How Does Energy Product Affect the Rate of Absorption and its Subsequent Use - Research Paper Example

1.0 Introduction To perform any sort of activity we need energy and this energy basically comes from food, the fact is pretty well known. It is withthe understanding of this basic concept and further detailed studying of biochemistry and various biochemical processes that act when we work that industries came up with various energy boosters to help highly active people, like athletes, remain active while working. Energy boosters are products that provide instantaneous energy. It hence helps in getting over the fatigue because of low energy or provides a boost of energy to enhance performance. It basically supplements the needs of body by providing an easier way out. It simply shortens the process while in its absence body would have tried to provide the same amount of energy by using the reserve of body or the body would provide enough energy to get the work done but with some consequences like extreme fatigue or poor performance. However, with so many energy boosters available in market, it is hard to make a choice or to believe which one is the best. In fact it is not just various brands that confuse consumers but also energy products are available in various forms like bars, gels or in liquid forms. In order to lesser this confusion I present my study on how various forms of Staminade energy products affect the subsequent level of glucose in body and thus affect the performance of the concerned individual. 1.1 Background The basic idea of how food provides energy is that it is simply broken down into smaller pieces (Digestion), and is ultimately converted to glucose to provide energy. No matter what the source is, it has to be ultimately converted to glucose to provide energy. This glucose provides energy in the form of ATP. This energy in the form of ATP is then utilised to perform various activities that also includes contraction of muscle. Athletes need extra energy since they perform rigorous exercises that involve extended use of muscles or heavy use of more muscles or both. Since in such strenuous conditions body cannot maintain the basic aerobic conditions needed for complete breakdown of glucose to ATP, they instead try to provide energy through other pathway, where glucose is anaerobically broken down. This anaerobic pathway does provide energy but that is less compared to the aerobic pathway, also it leads to accumulation of lactic acid which causes fatigue and pain. Whatever be the conditions, whether aerobic or anaerobic, it is glucose that is being ultimately utilised for energy production. Food can be classified into either as a carbohydrate source, or a protein source or a fat source. Generally food that we intake has all the three. The three are broken down through various enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract to yield glucose, fructose, galactose, amino acids, fatty acids and triacylglycerols. The products are then absorbed in the small intestine and then through blood stream are transported to various sites. Amino acids are utilized as building blocks of body. Fatty acids and triacylglycerols generally are stored as subcutaneous fat. Glucose is either immediately utilised or is converted to glycogen by liver and is stored as such in liver and muscles. This glycogen, at the time of need, is converted back to glucose to yield energy. Also when glycogen stores are full, excess glucose gets stores as fat in fat cells, adipocytes (Quinn, Elizabeth). Under circumstances of depletion of required amount of glycogen, fat is utilised to provide energy and if there is continued depletion, then proteins are utilised by body in an effort to provide energy for the basic processes of body. However, that is a stretched out condition and occurs in a state of continuous starvation. So, the question arises that why are there energy products when body has sufficient reserve to last for many days. These energy products help in maintaining the body in a good condition by avoiding the situation where body reserves are used. Muscle use increases the need for blood glucose during exercise, and this can deplete the muscle glycogen stores (Ryan, Monique). Some athletes use the expression "carbo load" when referring to the nutrition they consume before exercise to boost energy and performance. Thus, athletes typically load up on carbohydrates to ensure that there is continuous supply of energy. Sport nutrition supplements are used for this purpose and they ensure carbon load and hydration (if liquid) before, during, and after exercise. Sports drinks that contain carbohydrates are also a source of water for hydration during exercise and can be used to ensure optimal blood glucose level (Tucker, Sheila). Carbohydrates stored as glycogen lasts according to the length and intensity of the exercise (ranging from 30 to 90 minutes or more). Sufficient glycogen stores are needed to avoid running out of energy and these stores must be replenished during long periods of exercise (Quinn, Elizabeth). 