February 7, 2024 - Maltodextrin
I may have found a common factor, a known gastrointestinal distress factor, in the marathons where I have experienced the need to stop and poop. Maltodextrin! From what I understand so far, there are good reasons many engineered nutritional products use maltodextrin as the primary carbohydrate source. However, there also seems to be some research that suggests for some people, maltodextrin basically acts as a laxative. When I first considered this, I thought maltodextrin wasn't a common factor. At Miami Marathon, I used UCAN Edge gels which do not use maltodextrin. However, I also relied on the on-course hydration drink, Gatorade Endurance. Gatorade Endurance does use maltodextrin. In a potentially frustrating twist, Gatorade Endurance actually works for me quite well. I can drink it for hours and not get sick of it. It doesn't cause me any nausea. It has functioned well to keep me hydrated and not apparently short on electrolytes. I've really liked Gatorade Endurance. How...