First launched in 2018, the original Science in Sport Beta Fuel is an isotonic product using both maltodextrin and fructose at a ratio of 2:1 to optimise carbohydrate delivery and utilisation during exercise whilst minimising gastrointestinal issues. Our science-based solution, the combination of maltodextrin and fructose in an isotonic formula, is still the key to SiS Beta Fuel, as the transportation of nutrients across the intestinal wall is a rate limiting factor in carbohydrate oxidation during exercise. What does that mean? Well, different types of carbohydrates have different transporters to carry glucose from the gut to the blood, with the maximum rate of a single carbohydrate source such as maltodextrin being around 60 grams per hour. It is suggested that during endurance exercise (more than 2-2.5 hours) 80-120 grams of carbohydrate per hour should be consumed to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent fatigue. So, in 2018, SiS Beta Fuel was developed to enable us to increase carbohydrate oxidation to more than 60 grams per hour and to achieve that, we combined another form of carbohydrate, which has a different transporter, fructose. Because fructose has a different transporter than glucose, a dual source formulation allows for greater carbohydrate delivery to our muscles during exercise, therefore increasing how much carbohydrate we can use. SiS Beta Fuel works by providing these two different forms of carbohydrate which can be simultaneously absorbed. This was successfully tested by world leading associations and teams before becoming the naturally flavoured, informed sport certified product you know today. But we didn’t stop there. Since originally developing SiS Beta Fuel with maltodextrin and fructose at a ratio of 2:1, we have continued to evolve it and now we are introducing a new, enhanced version of SiS Beta Fuel, not only as a powder, but as a new range of products that provide a complete fuelling solution. The key difference in the new SiS Beta Fuel range is the change in the ratio of maltodextrin to fructose, previously being 2:1 and now moving to 1:0.8. In comparison to the 2:1 ratio, the 1:0.8 ratio has now 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 By using a precise balance of maltodextrin and fructose (1:0.8), rather than a single form of carbohydrate, performance improved with Science in Sport Beta Fuel, whilst avoiding any digestion issues. We have shown that athletes are able to tolerate 120 grams of SiS Beta Fuel per hour, significantly higher than the current recommended intake of 90gms per hour, with no stomach upset. In the first study of its kind, we tested feeding athletes 120g of Science in Sport Beta Fuel per hour, singularly, and combined across our patented range of gels, chews and drinks. The previously recommended intake for endurance fuelling was 90g per hour. These results have never been seen before and change everything we thought we knew about endurance fuelling guidelines, and the performance potential in elite endurance racing: Even after 3 hours of sustained effort 50% of energy used was from the SiS Beta Fuel, rather than the body’s own fuel stores, with no cross-over from carbohydrate to fat usage taking place The 120g carbohydrate intake can be achieved from our drink, gel or jelly chew, or any combination of the three Athletes were using 1.5gm of carbohydrate per minute, the highest rates of carbohydrate oxidation ever reported, and had no stomach upset They were able to sustain high performance intensity, with lower perceived effort. For training and competition of 2 – 2.5 hours or more, SiS Beta Fuel is the next generation of endurance fuelling. SiS BETA FUEL 80 The new SiS Beta Fuel Powder solution contains 80 grams of carbohydrate at this 1:0.8 ratio, in a neutral pH formula still maintaining the signature isotonic format to minimise gastrointestinal issues. The Powder is available in Orange, Strawberry and Lime and Red Berry flavours. SiS BETA FUEL GELS As well as the Powder, the new SiS Beta Fuel range contains two different types of energy gels. The SiS Beta Fuel Gel contains 40 grams of carbohydrate also at the 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose in Orange and Strawberry and Lime flavours, with a second gel containing Nootropics, with the aim of giving you that mental boost during prolonged exercise. In simple terms, nootropics are substances that can enhance cognitive performance giving you that mental lift you might need, especially at the latter phases of exercise. So, as well as 40 grams carbohydrate at the 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose, the SiS Beta Fuel Gel with Nootropics contains 1 gram of the amino acid L-taurine, 250 milligrams of Cognizin® to enhance information processing and 