1.1 Research Purpose The three main objectives of this research are: To understand the effect of different forms of energy products on performance of an individual. To understand the basic working of any energy product. To check whether energy products are true to their claims and whether they have any side effects. With these three main objectives in mind I continue my research. Next I discuss the methodology used by me, the results of the experiment and finally I conclude this paper with an analysis of the data obtained from the experiment. 2.0 Methodology In order to understand the effect of various energy product forms in the blood glucose level, I conducted a study where an athlete was given the three forms of energy products and subsequently blood glucose level was measured and the differences in the results from the three forms were then understood. To maintain accuracy for the experiment, it is necessary to consume the same quantity of each product because each product has a different mass or volume. There is also a carbohydrate and calorie volume difference for each product; this is shown in Appendix 1 ingredients table. Calories are burned during exercise, and therefore the benchmark will be the calorie volume of each product. Even though the mass of each product will be reduced to cater for an equal amount of calories, this results in an equal reduction of all ingredients which will stay equal when the product mass is reduced. Appendix 1 also presents the equation that establishes the weight of each product. 2.1 Materials and Procedures Equipment 10 x 16.5 g Staminade Sport Gel sachets 10 x 12.56 g Staminade Sport Fuel Bar 10 x 15.3 ml Staminade Endure Drink Accu-Chek Blood glucose tester (mg/dL) Treadmill Stopwatch Scale Variables The independent variable is the different forms of Staminade energy products. The dependent variable is the blood glucose levels. Unit/s How the variable will be measured Independent Types of nutrition Sport Gel Sport Fuel Bar Endure Drink Grams (g) 16.5 g 12.56 g 15.3 ml Dependent Blood glucose level Mg/dL Blood glucose tester Before taking the substance 15 min after taking the substance Directly after 30 min of aerobic activity Controlled Variables Variable/s How the variable will be measured Factors kept constant (controlled variables) 1. Product 2. Calories 3. Flavor 4. Speed of treadmill 5. Distance run on the treadmill 6. Running time on the treadmill 7. Calories burned in each trial 8. Times blood glucose levels are taken 1. Staminade Endure 2. Same quantity of calories = 50 calories 3. Berry flavor 4. 5.5 km/H 5. 2700 meter 6. 30 min 7. 169 calories 8. Before taking the substance, 10 min after and directly after 30 min of aerobic activity Besides the above mentioned variables other factors like the time of activity were also given considerable thought. The subject was not put under any special diet and followed his routine diet. The experiment was conducted on morning, the next day, at 8:00 AM, which was also the routine training time of the subject. The subject did not consume anything before the exercise. The same person was used for the experiments. The age of subject was 26 years and gender was male. Sequence of testing 1. The trial period is 30 days (6 weeks, Sunday to Thursday). In order to compare results, ensure accuracy and to allow for any possible abnormal high or low blood glucose readings which may occur, 10 trials for each product form will be done, once daily, starting at 08:00. 2. No special diet is followed. The normal, uncontrolled daily routine consisting of meals and exercise with the last food or liquid intake at 22:00 on the previous night. Nothing was given prior to the exercise. 3. In the exercise room, using the Blood Glucose tester, take blood glucose level in mg/dL before starting the experiment or consuming anything, and record the reading on the spreadsheet. Accu-Chek Blood Glucose tester is an easy device to use and testing is done on finger. 