energy drink with or without protein?

dieselgeezer

For training rides of 50-60 miles, what are the pros & cons of using an energy drink with added protein eg Allsports summer/winter fuel. Also, would you still use the same drink during races of similar duration?

danowat

Protien for post ride drink IMO, not during.

acidstrato

no real harm in small quanities after all the food you consume during long rides contains protein too. but its slow to burn off so too much will just sit in your stomach and you'll just end up being sick

no benefits for 60/70miles really

guity

I use Bikefood energy drink during training rides which contains a small amount of protein. I dont notice any downsides to this and I think it does help recovery to some extent. I use the same drink at slightly different concentrations before during and after races and suplement it with a protein drink after particularly tough sessions. The main thing is using something your stomach can handle and works for you. The science is all well and good but if it makes you feel sick/gives you cramps (like some ive tried in the past) its not much use!

welton

The main thing is using something your stomach can handle and works for you.

guity is right, find out what works for you - it is not just how you feel physically but also what you are happy with and therefore have confidence in.

Headhuunter

I've heard that adding a small amount of protein can be helpful but not a great deal. I suppose it must be to try to counteract the body's instinct to catabolise muscle on a long rider to get at the amino acids (BCAA) which make up the protein which makes up you muscle....

vorsprung

A 50 mile ride ( say 3 hours or less) would be too short to worry too much about it

On longer events 7:1 or 6:1 carb vs protein is supposed to be better for various reasons including the catabolism headhunter mentions

Herbsman

This study might be of interest, although not specific to your question.