Can you rely on gels with carbohydrates?

Carbohydrate gels are popular energy sources in endurance sports. They serve as an easy-to-use alternative to sports drinks and provide rapid energy during exercise through a precisely defined amount of carbohydrates.

This has been proven to lead to improved performance in endurance and team sports. An Australian-American study has now investigated rumors that not all carbohydrate gels deliver what is claimed on their packaging.

The research team selected eight carbohydrate gels that are widely used globally and, at least in part, are also available in Switzerland. However, none of the gels were produced in Switzerland.

The analysis did reveal carbohydrate levels that deviated from the declared levels. However, for six of the eight products, the difference was only between -5 percent and +4 percent. For example, with 20 grams of carbohydrates, we're talking about a deviation of approximately plus/minus 1 gram of carbohydrate, which is negligible—and also within the legally tolerated fluctuations.

Two gels, however, were out of the ordinary: One contained 15 percent fewer carbohydrates than declared, the other around 70 percent less. The latter is the "Awesome Sauce" product from the American manufacturer Spring Energy. The manufacturer has since revised the recipe. But the study is a clear sign that food products don't always contain what they claim.

Sports nutrition products from major Swiss manufacturers have not attracted negative attention so far. Therefore, the motto in Swiss sports has been for decades: Anyone who wants to use sports nutrition should opt for products from major Swiss manufacturers. Otherwise, there is a risk that the sports nutrition will not deliver what it promises. And in extreme cases, such products can even be contaminated with substances that lead to a positive doping test.

Nutritionist Dr. Paolo Colombani is president of the independent competence center Notabene Nutrition.

An article from the « NZZ am Sonntag »