The world of sports nutrition is abuzz with the arrival of Tadej Pogačar's lactate super fuel, a product that promises to revolutionize the way cyclists and athletes approach their energy needs. But is it truly a breakthrough, or just another fleeting trend? Let's delve into the science and explore the potential implications of this controversial new supplement.
The Lactate Revolution?
The concept of lactate as a performance enhancer is not entirely new. Enervit, the company behind the C2:1PRO Lactate Gel Mix, cites decades of research by Professor George A. Brooks, who demonstrated that lactate is a natural energy source produced and utilized by the body during exercise. This challenges the long-held belief that lactate is merely a by-product of fatigue, causing that familiar burning sensation in the legs.
Enervit's product combines 90g of carbohydrates in a 2:1 glucose-fructose ratio with 10g of lactate, aiming to provide an additional energy source during the most demanding race phases. The idea is that by consuming lactate directly, athletes can bypass the body's natural production process and gain an energy boost without the associated fatigue.
Unlocking the Carbohydrate Ceiling?
Sports nutrition has traditionally relied on glucose as the primary fuel source, with benefits up to around 60g per hour. Beyond this point, additional glucose intake offers no extra advantage due to the intestine's limited glucose transporter capacity. Enervit's C2:1PRO range, however, claims to unlock a higher carbohydrate ceiling by combining glucose and fructose, allowing for potential absorption of 90g or more per hour.
The addition of lactate further enhances this process. Brooks' research revealed that the body uses lactate as a quickly oxidizable fuel, absorbed through its own transporter, independently of glucose and fructose pathways. This means athletes can effectively increase their carbohydrate intake and gain an energy boost without the need for excessive glucose consumption.
A New Era or Just Another Trend?
The idea of lactate gels providing an extra energy boost is intriguing, but the scientific community remains divided. Styrkr, a sports nutrition company, highlights studies showing a 4% increase in watts and reduced perceived effort with lactate consumption. However, a 2025 study found that the body does use exogenous lactate but fell short of demonstrating a performance breakthrough.
Olav Bu, head of performance at Uno-X Mobility, expresses skepticism, arguing that lactate produces less energy than glucose for the same energy cost and can increase gut absorption complexity. He suggests that until a 'hard ceiling' for exogenous carbohydrate oxidation is established, lactate will remain a less efficient fuel source.
The Impact and Future of Lactate Gels
Despite the debate, the potential implications of lactate gels are significant, especially in high-stakes races like the Tour de France, where seconds can make the difference. The development raises questions about the future of sports nutrition and the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in the pursuit of performance enhancement.
Personally, I find the concept of lactate gels fascinating, as they challenge our understanding of energy production and absorption. However, I remain skeptical until more comprehensive research confirms their effectiveness. The idea of unlocking a higher carbohydrate ceiling and gaining an energy boost without the associated fatigue is intriguing, but the jury is still out on lactate gels.
In my opinion, the development of lactate gels represents a significant step forward in sports nutrition, offering a new perspective on energy production and absorption. However, it also highlights the need for further research and a nuanced approach to performance enhancement. As athletes push the boundaries of what is possible, the role of nutrition in supporting their efforts will only become more critical.
