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Crown Sport Nutrition Isodrink & Energy: Your best ally for preventing cramps

Muscle cramps: the silent enemy of the triathlete

If you have ever faced a cramp in the middle of a raceYou know what it's like to see months of training go down the drain in seconds.

According to various studies, up to 40% of marathon runners have suffered cramps sometime in their life, and one in five triathletes has experienced them during a long distance race as a HOMBRE DE HIERRO.

But why exactly do they occur? Although for years dehydration was blamed exclusivelyCurrent science points to multiple factors: loss of electrolytes, extreme muscle fatigue, or even over-excitation of the nervous system.

Electrolytes and carbohydrates: two keys that really work

Historically, it was thought that just drinking water was enough, but it has been shown that water alone is not enoughLow blood sodium—hyponatremia—can be one of the triggers for cramps. That's why many sports drinks include Mineral salts such as sodium, potassium or magnesium.

But there is another element that cannot be overlooked: the carbohydratesWhy? Because they help combat prolonged muscle fatigue, one of the most common causes of cramps in triathlons, especially after the 30-kilometer mark in a marathon or in the final stages of cycling.

Isodrink & Energy: Crown's formula for lasting longer and better.

Thinking about those who compete in events medium and long distance, Crown Sport Nutrition has formulated an effective solution to combat dehydration, exhaustion and dreaded muscle cramps: Isodrink & Energy.

It is a isotonic powdered drink combining fast absorbing carbohydrates —maltodextrin and fructose— with a complete electrolyte formula (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chlorine). A mixture designed to:

  • Delay fatigue
  • Maintain hydration
  • Avoid mineral imbalances
  • And above all, reduce the risk of cramps during prolonged exertion

Available in flavors like lime, red berries, orange, tropical or cola, is a perfect option for triathletes who train or compete for several hours.

This product is supported by scientific evidence and designed under the most demanding quality standards, including anti-doping certification Informed SportsThey are, without a doubt, key allies for those facing the challenges of a half Ironman, a full Ironman, or any endurance challenge.

What the science says: Beyond dehydration

A recent study with university triathletes in simulated heat and humidity conditions showed that those who drank a beverage with carbohydrates and salts It took them more than twice as long to get a cramp compared to those who did not take anything: 37 minutes versus 15.

And although it could not be determined whether the effect was due more to electrolytes or carbohydrates, what is clear is that the combination is effective. Furthermore, the loss of body weight due to dehydration in the experiment was minimal, indicating that other factors such as neuromuscular fatigue also influence.

Conclusion: prevention is better competition

Cramps are multifactorial, and there's no single solution. But a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink, like Crown's new offering, can help you prevent or delay their appearance, especially in competitions where fatigue and prolonged effort are inevitable.

For those looking to give it their all in tests of medium or long distanceThis could be the extra help that makes the difference between finishing strong… or being stuck with a cramp.

Authorship

Peter Valenzuela
Researcher at the Physiology Unit of the University of Alcalá
Disseminator at Fissac and Crown Sport Nutrition

Highlighted

  1. Maughan RJ. Exercise-induced muscle cramp: A prospective biochemical study in marathon runners. J Sports Sci. 1986;4(1):31–4.
  2. Schwellnus MP, Drew N, Collins M. Increased running speed and previous cramps rather than dehydration or serum sodium changes predict exercise-associated muscle cramping. Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(8):650–6.
  3. Schwellnus MS, Noakes TD. Risk Factors for Exercise Associated Muscle Cramping (EAMC) in Marathon Runners. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 1996;28(5):167.
  4. Talbott BYJH, Michelsen J. Heat cramps: A clinical and chemical study. J Clin Inv. 1933;12(9):533–49.
  5. Jung AP, Bishop PA, Al-Nawwas A, Dale RB. Influence of hydration and electrolyte supplementation on incidence and time to onset of exercise-associated muscle cramps. J Athl Train. 2005;40(2):71–5.

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