Sprint Drink
The Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3 or common baking soda) is used to buffer the pH of the body. The H+ + HCO3- <=> H2O + CO2 is the main buffer of the body. By increasing the HCO3- in the body, the pH of the body becomes more basic and it will be able to buffer addition of an acid better. This means that when the body works and creates lactic acid, the body will be able to counter the change in acidity longer and experience fatigue after a longer period of time.
The food grade Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is used to add oxygen to the drink. 2H2O2 breaks down into 2H2O and 02 meaning that the drink is oxygenated. This is like the CO2 in soda, but with O2 instead. Having the brink oxygenated theoretically allows for oxygen to be present in the blood and muscles before exercise, allowing for a faster transition between anaerobic and aerobic exercise. The oxygen also goes to the brain, allowing one to be more alert and have a faster start.
Electrolytes are used to preserve fluid balance in the body, promoting sufficient hydration. Though fluid loss is not a problem during a sprinting event, starting the race dehydrated will cause the body to be sluggish; the electrolytes prevent any fatigue from dehydration.
The sugar is used to 'fill the body's fuel tank' as glucose is a main ingredient used by the body during exercise. Ingesting the sugar prior to exercising allows the body to have sufficient energy to work at its maximum limits.
Distance Drink
The Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3 or common baking soda) is used to buffer the pH of the body. The H+ + HCO3- <=> H2O + CO2 is the main buffer of the body. By increasing the HCO3- in the body, the pH of the body becomes more basic and it will be able to buffer addition of an acid better. This means that when the body works and creates lactic acid, the body will be able to counter the change in acidity longer and experience fatigue after a longer period of time.
The food grade Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is used to add oxygen to the drink. 2H2O2 breaks down into 2H2O and 02 meaning that the drink is oxygenated. This is like the CO2 in soda, but with O2 instead. Having the brink oxygenated theoretically allows for oxygen to be present in the blood and muscles before exercise, allowing for a faster transition between anaerobic and aerobic exercise. The oxygen also goes to the brain, allowing one to be more alert and have a faster start.
Electrolytes are used to preserve fluid balance in the body, promoting sufficient hydration. Though fluid loss is not a problem during a sprinting event, starting the race dehydrated will cause the body to be sluggish; the electrolytes prevent any fatigue from dehydration.
The sugar is used to 'fill the body's fuel tank' as glucose is a main ingredient used by the body during exercise. Ingesting the sugar prior to exercising allows the body to have sufficient energy to work at its maximum limits.
The caffeine is used release fat into the bloodstream. Only 200mg of caffeine is used because having more than 12mg/L of caffeine in one's urine is illegal during a race. 200mg is a conservative amount of caffeine equivalent to 1.5-2 cups of coffee, and will not be close to the limit but sill allow for some fat to be released into the bloodstream. Having fat in the bloodstream causes it to be used as fuel instead of glucose, allowing the glucose to be burned later on. This prolongs exercise time before 'hitting the wall'.
