All Styrkr’s products are powered by it, but what does it do and why do we utilise it across our sports fuel range?
Plasma is the largest component of human blood by volume, at approximately 55%. Blood plasma has many different uses in medicine and serves many different purposes in the human body. However, its primary function is to carry water, nutrients, electrolytes, hormones and proteins around the body and distribute them where they’re needed most.
Styrkr’s pioneering PlasmaTECH uses blood plasma to quickly and effectively distribute specific components around your body to improve performance during endurance sports.
Dual-carbs + L-glutamine (MIX60, MIX90 & MIX90 Caffeine+)
During intense activity carbohydrates are your body’s primary energy source and more can be absorbed per hour when they come from dual sources.
Styrkr drink mixes and gels contain two transportable carbohydrates – maltodextrin and fructose – at a ratio of 1:0.8 to improve the exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rate and cause the least amount of gut discomfort compared to ratios of 1:1.25 and 2:1.
That’s the dual carbs bit.
However, Styrkr powders also contain the amino acid L-glutamine. So how does that give you the competitive edge?
As early as 1922, ammonia has been linked to the onset of fatigue. High ammonia levels in blood impact both peripheral and central fatigue and so it’s in the best interest of athletes that they are reduced as much as possible. L-glutamine helps control the onset of ammonia meaning you can go harder for longer, all the way to your finish line.
L-Citrulline & L-Arginine Gel (GEL30, GEL30 Caffeine+)
All Styrkr’s advanced dual-carb gels have been designed to provide an additional energy boost during intense exercise.
Much like our MIX drink powders, our GELs use dual-carbs – maltodextrin and fructose – at a ratio of 1:0.8.
However, our GEL30 and GEL30 Caffeine+ also contain L-citrulline and L-arginine. So how do they boost performance? By inhibiting fatigue induced by exercise and having vasodilatory effects that can help increase power output with nitric oxide.
L-arginine is the main precursor of nitric oxide. L-citrulline has the ability to be converted to L-arginine, but is equally important as it’s not subject to pre-systemic elimination and can therefore be a more efficient way to increase extracellular L-Arginine levels, which means more nitric oxide. This is significant as it has been proposed that nitric oxide increases time to exhaustion in endurance athletes.
In English? Styrkr GELs that contain L-citrulline and L-arginine help you go harder for longer, all the way to your finish line.
Natural nitrates (GEL30 Nitro+)
Our GEL30 Nitro+ is a total one-of-a-kind. It really is. It’s the only energy gel on the market that combines a dual-carb fuelling system with natural nitrate extracts. But why?
Beetroot extract and amaranthus leaf extract are dietary nitrates that are converted to nitrites in the body, which can be stored and circulated in the blood.
When there is low oxygen available – such as during vigorous exercise – nitrite is converted to nitric oxide which results in greater power output without affecting VO2.
A summary: GEL30 Nitro+ increases performance at a lower ‘oxygen cost’ allowing everyday athletes to go harder for longer – and then some.
Caffeine and L-Theanine (MIX90 Cafeine+, GEL30 Caffeine+)
Our MIX90 Caffeine+ and GEL30 Caffeine+ contain both caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that helps athletes during vigorous exercise by increasing alertness, reducing perceived effort and pain and helping your mind stay focused on the task ahead.
L-theanine increases alpha wave production, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. When combined with caffeine, it increases focus and alertness without any irritation, meaning you can stay focussed and push harder for longer.
