The new Beta Fuel range uses an optimised ratio of maltodextrin to fructose providing a science-based complete fuelling solution for cyclists.
The combination of maltodextrin and fructose used in Beta Fuel provides an isotonic formula to enhance carbohydrate delivery and utilisation during exercise, whilst minimising gastrointestinal issues.
Already use Beta Fuel and want to know why we changed the ratio? Well, the new range of Beta Fuel products using a ratio of 1:0.8 maltodextrin to fructose (previously being 2:1) has been proven to:
- Enhance total exogenous carbohydrate oxidation by 17%
- Enhance mean power output during 10 maximal sprint efforts by 3%
- Increase the percentage of ingested carbohydrate oxidised from 62% (2:1 ratio) to 74% (1:0.8 ratio)
- Reduce symptoms of stomach fullness and nausea when compared to the 2:1 ratio
In summary, the all-new Beta Fuel range works by providing these two different forms of carbohydrate in an isotonic formula which can be simultaneously absorbed. This is key as the transportation of nutrients across the intestinal wall is a rate limiting factor in carbohydrate oxidation during exercise.
The importance of nutrition for cycling
Many cyclists will put endless hours of training in to increase their functional threshold power (FTP – the average number of watts a rider can sustain for an hour) and spend vast amounts of money to upgrade their bikes with the latest gear and gadgets! But few give their nutrition the rightful attention it deserves for them to perform at their best.
Nutrition is a fundamental part of cycling, aiming to provide fuel to support your weekly mileage, promote adequate recovery and elicit training adaptations following sessions, whilst also helping maintain the optimal power-to-weight ratio (which will vary between individuals).
Your nutrition can make or break your cycling experience when it comes to not only surviving miles in the saddle, but also your enjoyment! That’s where Science in Sport comes in, we’re committed to providing accessible nutritional solutions to optimise performance for endurance athletes of all abilities.
There are two primary macronutrients stored in the body that you can utilise for energy during exercise, carbohydrate and fat. Depending on the intensity and duration, your fuel used whilst cycling will vary.
In general, as exercise intensity increases, you become more reliant on carbohydrate stored in your liver, blood and muscle. However, your body can only store enough carbohydrate for up to 90-120 minutes of exercise so it’s important to consume adequate carbohydrate during cycling.
It is suggested that during endurance exercise (in excess of 2.5 hours) 80–120 g of carbohydrate per hour should be consumed to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent fatigue.
If you’re not used to consuming this much carbohydrate during exercise it is a good idea to test it out to ensure the body is capable. You may have to build up the amount of carbohydrate gradually, as you would when building up your training.
Beta Fuel during training and competition
Cycling in general isn’t a one-size-fits-all sport, from bike size, to saddle width, to clothing, even terrain! Nutrition for cycling also varies between individuals which is why at Science in Sport we provide a variety of fuelling options without sacrificing quality. The Beta Fuel range provides just that, a variety of fuelling options in a scientifically superior formula.
The new enhanced Beta Fuel formula allows you to increase your carbohydrate intake to around 80-120 g per hour, as a result of the 1:0.8 maltodextrin and fructose ratio, aiding your performance by minimising gastrointestinal distress and enabling faster absorption.
The new Beta Fuel range at 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin and fructose is available in a variety of formats, a powder, a unique chew bar and two different types of gels.
For a three-hour ride, aiming for 80–120 g of carbohydrate per hour (240-360 grams in total), you could use the Beta Fuel range in the following format:
Beta Fuel Option:
1 x 500ml bottles with Beta Fuel powder in Red Berry flavour – 80 grams per bottle
2 x Beta Fuel Gel in Strawberry & Lime – 40 grams each – 80grams
1 x Beta Fuel Chew Bar in Orange flavour – 40 grams (7 grams per chew)
1 x Beta Fuel Gel with Nootropics in Lemon & Lime flavour – 40 grams
This would give a total of 240 grams of carbohydrate over the three-hour ride. This provides a varied nutrition solution in different formats, flavours and textures for your ride whilst maintaining the quality of your nutrition so you can train or race at the best of your ability.
The powder also contains sodium which will aid with hydration throughout the ride, whilst the gel contains nootropics, substances that can enhance cognitive performance giving you that mental lift you might need, especially at the latter phases of exercise.
However, if you’re new to performance nutrition products, it is important to practice consuming this amount of carbohydrate. Individual requirements will vary depending on body weight and it may take time to adapt. We recommend you practice your nutrition during training to find the optimal amount that works for you.
For more information about the Beta Fuel range, visit here.
