Lucozade Body Fuel Isotonic Powder Stick Pack x24

Lucozade is a name brand more commonly associated with leisure centres rather than competitive cycling. What’s little known about Lucozade is it conducts and funds more research than most, if not all, sports nutrition companies. In my many years as a student I have had the pleasure of being at the sharp end of some tests as a “lab rat” for Lucozades research, usually consisting of horribly painful tests to exhaustion. Lucozades 33% longer claim is well known by most people although how it is substantiated is not so well understood.

The method for test was a 75min football match simulation, this takes the form of a series of shuttle runs at different speeds, followed by a time to exhaustion at a higher rate. The 33% longer is time to exhaustion at the higher intensity in comparison to water. The Body Fuel is an isotonic carbohydrate formula and is the staple of the recently re-launched Lucozade Sport range which in my opinion is definitely not one to be over looked.

Body Fuel uses a blend of carbohydrate consisting of 43% Maltodextrin and 47% Dextrose. The exact composition of carbohydrates will have an effect on performance however general advice is to make sure you hit 60 grams an hour (the maximum you can absorb) as this will have significant gains rather than stressing over small percentages. The word “Isotonic” refers to the salt concentration. An isotonic solution has the same concentration of salt as a normal cell in your body, this helps replace salts but also aids absorption rate. High salt content is only really needed on really hot days so just for training and racing in normal conditions I think the isotonic formula is pretty spot on. It also has a supply of B vitamins which is useful.

I personally find the recommended concentration of most sports drinks too high to stomach. One sachet of Body Fuel is designed for 500ml providing 30grams of carbs. This concentration will be based on rates for optimum absorption. I found the mix to be perfect at 900ml – ironically the size of my favorite SiS bottles. For rides of about 3 hours this would be great when supplemented with a couple of bars. On longer base days of 5-6 hours taking two bottles with a sachet each was good, again with bars and gels. The sachets I tested were raspberry flavour. I have to say this was pretty pleasant so far as these things go, not overly sweet and it hasn’t stained or left nasty energy drink aromas in my bottles. Top marks.

Verdict

Lucozade Body Fuel is definitely one of the better drinks that I have tried based on taste, ease of use and perceived effect out on the road. Although for the purposes of this test I cannot quantify how much affect this product has in relation to its many competitors Body Fuel is a convenient and pleasant way to keep “topped up” when out on the bike for longer. Perhaps not the most environmentally friendly setup in individual sachets but does have the added advantage of being easy to mix, store and transport to races. A good taste and not harsh on bottles - I am a definite convert and will be buying some for training and racing this year for sure.