Endurance supplements: when and why to take them
Sustaining prolonged effort (in running, cycling, triathlon or team sports) requires a targeted supply of energy and fluids. As the minutes pass, the body uses up its reserves and loses essential electrolytes through sweating: without adequate replenishment, a drop in performance and fatigue become inevitable.
You may want to consider this type of supplement if you identify with one of these needs:
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You need constant energy during exertion
If you feel your energy suddenly collapse after 60-90 minutes of activity, it means your glycogen stores are running low. To avoid the classic "wall of fatigue" and maintain a high pace without weighing down your stomach, the solution is to use carbohydrate supplements. Specific maltodextrin-based formulations in energy gels provide a constant flow of fuel to the muscles, keeping blood sugar stable all the way to the finish.
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You sweat heavily, suffer from cramps or feel exhausted in the heat
When training sessions get longer or temperatures rise, drinking only water may not be enough. Through sweat, you lose sodium, potassium and magnesium, essential minerals for muscle contraction. Using mineral salt supplements allows you to restore the correct water-salt balance, preserve muscle efficiency and maintain optimal hydration.
Choose the best supplements for increasing physical endurance at Volchem
Volchem understands the needs of those who practice endurance sports and has selected the best solutions to support physical endurance. All our products are formulated with highly digestible raw materials, ideal even during intense exertion, and made according to the highest Made in Italy quality and safety standards.
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Energen G2F1: energy gel with 50 g of natural carbohydrates per serving. It provides a rapid and long-lasting supply of energy, as well as sodium and potassium to support hydration.
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Energen 30: the more concentrated version of our energy gel. The caffeine-based formula is designed for the final stages of a race, moments of maximum effort or the most demanding sections.
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Energen 40: energy gel based on gradually absorbed maltodextrins. It is the ideal ally to take at regular intervals during performance to ensure a constant flow of energy without weighing down the stomach.
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Isodrink: an isotonic blend of mineral salts and maltodextrins designed to maximize hydration and quickly replenish the sodium, potassium and magnesium lost through sweating.
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Mineral KCMg: a water-salt balance supplement in chewable tablets enriched with antioxidant Vitamin C, ideal for replenishing fluids while protecting cells from oxidative stress.
In addition to ensuring maximum effectiveness, every Volchem batch is rigorously tested and certified, ensuring complete traceability and the safety of pure products designed to help your body work to the best of its abilities.
Frequently asked questions about endurance supplements
How can you tell whether you need carbohydrates or mineral salts during exertion?
If you experience widespread muscle fatigue and a sudden drop in performance, the main cause is the depletion of sugar stores (you need carbohydrates). If, on the other hand, you experience cramps, a light-headed feeling, heavy sweating and heat-related exhaustion, the deficiency is mainly fluid and electrolyte-related (you need mineral salts).
When is the best time to take supplements during training?
The ideal time depends on the type of supplement and the duration of the effort:
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Mineral salts (such as Isodrink): the golden rule is not to wait until you feel thirsty. Take the mineral drink in small, regular sips (approximately every 15-20 minutes) from the early stages of training, to maintain consistent hydration and prevent cramps.
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Energy gels (such as Energen): do not wait until you are completely out of energy.[cite: 15] During prolonged efforts (over 60-90 minutes), take one gel every 45-60 minutes. If you anticipate a peak in intensity (a climb or the final sprint), take it approximately 10-15 minutes before the greatest effort, preferably with a small sip of water to maximize and speed up absorption.
Are these supplements sufficient if I practice high-intensity sports?
It depends on the duration of the session. If training lasts more than 45-60 minutes, gels and mineral salts help maintain responsiveness and prevent cramps. However, during short, maximal and repeated efforts (such as weightlifting, CrossFit, HIIT or martial arts), the primary needs concern explosive strength and muscle tissue rebuilding. In these cases, the best choice is to combine hydration with high-intensity sports supplements.