4. Immediately after the glucose test take 17 g Sport Gel. 5. Start the stopwatch immediately after drinking the Sport Gel. 6. After 10 min take blood glucose level in mg/dL and record the findings on the spreadsheet. 7. Start running on the treadmill for 30 min at a speed of 5.5 km/H. 8. After the 30 min run is completed, immediately take blood glucose level and record the findings on the spreadsheet. 9. When the 10 day trial with the Sport Gel is completed, repeat the same 10 day trial with the Fuel Bar and Endure Drink. 3.0 Data Collection The following chart presents the data of the experiment conducted. Percentage Increase/Decrease in Blood Glucose levels (mg/dL) (± 0. 1) Sport Gel Fuel Bar Sport drink Before intake and 10 min after (%) 10 Min after and after 30 min of exercise (%) Before intake and after 30 min of exercise (%) Before intake and 10 min after (%) 10 Min after and after 30 min of exercise (%) Before intake and after 30 min of exercise (%) Before intake and 10 min after (%) 10 Min after and after 30 min of exercise (%) Before intake and after 30 min of exercise (%) 36.2 27.6 13.6 25.4 7.1 24.5 35.9 28.0 - 2.2 30.3 18.5 16.9 19.7 9.0 13.3 39.8 31.5 - 4.3 22.6 17.4 6.7 20.0 10.0 12.5 50.6 31.3 3.4 31.7 23.6 11.9 30.8 13.7 24.7 50.6 28.1 8.2 29.0 27.5 2.2 28.6 10.1 25.9 42.9 33.1 - 4.4 30.8 25.6 7.4 32.8 12.6 23.1 43.4 32.8 - 3.6 29.4 27.9 2.1 26.4 7.8 25.3 31.1 30.5 - 8.9 30.2 27.1 4.4 17.0 7.0 12.1 34.1 26.4 - 1.2 35.4 30.6 7.4 29.9 11.1 26.8 27.2 23.1 - 2.2 27.3 17.3 13.8 27.2 12.8 19.8 52.3 29.9 6.8 Average 29.3 24.3 8.6 25.8 10.1 20.8 40.8 29.5 -0.84 4.0 Data Analysis Fig. 1 Fig. 1 shows the average percentage increase of blood glucose levels before intake and 10 min after intake. It is evident that there is an increase in blood glucose levels in each product. The Sport drink had the highest percentage increase which was 40.8%. The difference between the lowest which is Fuel Bar (25.8%) and the highest which was the sport drink (40.8%) is 15.0%. This difference arises because liquids provide instant energy and glucose compared to bars which contain more amounts of complex carbohydrates. Fig. 2 Fig. 2 shows that the decrease in blood glucose level after 30 min of exercise is highest for sport drink at 29.5%. Also, there is not a big difference in decrease between Sport gel (24.3%) and Sport Drink (29.5%). The results can be explained on the basis of the same argument as provided for Fig 1. Sport gel and Sport drink contain more amounts of simple sugars and hence are instantly utilized providing a short burst of energy. Since, bars have complex sugars they provide glucose for sufficiently longer period, and not just a short burst of energy. Fig. 3 Fig. 3 shows blood glucose levels after 30 min of exercise in comparison to the initial recordings of before any intake. It is clearly evident that the blood glucose level is higher than the initial for both fuel bar and sport gel; however, a negative reading for sport drink is surprising. The result can be because of more hydration provided by sport drink which would prevent overheating of muscles and thus allow them to burn calories more easily, thus causing more utilisation of glucose. On the other hand, the result can be indicative of an error that occurred during the experiment which can be because of several reasons. 5.0 Discussion As is evident from the analysis of the graphs above there is difference in the activity of the three products. The explanation for the difference in increase rate of blood glucose levels between the Fuel bar and the other two forms of the product can be found in the product ingredients. Sport nutrition products typically contain 6% - 8% carbohydrates, plus electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to aid absorption resulting in a rapid increase of glucose levels (McDonald, Alex). (Both the Sport gel and the Endure drink contains this). The Fuel bar does not contain any electrolytes it contains protein, simple and complex carbohydrates, fat and saturated fats which the Sport gel and Endure drink do not have. These fats and proteins resulted in a slower absorption into the blood stream which becomes the energy source. The ingredients of the Fuel bar results in a slower decrease of blood glucose levels. (Collins, Anne). The reason for this slower decrease in the Fuel bar is because of the proteins and