Science

Olway™ products are supported by the latest research and designed to empower all athletes to perform.

When doing any activity at moderate to high intensity, the body uses two key energy sources: carbohydrates and electrolytes. As these energy sources are depleted, replenishing with an optimal formula of carbohydrates and electrolytes has been shown to maintain energy levels and hydration, enhance mental performance, and expedite muscle recovery (Podlogar & Wallis, 2022; Veniamakis et al., 2022).

Energy & Hydration

Carbohydrates help replenish the energy your body uses during exercise, helping you perform during activity. Electrolytes restore minerals lost through sweat, maintaining fluid balance and muscle function to help prevent cramps and keep you hydrated.

Muscle Recovery

Carbohydrates and electrolytes help speed up recovery by replenishing energy stores after exercise, maintaining fluid balance to avoid dehydration, and aiding in protein synthesis to promote muscle adaptation.

Mental Performance

Carbohydrates fuel your brain, helping with focus, memory, and quick decision-making during physical and mental tasks. Electrolytes keep fluid levels stable and support nerve function, which helps you think clearly and prevents mental fatigue.

Deeper Dive

Carbohydrates

During moderate to high-intensity activity, the body relies primarily on carbohydrates as its main source of energy. As exercise duration increases, carbohydrates remain the preferred and most efficient energy source for immediate usage. After approximately 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, those energy stores begin to deplete (Podlogar & Wallis, 2022). By fueling with carbohydrates during activity, the body is supplied with the energy it needs to sustain endurance, optimize performance, and speed up recovery.

Olway™ was born from the idea of creating high-quality nutrition products without unknown ingredients or high costs. We use two types of carbohydrates in our formulas in a 2:1 ratio. Studies suggest this ratio of carbohydrates maximizes the percentage of carbohydrates muscles can use for energy when consuming up to 90g per hour (O'Brien & Rowlands, 2011).

Maltodextrin

A form of glucose that provides a steady release of energy that has been shown to support performance and help avoid gastrointestinal issues. It has a mild flavor compared to other sugars making it an ideal addition to our formulas helping athletes reduce flavor fatigue.

Fructose

A sugar derived from fruits, honey, some vegetables, and certain grains. It is absorbed slower than glucose, helping to maintain steady energy levels over longer periods of time. When combined with maltodextrin, it offers an extra energy source without overloading the body’s primary absorption pathways (O'Brien & Rowlands, 2011).

Electrolytes

Electrolytes play a vital role in regulating fluid balance in the body and supporting proper muscle function during activity. Without sufficient electrolyte balance, the body can struggle to maintain optimal function, leading to dehydration, muscle cramps, and impaired cognitive function (Veniamakis et al., 2022; McCubbin & Costa, 2018). In short, electrolytes keep muscles working properly, making them critical for sustaining physical and mental performance during and after exercise.

Sodium Citrate

During physical activity, the body loses electrolytes through sweat, most notably sodium. Performance Drink Mix uses sodium citrate as its electrolyte supply. This is used to enhance performance by buffering lactic acid in muscles to help delay fatigue and aid in hydration to support mental performance (McCubbin & Costa, 2018). It also helps the body efficiently convert carbohydrates into energy by optimizing fluid uptake.

Supporting Information

  • Ingestion: The act of consuming carbohydrates through your mouth.

    Absorption: The process of transporting nutrients (like glucose or fructose) from the digestive system into the bloodstream.

    Oxidation: The metabolic conversion of carbohydrates into usable energy by the muscles during exercise.

    Efficiency: The percentage of ingested carbohydrates that are successfully oxidized and converted to energy, minimizing waste or discomfort.

  • Jeukendrup, A. E., & McLaughlin, J. (2011). Carbohydrate ingestion during exercise: Effects on performance, training adaptations, and gut comfort. Sports Science Exchange, 26(108), 1–5

    Podlogar, T., & Wallis, G. A. (2022). New horizons in carbohydrate research and application for endurance athletes. Sports Medicine, S1–S14

    O'Brien, W. J., & Rowlands, D. S. (2011). Fructose-maltodextrin ratio in a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution differentially affects exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rate, gut comfort, and performance. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 300(1), G181–G189.

    Veniamakis, E., Kaplanis, G., Voulgaris, P., & Nikolaidis, P. T. (2022). Effects of sodium intake on health and performance in endurance and ultra-endurance sports. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3651).

    McCubbin, A. J., & Costa, R. J. S. (2018). Impact of sodium ingestion during exercise on endurance performance: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Science, 8(3), 97-107.

Olway™ is a sports nutrition brand empowering all athletes to perform.