Why is Maurten's Hydrogel Gel Technology so effective?
Posted on February 13 2025
When it comes to endurance sports like running, proper fueling can be the difference between hitting a personal best and hitting the dreaded wall. For years, athletes have relied on gels, drinks, and chews to replenish their energy stores during long runs, but gastrointestinal (GI) issues have often plagued these solutions. Enter Maurten's innovative hydrogel technology—a game-changer in sports nutrition.
The paradox is that to optimise performance an athlete needs to replenish energy through the absorption of carbohydrates (mainly sugars) through the stomach however the stomach can be overloaded leading to "gut bombs"
Maurten have supported Eliud Kipchoge and they report that before they worked together Eliud could absorb around 37g of carbohydrate per hour. When he worked with Maurten during the sub 2 hour marathon challenge, Maurten were able to increase this to over 100grams.
This blog explores what makes Maurten's hydrogel unique and why it's so effective for carbohydrate absorption during running.
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What Is Hydrogel Technology?
At its core, Maurten's hydrogel is a biopolymer matrix made of natural ingredients, such as alginate (from seaweed) and pectin (from fruits). When mixed with water and ingested, this matrix encapsulates carbohydrates in a gel-like structure. Unlike traditional energy gels, Maurten’s hydrogel is designed to form in the stomach under specific pH conditions, creating a unique mechanism for delivering carbohydrates to the body.
The Key Benefits of Maurten's Hydrogel Technology
1. Improved Carbohydrate Delivery
Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source during high-intensity exercise. However, consuming large amounts of sugar can overwhelm the stomach, leading to discomfort and inefficient absorption. Maurten’s hydrogel encapsulates carbohydrates and allows them to pass through the stomach to the intestines, where they can be absorbed more efficiently. This method significantly reduces the risk of carb overload in the stomach and ensures that the energy is delivered where it’s needed most.
2. Reduced Gastrointestinal (GI) Distress
One of the biggest challenges runners face with traditional energy products is GI distress—bloating, cramping, or nausea caused by sugary, sticky gels. Maurten’s hydrogel technology eliminates this issue by shielding the stomach lining from direct contact with carbohydrates. The gel structure keeps the stomach environment stable and minimizes irritation, making it an excellent choice for runners with sensitive stomachs.
3. High Carbohydrate Intake Without Compromise
For endurance athletes, consuming enough carbohydrates during long runs is essential, but the stomach’s ability to process them is limited. Maurten’s products allow athletes to consume up to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour—nearly double the amount typically recommended—without triggering GI issues. This is crucial for maintaining energy levels during marathons, ultramarathons, or other long-distance events.
4. Natural Ingredients and Neutral Flavor
Many sports nutrition products are loaded with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which some runners find unappealing. Maurten’s hydrogel products are made from natural ingredients and have a neutral flavor profile, making them easy to consume even during intense physical effort. This simplicity ensures that athletes can focus on their performance rather than worrying about an upset stomach or overly sweet flavors.
5. Optimized for High-Performance Athletes
Maurten has become a staple among elite athletes, including marathon world record holders like Eliud Kipchoge. The hydrogel technology’s ability to deliver fast, sustained energy has been tested at the highest levels of competition. For recreational runners, this means access to the same cutting-edge technology used by the best in the world.
Maurten’s Product Line: A Quick Overview
Maurten offers a range of products that incorporate its hydrogel technology:
- Drink Mix 160 and 320: Powdered drink mixes that turn into a hydrogel when mixed with water and consumed. The numbers (160 and 320) refer to the carbohydrate concentration in calories.
- Maurten Gel 100 and CAF 100: Pre-made gels, including a caffeinated version, that deliver carbohydrates in a hydrogel format for convenience during races or long runs.
- Solid: A bar-like product for athletes who prefer chewable options while still benefiting from Maurten’s science-backed nutrition.
Tips for Using Maurten During Running
To get the best results, consider these tips:
- Test During Training: As with any nutrition product, practice using Maurten during training runs to ensure your body adapts to the fueling strategy.
- Is Hydration essential?: If you use the Maurten Gels there is no need to take water for the gel to work, however, as with any intense exercise this is a parallel need to hydrate in the normal way. The Maurten drink mix is of course pre-mixed with water and forms the gel in the stomach when it comes in contact with the stomach acid. Normal hydration does support this process.
- Plan Your Carbohydrate Intake: Use Maurten’s guidelines to calculate how many grams of carbohydrates you need per hour based on your race duration and intensity.
Conclusion: A Revolution in Sports Nutrition
Maurten’s hydrogel technology has revolutionized the way athletes fuel their bodies during endurance events. By delivering carbohydrates efficiently, reducing GI distress, and enabling higher carbohydrate intake, Maurten products have set a new standard for sports nutrition. Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR or simply looking to improve your long-run performance, Maurten’s hydrogel technology offers a reliable, science-backed solution to keep you fueled and focused.
If you haven’t tried Maurten yet, it might be time to see why so many elite and amateur runners swear by it. Your stomach—and your performance—will thank you!
Maurten has prepared a number of fueling guides that can be found HERE
https://www.maurten.com/fuelguide
What ever your activity you can learn what is the best prep for your race or your training.
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