Impact of sodium alginate energy gel on the marathon performance of amateur runners: a randomized controlled study

Sodium alginate hydrogel can encapsulate high-sugar substances, alleviate gastric discomfort, accelerate gastric emptying speed, and gradually expand in the small intestine while slowly releasing carbohydrates. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sodium alginate energy gels versus traditional energy gels on glycemic stability and running performance in marathoners.

Eighty-one amateur runners were selected and randomly assigned to four groups: elite sodium alginate energy gel (ES), elite traditional energy gel (ET), advanced sodium alginate energy gel (AS), and advanced traditional energy gel (AT). All participants utilized CGM devices for 1 week prior to the race to establish baseline glucose levels. During the marathon, carbohydrates were administered at a rate of 60 g per hour. Individual pace and glucose data were normalized to account for variations among runners of differing skill levels.

The completion times for both runner groups at the same level showed no notable differences. In the AS group, blood glucose fluctuation range during the 11-20 km and 31-40 km segments were found to be lower compared to the AT group. Additionally, the ES group exhibited a significantly smaller percentage change in speed over the 1-42 km segment compared to the ET group, while the AS group also demonstrated a notably lower percentage change in speed for the 1-20 km segment relative to the AT group.

While sodium alginate energy gel did not improve average race pace or final competition results, it significantly enhanced blood glucose stability for advanced runners in specific race segments. Additionally, it improved pace stability for elite runners throughout the race and for advanced runners during the first half. These findings suggest that sodium alginate energy gels may have potential benefits in promoting metabolic regulation during endurance exercise.