200 milligrams of caffeine with 200 milligrams of L-theanine, the amino acid which has been shown to increase subjective feelings of alertness, while reducing feelings of ‘jitters’ that you get with caffeine alone. The SiS Beta Fuel Gel with Nootropics is available in Apple and Lemon and Lime flavours. For optimal results we recommend consuming the Nootropic Gel during the latter phases of your exercise with a maximum of one serving per day. SiS BETA FUEL CHEW BAR Completing our fuelling solution is the SiS Beta Fuel Chew Bar. We know that during endurance exercise, being able to vary your fuelling choices is important. Within the new SiS Beta Fuel range, we are providing you with even more choice without compromising on quality or taste, meaning you can maintain optimal sources of energy. These chews are in a unique format to SiS, being super easy to consume and available in Orange and Lemon flavours. Again, sticking to the key 1:0.8 maltodextrin to fructose ratio, with 40 grams of carbohydrate (7 grams per chew) of the SiS Beta Fuel range, providing another form of nutrition you can build into your nutrition plan. SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR YOU? The new enhanced SiS Beta Fuel formula allows you to increase your carbohydrate intake to around 80-120 grams per hour because of the 1:0.8 maltodextrin and fructose ratio, aiding your performance by minimising gastrointestinal distress and enabling faster absorption. This unique range of products are all naturally flavoured and can be used in combination to optimise performance during endurance exercise, giving you a scientifically superior fuel source allowing you to unleash your energy. Though it is important to note, individuals may take time to adapt to consuming this amount of carbohydrate and the optimal amount per hour may also vary slightly depending on the individuals body weight, it is important to practice your nutrition during training to find the optimal amount that works for you. For more information about the Science in Sport Beta Fuel range, visit here. References: Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Milne, A. L., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2008). The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biological psychology, 77(2), 113-122. Jeukendrup A.E. Carbohydrate feeding during exercise. Eur. J. Sport Sci. 2008;8:77–86. doi: 10.1080/17461390801918971. Jeukendrup, A.E. (2010). Carbohydrate and exercise performance: the role of multiple transportable carbohydrates. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care. Jul;13(4):452-7. Knott, V., de la Salle, S., Choueiry, J., Impey, D., Smith, D., Smith, M., … & Labelle, A. (2015). Neurocognitive effects of acute choline supplementation in low, medium and high performer healthy volunteers. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 131, 119-129. O’Brien, W. J., Stannard, S. R., Clarke, J. A., & Rowlands, D. S. (2013). Fructose–maltodextrin ratio governs exogenous and other CHO oxidation and performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(9), 1814-1824. O’Brien, W. J., & Rowlands, D. S. (2011). Fructose-maltodextrin ratio in a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution differentially affects exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rate, gut comfort, and performance. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 300(1), G181-G189. Rowlands, D. S., Houltham, S., Musa-Veloso, K., Brown, F., Paulionis, L., & Bailey, D. (2015). Fructose–glucose composite carbohydrates and endurance performance: Critical review and future perspectives. Sports Medicine, 45(11), 1561-1576. Rowlands, D. S., Thorburn, M. S., Thorp, R. M., Broadbent, S., & Shi, X. (2008). Effect of graded fructose coingestion with maltodextrin on exogenous 14C-fructose and 13C-glucose oxidation efficiency and high-intensity cycling performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 104(6), 1709-1719. Wallis, G.A., Rowlands, D.S., Shaw, C., Jentjens, R.L., Jeukendrup, A.E. (2005). Oxidation of combined ingestion of maltodextrins and fructose during exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Mar;37(3):426-32. Written by: Dr Emily Jevons Emily has worked with Science in Sport since 2021. With a PhD in Exercise Physiology & Nutrition, she currently provides nutritional advice for endurance athletes. Emily not only understands the science behind performance nutrition solutions, but also the physiological and psychological demands of sport after competing competitively in swimming and triathlon for a number of years. Written By siscontributor Our wider network of athletes, scientists and sports journalists who are hand-picked to share their expertise and experiences with the Science in Sport Community.
