FAQ
Prolong contains 250 calories per serving. That is a lot more calories than my current sports drink. Do I need that many calories?
Prolong was specifically designed for high-intensity or extended aerobic efforts, when calorie needs are elevated. Certain athletes like swimmers, cyclists, runners and soccer players can burn more than 1,000 calories per hour, and replacing these calories is essential for continued performance and adequate recovery. Research has shown that consumption of carbohydrates during exercise improves performance.
Prolong contains fructose. Is it different than High-Fructose Corn Syrup?
The fructose contained in Prolong is natural, while High-Fructose Corn Syrup is a chemically altered form of corn syrup that changes the chemical structure of glucose.
I understand that fructose is a simple sugar, yet you said it has a low glycemic index. How is it metabolized slowly by the body?
Fructose is a simple monosaccharide sugar, meaning it does not contain an extended chain of sugar molecules that must be broken down before being absorbed. Fructose is also absorbed through a different sugar transporter than glucose, and is metabolized through a different pathway than glucose. For these reasons, fructose doesn’t induce as large an insulin response as other simple sugars, like glucose. The result is a sugar that provides energy without spiking insulin levels.
Prolong contains both fructose and glucose. Why is this combination better than a single source alone?
Glucose and fructose are absorbed through different sugar transporters found primarily within muscle cells. At high glucose concentrations, the glucose transporter (GLUT4) becomes saturated and cannot deliver additional carbohydrate molecules to rapidly working muscle cells. Meanwhile, the fructose transporter (GLUT5) is underused. So the addition of fructose to Prolong lets additional carbohydrates enter working muscle cells. Translation: Athletes can use and burn more calories per hour, resulting in greater endurance.
Occasionally, when I mix Prolong I find clumps at the bottom of my bottle. How can I avoid this?
We recommend mixing Prolong with room-temperature water, not ice-cold water. Half-fill a 20- to 24-ounce water bottle with water and add two level scoops of Prolong. Shake vigorously for at least 10 full seconds, and then fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Drink one bottle per hour during physical activity.
Prolong contains protein. Do I need protein in my sports drink?
The small amount of protein found in Prolong, in a 1:12 ratio with carbohydrate, serves two purposes. Consumption of a small amount of protein during exercise helps prevent muscle breakdown, thereby reducing recovery time. In the low levels found in Prolong, whey protein can also act as a third energy source.
Prolong contains 500 mg of sodium per serving. Why does it contain so much sodium?
Sodium is an essential electrolyte for athletic performance. Research has shown that soccer players can lose over 1,500 mg of sodium during a 90-minute match. In general, published literature recommends between 450 mg to 1,800 mg of sodium per liter for optimal fluid replacement. The 500 mg of sodium in Prolong per serving equals a concentration of 1,000 mg of sodium per liter and ensures proper hydration and muscle contraction during exercise.
Prolong has very little flavor compared to other sports drinks. Why?
In working with many professional athletes during development, we found one of the largest limiting factors for delivering calories over a long period of sustained exercise was an athlete’s inability to consume sugary drinks that were too sweet. Prolong’s subtle flavor allows athletes to drink Prolong for extended periods of time without the problems caused by excessively sweet and tart flavors of many sports drinks.
