The science of hydrogels in endurance sports with Andy King, PhD | EP#333

Andy King, PhD, is an exercise physiologist at the Australian Catholic University. Andy joins us to discuss the science and application of hydrogel products like Maurten and SiS Beta Fuel. Do they work, how do they work, and is it worth paying the premium compared to regular sports nutrition products?  IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -What are hydrogels, and how are they different from regular gels?  -The theory behind how hydrogels could work to improve endurance performance -What does the science say? Do hydrogels improve endurance performance, metabolic markers, or gastrointestinal symptoms compared to regular gels? -Practical recommendations: is it worth it to use hydrogels?  -Glucose and fructose - is there an ideal ratio for sports nutrition products?  -How to maximise carbohydrate intake (e.g. taking in 120 g/h of CHO)  SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts333/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free online Sweat Test and Quick Carb Calculator on precisionfuelandhydration.com. Book a free one-on-one consultation to chat with the team and refine your fueling and hydration even further. Listeners of That Triathlon Show get 15% off their first order of fueling and hydration products. If you didn't catch the discount code in the episode, email Andy and the team at [email protected] and they will be happy to help.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a one of a kind swim bench for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve their swim technique, power and propulsion, and consistency of swim training. It is very affordable, about the price of a pair of running shoes, and Zen8 offer free shipping in the US and the UK. Best of all, you can try it risk-free. If you don't love it after two weeks, send it back and get a full refund. Get 20% off your order at zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Andy's Twitter and ResearchGate Carbohydrate Hydrogel Products Do Not Improve Performance or Gastrointestinal Distress During Moderate-Intensity Endurance Exercise - King et al. 2020 Glucose and Fructose Hydrogel Enhances Running Performance, Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation, and Gastrointestinal Tolerance - Rowe et al. 2021 RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.