Could your trusted race fuel be causing you to bonk?
Your favourite training fuel could be misleading you with inaccurate labelling
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Photo: Antoine Desroches
It wasn’t that long ago that Spring Energy gels caused a major scandal in the sports fuelling space. The company made the news when it was discovered what it reported on their nutritional label was a far cry from the true carbohydrate content in their gels.
There was strong evidence that Spring Energy gels contained far less carbohydrates than their label claimed. Athletes reported bonking during races. Anger and outrage followed as athletes linked their poor performance to relying on the carbohydrate and calorie content they thought they were taking.
Gap in label reporting common
More data has uncovered that a gap in labelling and actual ingredient content may be more common than athletes realize.
A new study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism reveals a gap in label reporting. The study analyzed gels from popular brands including Huma, Maurten, Honey Stinger and the notorious Spring Energy.
“We found a systematic bias toward less energy and carbohydrates in the gels compared to their labels,” said study researcher and exercise scientist Nick Tiller.
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On average, product accuracy was within 15 per cent. The gap is in line with federal regulations. While it’s not ideal that the gap exists it is still within the allowable range. The study found Spring Energy’s reported carbohydrate content gap was an astounding 71 per cent.
How lower carb content is affecting you
When the carbohydrates you count on in training and racing are not actually in your product it can have adverse effects on your performance. Many athletes meticulously calculate out how many calories and carbohydrates are required for optimal performance. When all that time and effort fail to support your energy needs because of the inaccuracy of labels it often leads to devastating results.
Time, money, travel and the daily commitment that goes into participating in triathlon all come at a hefty price. When all that goes into your season is sabotaged by a gap in product information it can amount to a significant loss. The trickle down effect on your resources is crushing.
Even more serious are the consequences for athletes with medical issues like hypoglycemia who can be dangerously affected by drops in blood sugar level.
To safeguard your health and performance, research the products you use and lean towards companies that are transparent. Some products undergo independent testing or come recommended by trusted sports nutritionists. To truly test if a product will support your energy needs use it in training.
Importance of doing the research
Be an advocate for yourself. If it feels like the product is not doing its job trust your instincts. Athletes can fall into a mindset where they blame themselves for a bad workout or race result but you owe it to yourself to examine external factors as well.
As new products enter the market learn as much as possible about the ingredients, label information accuracy and the company’s reputation. In the end it is your health and your investment in the sport that is the bottomline.