How strong can you mix Umaras sports drinks?

It is a very common question. When we develop our sports drink, it is done with the aim of being the most "effective" sports drink based on the latest accumulated research, focusing on stomach comfort and energy absorption. Modern research now indicates that a sports drink should have a carbohydrate ratio of 1 part maltodextrin to 0.8 parts fructose to be optimal for absorption/oxidation, while still being manageable for the stomach.

 

A serving of U Sport 1:0.8 provides 90g of carbohydrates and is preferably mixed with 500-750ml of water. This is where it tastes the best. However, what is great about U Sport is that it can be mixed both weaker and stronger as needed. We all have different stomach tolerances, and our absorption of carbohydrates can also be trained and improved, so there are significant individual differences in how much "gut tolerance" you have. For example, we have athletes/customers who can consume 120-130g of carbohydrates per hour for several hours.

 

Start with 90g in 500ml and drink this over an hour, but don't be afraid to experiment with mixing a bit stronger at times, or looser if you're unsure what your stomach can handle. Then, of course, you must consider what other energy sources you are consuming, such as bars and gels, which contribute to your total energy intake. But as you can see in the video below, Umara U Sport 1:0.8 can be mixed so well that a bottle provides 300-400g of carbohydrates. At such a high concentration, it is more similar to a gel in consistency, but with a slight compromise on taste.

 

Before a competition, it's good to think about having an energy plan where you know how many carbohydrates and in what form you need to consume them. And a hydration plan, of course. Then, base your strategy on your specific race, such as how much energy and fluid you can carry with you, the number of aid stations/water stations, weather, etc.

For example, in some situations, it might be perfect to have a bottle of strongly mixed sports drink along with a bottle of just water that you can refill at the stations along the way. While in other races, you might have regular refueling of exactly the energy you have planned to use, so it might be enough to just bring a little gel to consume between the stations.

 

The summary is: Be adaptable and dare to test the strength of the sports drink well in advance of your race. By training and testing, your body will also adapt to a more efficient carbohydrate uptake in the gut and eventually in the muscles.