Multipower Multicarbo Drink

This energy drink from Multipower is called Multicarbo firstly because it contains lots of carbohydrate (every 100g contains about 89g of the stuff) and also because it contains two types of carbohydrate: glucose and fructose.

Why two types? Because, while many energy drinks are based on glucose alone, some nutritional studies show that a glucose-fructose mix is a more effective source of energy. Here's why:

Generally speaking, if the source of the carb is glucose alone, most athletes can absorb no more than about 50g of carbohydrate per hour. You could take more than 50g into your stomach, but it wouldn't do you any good because the body simply couldn't absorb it. However, fructose and glucose enter your bloodstream by different methods. You absorb your 50g max of glucose, and then take on *more* carbohydrate via the fructose. This extra carbohydrate can then be converted into energy to make you go faster or more easily - depending on what you aim for in a ride.

Is this claim true? Many studies say it is, as do the manufacturers of glucose-fructose energy drinks (quel surprise), but personal experience bears it out, too. I've used several bottles of this Multipower Multicarbo drink mix on some long training rides through the winter, and it certainly seems to provide a good sustained supply of energy. Of course, the only way to be absolutely sure it works for you is to test it yourself, but I would recommend it as well worth a try.

A tub of Multicarbo drink contains 660g of drink mix. The label on the tub says this provides 12 servings (of 55g) to be mixed with 500ml of water. Each serving then provides 50g of carbohydrate and 209kcal of energy.

The obvious pay-off of being able to absorb this source of carbo more quickly is that 500ml is potentially not going to last so long, so take this into account if you rely on drinking only during a long ride.

The drink's main ingredients are given as simply maltodextrin and fructose. (The former is a source of glucose, usually derived from wheat or maize; the latter is usually derived from sugar cane or sugar beet, but sometimes also from maize - Multipower doesn't say which). And that's about it. This is a carb-only drink, so there's only the smallest traces of protein and fat. The ingredients list also mentions sodium, magnesium and potassium - all essential minerals to replace those lost by sweat - to help you retain fluid and avoid cramp.

The only flavour available is Red Orange. The taste is refreshing and not sweet like some other energy drinks - a definite plus if you're drinking a lot on a long ride.

A tub of Multicarbo drink costs a penny under £11 on the Multipower website, but you can find it cheaper on other on-line stores - sometimes down to almost half the RRP, making it very good value.

Verdict

Refreshing and effective carbohydrate energy drink.