Maurten has officially arrived at The Fuelling Hub, and while the hype is real, the reason behind the hype is even better. It all comes down to Hydrogel Technology.
If you have ever wondered why so many runners, triathletes and cyclists swear by Maurten, the answer is not only that it works. It is because the science behind it solves one of the biggest problems endurance athletes face: getting enough carbohydrates in without upsetting the stomach.
So let’s break down what hydrogel actually is, why it matters and how it could change your fuelling strategy.
What exactly is hydrogel
Hydrogel is a natural, jelly like matrix made from two ingredients:
- Alginate
-
Pectin
When these two meet the acidic environment of your stomach (drink Mix), they form gel structure. Think of it like a soft, flexible shell that wraps around the carbohydrates.
This structure is the key to everything Maurten is known for.
How Hydrogel Technology works inside your body
Here is the science behind why it works:
1. You take the gel.
Maurten gels look like regular gels, but their formula is designed for what happens next.
2. The stomach acid triggers the transformation.
When the gel hits your stomach, the hydrogel acts like a protective coating around the carbohydrates (drink mix). Hydrogel is already formed in the sachet for Maurten Gels.
3. The carbs are carried straight through the stomach.
This is to avoid potential bloating, nausea and discomfort, especially at higher intensity. Maurten’s hydrogel stays structurally stable in the stomach, allowing it to pass through faster with less irritation.
4. The gel breaks down where absorption actually happens: your intestine.
Once the hydrogel reaches the intestine, a less acidic environment, it dissolves. This is where your body can absorb carbohydrates efficiently and comfortably.
Why hydrogel is a game changer for endurance athletes
- Better stomach comfort
Moving quickly through the stomach reduces the chance of mid race gut issues.
- Higher carbohydrate intake
Hydrogel allows athletes to take in more carbohydrates per hour which is a huge advantage in Ironman, marathons and long course racing.
- Light and clean texture
Because the gel is built around a scientific delivery system, not sweeteners or additives, it feels cleaner when taken.
Maurten gels are now available at The Fuelling Hub. If you want to trial the range, we have created a Maurten Taster Pack so you can experiment with different gels, carb amounts and caffeine options before building your race day plan.
