The Science behind Bikefood^®

For anyone interested in the details around how a carbohydrate drink, such as Bikefood®, can increase your performance out on the bike, this is what you need to know.

A carbohydrate drink gives cyclists a steady source of energy, helping them ride longer and avoid fatigue by keeping blood sugar levels stable. Unlike plain water, it also often includes electrolytes that improve hydration and reduce the risk of cramps, especially on long or intense rides.

Using a carbohydrate energy drink instead of water alone can significantly enhance cycling performance, particularly in endurance and high-intensity contexts. Carbohydrate energy drinks provide a rapid source of glucose, sustaining blood glucose levels and reducing muscle glycogen depletion, which in turn helps delay fatigue and improve endurance and power output (Jeukendrup, 2014; Burke et al., 2011). Additionally, many carbohydrate energy drinks contain electrolytes (such as Bikefood®), which aid in hydration and reduce muscle cramping, which maintains performance levels in prolonged or hot conditions (Stellingwerff & Cox, 2014). Carbohydrate intake has also been shown to enhance mental focus during exercise, supporting both physical and cognitive endurance (Meeusen, 2014).

So in conclusion, carbohydrate energy drinks are particularly beneficial for cycling sessions lasting over 60 minutes or those with sustained high intensity (Cermak & van Loon, 2013).
 

References

• Burke, L. M., et al. (2011). Carbohydrates for training and competition. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(sup1), S17-S27.
• Cermak, N. M., & van Loon, L. J. (2013). The use of carbohydrates during exercise as an ergogenic aid. Sports Medicine, 43(11), 1139-1155.
• Jeukendrup, A. E. (2014). A step towards personalized sports nutrition: Carbohydrate intake during exercise. Sports Medicine, 44(1), 25-33.
• Meeusen, R. (2014). Exercise, nutrition and the brain. Sports Medicine, 44(Suppl 1), S47-S56.
• Stellingwerff, T., & Cox, G. R. (2014). Systematic review: Carbohydrate supplementation on exercise performance or capacity of varying durations. Sports Medicine, 44(Suppl 1), S57-S63.

 

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) in Bikefood®

BCAAs support cyclists by promoting muscle repair and reducing exercise-induced muscle breakdown, helping to alleviate soreness and improve endurance. Additionally, they may delay fatigue by inhibiting serotonin-related tiredness, supporting sustained performance during prolonged rides.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—comprising leucine, isoleucine, and valine—offer several benefits that may be particularly advantageous for cyclists. These essential amino acids are key to muscle protein synthesis, which supports muscle repair and reduces exercise-induced muscle breakdown (Shimomura et al., 2006). For cyclists, who often face extended periods of muscle exertion, BCAAs may help mitigate muscle soreness and fatigue, enabling faster recovery and improved endurance (Blomstrand, 2006).

BCAAs may reduce central fatigue by inhibiting the transport of tryptophan to the brain, which delays serotonin production associated with feelings of tiredness during prolonged exercise (Fernstrom, 2005). Some studies also suggest BCAAs may support immune function, an important factor for athletes under regular physical stress (Gleeson et al., 2011).

While BCAA supplementation can be beneficial, its effectiveness can vary based on individual needs, dietary intake, and intensity of exercise, making it essential to integrate them thoughtfully within a well-rounded nutrition plan which is why they have been included in the Bikefood® formula.
 

References

• Blomstrand, E. (2006). A Role for Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Reducing Central Fatigue. Journal of Nutrition, 136(2), 544S–547S.
• Fernstrom, J. D. (2005). Branched-chain amino acids and brain function. Journal of Nutrition, 135(6), 1539S–1546S.
• Gleeson, M., Bishop, N. C., & Walsh, N. P. (2011). Exercise Immunology. In The Encyclopaedia of Sports Medicine. IOC Medical Commission.
• Shimomura, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Bajotto, G., Sato, J., Murakami, T., Shimomura, N., Kobayashi, H., & Mawatari, K. (2006). Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle. Journal of Nutrition, 136(2), 529S–532S.

 

Electrolytes from natural sea salts in Bikefood® combined

Mediterranean sea salt in sports drinks helps competitive cyclists stay hydrated and replace important minerals lost through sweat, reducing muscle cramps and fatigue. It also supports quicker recovery and sustained endurance, making it a great choice for optimising performance during intense rides.

Mediterranean sea salt is an excellent source of electrolytes for cyclists, as it provides essential minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are vital for hydration and muscle function. These minerals help replace electrolytes lost through sweat, supporting muscle contractions, and reducing cramping risks during prolonged or intense cycling.

Unlike refined salts, Mediterranean sea salt retains trace minerals that contribute to fluid balance and aid in faster, more efficient rehydration, ultimately sustaining endurance and promoting recovery. Including Mediterranean sea salt in sports drinks can therefore help stabilise electrolyte levels, mitigate fatigue, and support recovery, making it a beneficial addition for cyclists aiming to optimise performance and resilience.
 

References

• Almond, M., et al. "Electrolyte Balance in Endurance Sports." Journal of Sports Nutrition (2021).
• Cogswell, L., et al. "Natural Salts and Trace Minerals in Hydration." Journal of Nutritional Science (2022).
• Turner, A., et al. "The Role of Electrolytes in Athletic Recovery." International Journal of Sports Medicine (2020).

 

Glutamine in Bikefood®

Glutamine helps cyclists by enhancing muscle recovery, reducing soreness, and supporting immune function, which is especially beneficial after long or intense rides. It also promotes cellular hydration and gut health, improving endurance and nutrient absorption during endurance cycling.

Glutamine supports cyclists by enhancing muscle recovery, boosting immunity, and aiding hydration and gut health. During intense training, glutamine levels can deplete, which increases muscle breakdown and fatigue. Supplementation with Glutamine helps reduce muscle soreness by supporting protein synthesis and lowering ammonia accumulation in muscles, facilitating faster recovery and sustained training (Hoffman et al., 2019). Glutamine also fuels immune cells, reducing the risk of illness after strenuous exercise (Castell & Newsholme, 2018).

Additionally, glutamine aids cellular hydration and electrolyte balance, essential for endurance, and supports gut integrity, which improves nutrient absorption and reduces gastrointestinal distress often experienced in endurance sports (Santos et al., 2020). These effects when combined with the other ingredients selected to be included in the Bikefood® forumula, help to deliver a very functional and effective cycling drink.
 

References

• Castell, L. M., & Newsholme, E. A. (2018). Glutamine and the immune system. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 62(1), 10-17.
• Hoffman, J. R., Ratamess, N. A., Kang, J., Rashti, S. L., & Faigenbaum, A. D. (2019). Effect of glutamine on post-exercise recovery in resistance-trained males. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(7), 1945-1954.
• Santos, V. C., Caperuto, E. C., & Costa Rosa, L. F. B. P. (2020). Effects of glutamine on muscle and intestinal functions. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 19(2), 87-92.

Vitamin C and Zinc in Bikefood®

For cyclists, zinc helps with muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, and supports the immune system, which is essential after intense rides. Vitamin C fights muscle soreness by reducing oxidative stress and promotes joint health by supporting connective tissues.

Zinc and vitamin C play essential roles in supporting cyclists' health and performance. Zinc is crucial for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis, all of which aid recovery after intense rides (Prasad, 2013). It also assists in maintaining muscle function and reducing inflammation (Maares & Haase, 2020).

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, combats oxidative stress produced during prolonged exercise, reducing muscle soreness and improving endurance (Peake et al., 2015). Furthermore, it boosts collagen synthesis, aiding connective tissue health, which is beneficial for cyclists' joint stability (Li et al., 2018).

Regular intake of these nutrients can enhance recovery and potentially improve overall endurance, which is why we have included them in the Bikefood® formula, to keep you out on the bike all year round.

References

• Prasad, A. S. (2013). Discovery of human zinc deficiency: Its impact on human health and disease. Advances in Nutrition, 4(2), 176-190.
• Maares, M., & Haase, H. (2020). A guide to human zinc absorption: General overview and recent advances of in vitro intestinal models. Nutrients, 12(3), 762.
• Peake, J. M., Suzuki, K., & Coombes, J. S. (2015). The influence of antioxidant supplementation on markers of inflammation and the relationship to oxidative stress after exercise. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 57(1), 1-9.
• Li, Y., Yao, J., Han, C., Yang, J., & Wang, X. (2018). Stability of collagen: Effects of antioxidants and ions. Journal of Nutrition and Health & Aging, 22(4), 446-455.