fats. Proteins and fat break down at a slower rate. In addition, the complex carbohydrates break down at a slower rate than the simple carbohydrates. Thus, the Fuel bar will provide energy for a longer period of time due to the time needed to breakdown each ingredient. First the simple carbohydrates will be used for energy, then the complex carbohydrates followed by the body’s use of glucose from the proteins and fats in the Fuel bar, which is not supplied by the Sport gel and Endure drink. However, it is to be noted that during exercise, without further consumption, blood glucose levels drop despite the sport nutrition products containing 25g - 37g (Appendix 1) of carbohydrates. 5.1 Evaluation, Limitation, and Suggestions Despite the fact that enough measures were taken to prevent any flaws in the experiment but there are some basic limitations that did limit my research. Since there was a single subject in the experiment it is difficult to generalise the results for everybody. Using more number of subjects I would have been able to generalise the results and thus provide a stronger base to my research findings. Besides this main limitation of my study, I cannot deny that performing such laborious task is always tiring and can involve errors because of human mistakes. Also, the research was long and took almost more than a month to be completed. In spite of the limitations, I do think that the research is beneficial too. Even though I used a single subject but that also meant that the data was not highly variable. Even though different subjects would have added the benefit of generalising the results but the various metabolic rates would have lead to a wide ranged data which would have made the task even more laborious. Also, I think I provided conditions that were good for conducting the experiment. Since I allowed the subject to consume his normal diet the night before, I was able to observe the effect of the products just as they would have under normal situations of its use. Also, the time for which the subject ran on treadmill was constant and thus basically helped in providing a comparative study. My study was basically a comparative study and hence the conditions provided were good enough to conduct the study. However, if I study products individually then the conditions provided are perhaps not optimum. It would be good to keep a control, where the subject was kept in his basal metabolic condition to study the effect that the products had on the subject. In all, despite its limitations the study does provide an idea about the differences in working of various forms of energy products. 5.2 Conclusion The research proved that the Staminade Endure products have an immediate effect on an athlete’s blood glucose level after consumption. While products in fluid form provide instant energy, bars act as source of energy for longer period. When partaking in longer duration exercises, it is necessary to have a constant intake of sport nutrition products while exercising in order to keep the blood glucose levels constant, under such conditions bar is a better option. Energy products were true to their claim, and had no side effects. Energy products are important for athletes and this study confirms the need of energy products for athletes. REFERENCE AND BIBLIOGRAPHY Magazines 1. Hellmich, Nanci. “Exercise Aids Blood Sugar Levels.” USA Today, September 18, 2007, pp. S1-2. 2. Snyder, Leslie. “Raising the Energy Bar.” Living Fuel, 2010, pp. 1-3. World Wide Web 1. Bailey, Christine. “Nutrition: Natural Energy Boosters.” 2010. Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club Norfolk, Nebraska. http://nencycling.org/nutrition:_natural_energy_boosters 2. Cycling performance Tips. Energy Bars, Energy Gels- are additives helpful? February 2010. http://www.cptips.com/addedit.htm 3. Collins, Anne. “Body Fat Explained. What Is The Purpose Of Storing Body Fat? 2007. http://www.annecollins.com/body-fat-adipose-tissue-guide.htm 4. Esmont, Erin. Energy Gels Pack a Punch for Your Workout. 2010. http://www.active.com/mountainbiking/Articles/Energy_gels_pack_a_punch_for_your_workout.htm 5. Jensen, Christopher D. Powerbar Sport Nutrition Products. 2010. http://www.powerbar.com/articles/101/POWERBAR%C2%AE%20Sports%20Nutrition%20Products%20What%20To%20Take,%20When,%20and,%20Why.aspx 6. Kevin. “Carbo Loading, Exercise, and Low Carb Diets.” 