The intake of energy formulas has demonstrated its potential in improving the practice of aerobic exercise according to the ISSN (International Society of Sports Nutrition) (1). These types of products commonly include stimulants such as caffeine (1,2), which improves mental focus, quick responses, aerobic performance, resistance, etc. (1). A unique mixture has been developed where a significant amount of the caffeine is provided naturally in the form of guarana extract, as well as being complemented with electrolytes and vitamins of the B family, to form an energy gel with ergogenic and antioxidant properties.
CAFFEINE:
Caffeine is the most consumed stimulant around the globe, due to being considered safe for human consumption in a wide range of doses (3). It is an alkaloid from the xanthine group that is assigned stimulant properties of the central nervous system, as well as lipolytic and diuretic effects. In fact, caffeine consumption has shown both physical and psychological benefits (4) within the sporting context, increasing parameters such as maximum strength and muscular endurance (5). These benefits, together with its safety, position it as one of the few ergogenic compounds (improves sports performance) allowed in elite athletes.
According to the critical evaluation by the “International Society of Sports Nutrition” (ISSN) (6); aerobic endurance is the form of exercise with the greatest benefits in the use of caffeine, although caffeine intake has demonstrated performance benefits for both aerobic and anaerobic exercise and in both professional and non-professional athletes Specific benefits reported from caffeine intake include muscular endurance, speed of movement, jumping, sprinting, throwing, and a wide range of both aerobic and anaerobic sports specifications (6). The ergogenic effects are maximised whenever exercise is performed about 60 minutes following ingestion and manifest in cognitive function in most individuals, including improvements in attention and alertness.
In addition to the mechanisms that explain the effect of caffeine on specific organs, part of its effect is also due to its antioxidant properties, protecting the body from reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the long term, which are also produced to a greater degree during intense sports practice (3).
GUARANA:
Active from the seeds of the Paullinia cupana plant, whose stimulating potential has been traditionally used by Amazonian indigenous communities (7). Various effects are associated with its consumption, including stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-obesity (8). .
Most of its properties have been associated with the high concentrations of caffeine contained in the fruits of the plant, although the role associated with other components cannot be ruled out today (9). This natural source of caffeine, in turn, contains various plant polyphenols with antioxidant properties that enhance its benefits (3,4). The most interesting effects in the context of sports practice includes increased cognitive performance. In this regard, a recent systematic review associated with a meta-analysis corroborates the improvement associated with the intake of guarana, for cognitive performance associated with a greater speed of response without prejudice to the precision of the task developed (9).
MAGNESIUM : contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue, electrolyte balance, normal energy metabolism, muscle function, normal protein synthesis, maintaining bones in normal conditions and intervenes in the process of cell division.
POTASSIUM : plasma potassium levels tend to decrease during exercise (10). Potassium is essential for isotonicity, electrolyte balance, nerve transmission, and active transport mechanisms (11).
ZINC : contributes to the proper functioning of various metabolic aspects such as DNA synthesis, acid-base metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, macronutrient metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, vitamin A, protein synthesis, maintaining healthy bones under normal conditions, functioning of the immune system and the protection of cells against oxidative stress.
VITAMIN B2: contributes to the maintenance of mucous membranes, maintenance of red blood cells, protection of cells against oxidative stress and reducing tiredness and fatigue.
VITAMIN B3: contributes to normal energy metabolism, maintenance of the mucous membranes and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
VITAMIN B5: contributes to normal energy metabolism, mental performance and reducing tiredness and fatigue.
VITAMIN B6: contributes to the normal synthesis of cysteine, normal energy metabolism, normal metabolism of homocysteine, proteins and glycogen, maintenance of red blood cells, normal functioning of the immune system and reducing tiredness and fatigue.
VITAMIN B12: contributes to the normal synthesis of amino acids, normal blood formation, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal functioning of the immune system, reduction of tiredness and fatigue and is involved in the process of cell division.
NDL PRO HEALTH Hydro Energy gel does not contain any substances included in the WADA prohibited list either in its composition or in the manufacturing process.
