The science behind the Power drink product - Increasing performance and optimizing hydration

One would say that there is nothing to think about in ionic drinks. Put together different carbohydrates, pepper it with some electrolytes, and you have an ionic drink. Yes, it is, but it's going to be like an ion guy from Wish.

Many companies still blindly adhere to ionic drink formulations that do not reflect scientific knowledge regarding physiology and metabolism. But we at Flow firmly believe in science and rely on scientific studies and the latest professional knowledge. So come and see what the composition of a professional ion pack looks like.

Already in 2005 Wallis, Gareth A et al . study in which they examined the rate of metabolism of different combinations of carbohydrates. They found that the combined intake of maltodextrin (glucose) and fructose significantly increased the rate of oxidation compared to ingestion of maltodextrin alone. Similar studies have increased over the years. A few years later , O'Brien, Wendy J et al. different ratios of glucose and fructose, especially their rate of oxidation. In their study, they found that a 1:0.8 ratio of glucose to fructose was the best for using carbohydrates as an energy source.
For one simple reason…

Many companies still do not respond to the proven effectiveness of the mentioned ratio and choose to manufacture products with other ratios. As a cherry on the cake, they often do not even include fructose in the composition.

How energy from consumed carbohydrates is available for physical performance affects absorption from the gut into the bloodstream. Importantly, the glucose transporters (SGLT1 and GLUT2) have an absorption capacity of approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour . From a physiological perspective, it is not possible to get more carbohydrates into the circulation from pure glucose. However, the intake of fructose allows the GLUT5 transporter to be used, which can transport more carbohydrates into the bloodstream.

The result of combining glucose and fructose? Their combination in a ratio of 1:0.8 increases the body's absorption capacity of carbohydrates up to about 90 grams per hour (compared to the original 60 g).
The ability to absorb more carbohydrates per hour naturally increases the amount of energy available to the muscles. So clearly, ingesting a combination of glucose and fructose seems like a reasonable way to increase energy intake and potentially improve performance.

One of the other big benefits is the fact that the combination of both sources of carbohydrates in a ratio of 1:0.8 reduces the likelihood of unwanted stomach and intestinal problems. [1] You can therefore rely on the ion drink even during top competitions and demanding training sessions.

Imagine that you had an ion bar with the optimal combination of carbohydrates. Glucose can be used by the muscles immediately after entering the bloodstream, while fructose must first be transported to the liver, where it is converted into glucose and lactate.
Both molecules are then returned to the circulation, from where they are taken up by the muscle tissue. This is also one of the reasons why the concentration of lactate in the blood can be increased after consuming fructose.

We know what you're thinking now…”Increased blood lactate? I do not want it!"

There is no need to worry about lactate, it is just another source of energy for various tissues in the body.

We used the ratio 1:0.8 (well, let's not talk, more precisely 1:0.77) in the formulation of Power drink . It was absolutely essential for us to develop an ionic drink with maximum efficiency , but at the same time with a very delicate taste . Because who likes mouth stickers. We supplemented the combination of maltodextrin (glucose) and fructose with a small amount of isomaltulose (consists of one molecule of glucose and one fructose), which differs only in its bond and improves the taste profile of the resulting drink.

We formulated the amount of electrolytes, especially sodium, to support fluid reabsorption and maintain osmotic balance during endurance performance. The goal is to maintain proper hydration during exercise and thereby improve athletic performance.

Athletes' water intake needs tend to vary according to individual characteristics, type and intensity of exercise, so individualized fluid replenishment strategies are necessary.

When formulating the Power drink, we aimed to provide enough energy and electrolytes for endurance activities longer than 1 hour. Of course, it is advisable to hydrate even during shorter activities. The intensity of sweating is very variable and ranges from 0.3 to 2.4 l/h , while sodium loss is on average around 1 g/l . [2] Sodium loss can vary greatly, especially if exercise lasts longer than 2 hours.

For every 0.5 kg of body weight loss, i.e. the amount sweated, the athlete should add 450 - 675 ml of fluids . The power drink contains a dose of 380 mg of sodium per 750 ml (506 mg/l). Doesn't that seem like enough?

Although the sodium content is lower than that normally lost through sweat, this content results in its optimal absorption and prevention of hyponatremia. On the one hand, a higher amount can negatively affect the taste of the drink, and on the other hand, it may not always be better, as shown in this case study .

Replenishment of missing electrolytes and other micro- and macronutrients should be an essential part of every athlete's recovery. The ideal means is the use of Recovery drink. Why? Electrolyte supplementation should be part of the post-workout routine to balance electrolyte balance and proper recovery processes. Until electrolytes (especially sodium) lost through sweat are replaced after exercise, water balance will not be effectively restored and maintained [3] . This can prolong recovery time.

Other electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, calcium) are supplemented taking into account the amount lost through sweat and their consumption during activity.

And last but not least, there is no documented scientific evidence of a relationship between sodium and muscle cramps. Sodium appears to be one, but not the only, contributing factor to this situation. It is more about dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

We try to do everything we do as openly and transparently as possible. So you can examine the complete composition down to the last milligram in the product detail . But you can see the real effect best in the "field". A power drink will definitely have your back!