Scientific Carbohydrate Strategy for Endurance Athletes

Endurance sports are won not only with physical strength but also with a scientific approach. The type, amount, and timing of carbohydrates consumed during training directly affect an athlete's performance. At Ultraviole, we identified this gap in the field and did not just create a product; we developed solutions to problems encountered firsthand in the field. Our goal is to offer endurance athletes in Turkey a correct and affordable alternative to the scientific and high-quality carbohydrate products used worldwide.

What Problem Do We Want to Solve?

For years, sports carbohydrate supplements in Turkey either had incomplete formulations or lacked scientific rigor. The widespread failure to implement globally established scientific protocols (multiple transporters, high doses of fructose, and carbohydrate types such as Palatinose) prevents athletes from reaching their full potential in both races and training. UltraFuel and UltraEndurance were developed to fill this gap.

Physiologically-Based Product Use

UltraFuel and UltraEndurance products are designed to support different energy systems depending on the intensity and duration of the workout. For long, low-intensity workouts, Palatinose-based UltraEndurance stands out by providing energy without suppressing the body's fat oxidation. This product provides a steady energy release during the initial hours of training and helps improve metabolic flexibility.

For moderate and high-intensity workouts, faster-absorbing carbohydrate sources are required. This is where UltraFuel products come into play. The 2:1 ratio version is a safer option for those with fructose sensitivity, not exceeding 90 grams per hour. UltraFuel 1:0.8 is aimed at athletes who want to maximize their performance at higher gram amounts. Thanks to this ratio, fructose absorption via GLUT5 is increased, allowing carbohydrate intake of up to 120 grams per hour.

Scientific Basis: Carbohydrate Absorption

The human body absorbs glucose through SGLT1 transporters in the small intestine. However, the capacity of this pathway is limited to approximately 60 grams. Fructose, on the other hand, is absorbed through a different channel in the intestine called GLUT5, opening a second transport pathway. This strategy is known as the "multiple sugar transporter model" and is the gold standard in modern endurance nutrition. UltraFuel products were developed based on this scientific principle.

Why Palatinose?

Palatinose (isomaltulose) is a low-glycemic-index, patented carbohydrate source produced in Germany. It is digested and absorbed much more slowly than glucose, thereby providing long-lasting and balanced energy without causing sudden fluctuations in blood sugar.

With this property, it is ideal especially for Zone 2 endurance training (where fat burning is paramount). While encouraging the body to use fat instead of carbohydrates, it also sustainably provides the minimum glucose required for the central nervous system and muscles.

Tips for Those Wanting to Start Using It

• Start with a low dose on the first use, for example, 60g/hour.

• The body should gradually adapt to this carbohydrate intake and the dose should be slowly increased over time.

• Product choice should be made according to the type of training and personal digestive tolerance.

Application Recommendations According to Training Type

The recommendations below are exemplary for performance-based endurance athletes and should be evaluated and implemented in accordance with individual needs under the guidance of a sports nutrition expert or dietitian:

K1 – Reco & Base Workouts (Zone 1-2)

• Under 2 hours: 30-40 g UltraEndurance per hour

• Over 2 hours: 40-60 g UltraEndurance in the first 2 hours, 70-80 g UltraFuel 2:1 or 1:0.8 from the 3rd hour onwards

K2 – Tempo / Sweet Spot / Threshold (Zone 3-4)

• Under 3 hours: 90 g UltraFuel 2:1 or 1:0.8 per hour

• Over 3 hours: 90 g in the first hour, 120 g UltraFuel 1:0.8 from the 2nd hour onwards

K3 – VO2max and Above (Zone 5+)

• Generally short duration. Over 90 g UltraFuel per hour (1:0.8 recommended)

UltraFuel 2:1 or 1:0.8? Which one is right for you?

If you are aiming for high-gram carbohydrate intake, especially 90 grams per hour or more, UltraFuel 1:0.8 should be preferred.

For athletes working with lower carbohydrates, doing recreational training, or using such products for the first time, UltraFuel 2:1 is more suitable.
With this product, the body adapts to carbohydrate intake, and the digestive system tolerates it more easily.

Both products should be planned for performance according to the goal.

To learn more about UltraFuel 1:0.8, 2:1, and UltraEndurance, and to choose the product that will support your performance, visit our product page.

This information is provided for performance-oriented exemplary purposes. Our products are not medicine but sports nutrition products, and they have been produced in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Sports Food Codex. Since everyone's needs may differ, it is recommended to evaluate them with a dietitian or expert before use.