2010. Healthy Mind Fit Body. http://healthymindfitbody.com/2010/09/05/carbo-loading-exercise-and-low-carb-diets-2/ 7. Larson, Enette D. “Vegetarian Diet for Exercise and Athletic Training and Performing: An Update.” 2010. American Dietetic Association. Vegetarian Nutrition is a dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association. http://www.vegetariannutrition.net/articles/Vegetarian-Nutrition-For-Athletes.php 8. Loeser, James. “The Basics of Absorption and Metabolism of a Meal.” 2002. Aikido World. http://www.aikido-world.com/articles/Absorption-Metabolism.htm 9. Mac, Brian. “Sports Drinks,” 2010. October 4, 2010 http://www.brianmac.co.uk/drinks.htm 10. McDonald, Alex M., MD. “Energy Drinks and Exercise.” Powerbar, 2010. October 4, 2010 http://www.powerbar.com/articles/109/ energy-drinks-and- exercise.aspx 11. Mayo Clinic. “Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier.” 2010. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/strength-training/HQ01710/METHOD=print 12. Muscle Science. Bio Science. 2010 http://www.musclescience.co.za/products/boost-performance 13. O’Conner, Helen. Sport Foods for Athletes: What Works? 2010. http://www.karateathlete.com/Pages/SportsFoods.html 14. Peterson, David. “The Science of Carbohydrate Loading.” 2010. Marathon Training. http://www.marathontraining.com/articles/art_39th.htm 15. Quinn, Elizabeth. “Sports Nutrition - How Carbohydrate Provides Energy for Exercise – Carbs.” 2007. Sports Medicine. http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportsnutrition/a/Carbohydrates.htm 16. Rail, Kevin. “Effects of Exercise on Blood Glucose,” 2010. October 4, 2010 http://www.ehow.com/facts_4854103_effects-exercise-blood-glucose.html, 17. REI. How to Choose Energy Foods. 2010. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/energy+foods.html 18. Ryan, Monique. Liquid Versus Solid. 2009. Bailey, Christine. “Nutrition: Natural Energy Boosters.” 2010. Elkhorn Valley Cycling Club Norfolk, Nebraska. http://nencycling.org/nutrition:_natural_energy_boosters 19. Tucker, Sheila. “Do You Know What Your Sports Supplement is? 2010. Boston College. http://www.bc.edu/offices/dining/nutrition/topics/supplements.html APPENDIXES 1: Ingredients Endure Drink Sport Fuel Bars Sport Gel Active ingredients Per 45 gram serving Per 40 gram serving Per 33 gram serving Calories Protein Carbohydrates Simple Carbohydrates Complex Carbohydrates Fat Saturated Fat Potassium Sodium Magnesium Chloride Calcium Phosphate Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Folic Acid Biotin Maltodextrin Fructose Taurine BCAA’s Histidine 147cal - 37g - - - - 100mg 75mg 100mg 117mg 53mg 250mg 75mg 0.28mg 0.32mg 3.6mg 1.3mg 0.4mg 0.2ug 0.04mg 0.02mg - - - - - 159cal 3.5g 28g 22g 7g 3.68g 2,76g - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100cal - 25g - - - - 55mg 125mg - - 100mg - - - 1.7mg 20mg - 2mg 6ug - - 20g 5g 100mg 200mg 50mg (http://www.musclescience.co.za/products/boost-performance) 2. Equations establishing the weight of each product The following was utilized to establish the required amounts of the Sport Gel, Fuel Bar, and Endure drink to be used. Sport Gel Mass of product per portion: 33 g Calories per portion: 100 Cal 33/100 = 0.33 g of the gel is 1 Cal The Gel contains 100 calories, which needs to be reduced to 50 calories. 50 Calories = 50 x 0.33 g = 16.5 g Final mass of product: 16.5 g . (Allowing for accurate weighing 17 g is used.) Fuel Bar Mass of product per portion: 40 g Calories per portion: 159 Cal 40/159 = 0.251 g of the bar is 1 Cal The Fuel Bar contains 159 calories, which needs to be reduced to 50 calories. 50 Calories = 0.251x 40 g = 12.56 g Final mass of product: 12.56 g (Allowing for accurate weighing 13 g is used.) Endure Drink Mass of product per portion: 45 g Calories per portion: 147 Cal 45/147 = 0.306 ml of the drink is 1 Cal The drink contains 147 calories, which needs to be reduced to 50 calories. 50 Calories =0,306 x 45 ml = 15.3 ml Final mass of product: 15.3 ml (Allowing for accurate measuring 15 ml is used). 3: Test Results Blood Glucose levels (mg/dL) Sport Gel Fuel Bar Sport drink Before 10 Min after After 30 min of exercise Before 10 Min after After 30 min of exercise Before 10 Min after After 30 min of exercise 81 127 92 94 126 117 92 125 90 83 119 97 98 122 111 93 130 89 89 115 95 88 110 99 87 131 90 84 123 94 81 117 101 85 128 92 93 131 95 85 119 107 91 130 87 81 117 87 80 119 104 83 119 80 96 136 98 95 129 119 90 118 82 90 129 94 83 100 93 82 110 81 95 147 102 82 117 104 92 117 90 80 110 91 91 125 109 88 134 94 Read More