz, or about 1 quart) of perspiration
WHY
During intense exercise muscle can absorb up to 300 Calories / hr, which is much less than muscle can burn each hour. The goal is to delay fatigue as long as possible. This is best done with maltodextrin, a glucose polymer (similar to flour but more easily dissolves in water). Fructose should be a minor component of fueling during exercise because it must be converted to glucose by the liver (a slow process).
HOW
If you consume more than 50 Calories of any sports fuel in less than 10 minutes you risk spiking your blood sugar and insulin levels, which drives down blood sugar and performance 15-20 min later. Instead of consuming the e-Gel pack all at once, consume 1/3 every 20 min or, even better, dilute it into water and consume it slowly throughout your training session and immediately after training.
RECOMMENDED USE
1 pack e-Gel / hr diluted into 16-32 oz water consumed slowly
•Starting ½ hr into exercise during exercise lasting longer than 1 hour
•For exercise of any length when it is done first thing in the morning
•In the first 5-10 minutes after intensive exercise
•For training lasting longer than 2-3 hours include some solid food in addition to the e-Gel
•Use up to a maximum of 2 e-Gel packs / hr and only if you are staying hydrated
•CAUTION: If you are dehydrating significantly, consuming calories can cause stomach upset
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