Hi,
Let's talk about something that sounds boring but actually matters: gel ratios.
Some gels on the market use maltodextrin as the primary carb source. That's fine. Your body can absorb about 60g of glucose per hour through one intestinal transporter.
But here's where it gets interesting.
The Two-Pathway Advantage
Cadence Gel uses a 1:0.8 ratio of glucose-to-fructose. Why does this matter?
Because glucose and fructose use completely different intestinal transporters to get into your bloodstream. Think of it like having two checkout lanes open instead of one—you can process more carbs without backing up the system.
Studies show this combination allows athletes to absorb up to 90g of carbs per hour (versus the 60g limit with glucose alone). That's a 50% increase in fuel availability.
The specific 1:0.8 ratio isn't random either. Research from Massey University tested different ratios (0.5, 0.8, and 1.25) during 150-minute cycling trials. The 0.8 ratio showed the best combination of absorption rate, oxidation, and performance.
The Electrolyte Component
Where most gels fall short is electrolyte balance. Cadence includes: