How is Accelerade different from other sports drinks?
Accelerade is the first and only protein-enhanced sports drink containing carbohydrate and protein in a patented 4:1 ratio. Accelerade has been shown to deliver greater performance benefits to athletes than conventional sports drinks, which contain no protein.
What are the benefits of having protein in a sports drink?
Accelerade, with its 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate and protein, has been shown to extend endurance, speed muscle recovery, enhance rehydration and reduce muscle damage compared to conventional sports.
The 4:1 ratio is different for an 8-oz. serving vs. the 20-oz. bottle. Why?
Per 8 fl. oz., the label states 15 grams carbohydrate and 4 grams protein. Per 20 fl. oz., there are 36 grams carbohydrate and 9 grams protein. CSAB follows prescribed rounding rules set forth by the FDA technical regulations regarding nutrition labeling. The unrounded, raw data still supports a 4:1 ratio.
Why doesn't every sports drink contain protein?
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The developers of Accelerade conducted clinical research on the patented 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate and protein and have identified certain functional benefits. A few other products contain protein in much smaller or larger amounts than Accelerade's exclusive 4:1 carbohydrate-protein ratio.
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Isn't protein just for building muscles?
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Although protein has been shown to play a critical role in building muscles, it also plays an important role in improving aerobic performance. When compared to a carbohydrate-only sports drink, carbohydrate-protein Accelerade has been shown to:
- Improve rehydration
- Extend endurance
- Reduce muscle damage
- Speed muscle recovery
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How does the 4:1 ratio work?
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Researchers are still exploring the mechanisms behind the benefits of Accelerade's 4:1 carbohydrate-protein ratio. However, the boost in endurance that Accelerade has been shown to provide in several studies may be caused by utilizing protein as an energy source during exercise which may minimize the breakdown of glycogen. It has also been shown that protein improves rehydration by enhancing fluid retention compared to carbohydrate-only sports drinks. Minimizing dehydration during exercise will enhance performance. Finally, the substantial reduction in muscle damage that Accelerade provides may come from a reduction in cortisol, a hormone that breaks down muscle proteins during exercise. Improvements in recovery appear to be a direct result of reduced muscle damage.
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How is the carbohydrate percentage calculated?
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Carbohydrate percentage can be calculated by knowing the total carbohydrate content (identified on the "Nutrition Facts" panel of the label) and the serving size in milliliters (also listed on the label). Accelerade contains 15 grams of carbohydrate in every 240-ml (8-oz.) serving. So, 15/240 x 100 = 6.2% carbohydrate (we round down to 6%).
Is this the same as the Percent Daily Value?
This should not be confused with the Percent Daily Value that is listed in the Nutrition Facts box, that value, 5% and 12% respectively for an 8 fl. oz. and a 20 fl. oz. serving, represents that percentage of a Reference Daily Intake value for carbohydrate established by government and scientific bodies. The RDI for carbohydrates is 300 g/day based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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How many calories does Accelerade contain?
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Accelerade has 80 calories per 8-oz. serving. By comparison, Gatorade has 50 calories per 8-oz. serving and PowerAde has 70. Accelerade has a higher caloric content due to its protein content. The protein in Accelerade should not be viewed as a negative as it contributes to benefits including better exercise performance and faster recovery.
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Why are the calories per bottle listed as 180? The 80 calories per 8-oz. serving multiplied by 2.5 Servings Per Container should equal 200 calories.
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The apparent discrepancy around total calories for 1 bottle of Accelerade versus 80 calories for 8 oz. has to do with simple rounding of values. Cadbury Schweppes complies with FDA-mandated rounding rules in regards to nutrition facts labeling. The range guidelines for rounding increase as the numeric value of the nutrient increases. Therefore, when following these guidelines, slight mathematical differences are noted on the label.
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How should I use Accelerade?
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Accelerade should be used to rehydrate the body during exercise and also whenever additional energy is needed. The optimal amount of Accelerade to drink during activity depends on the type and intensity of activity, air temperature, and your body size and fitness level.
- Before exercise: consume approximately 12-20 oz. of fluid 2 hours prior to exercise and 7-10 oz. of fluid 15-20 min prior to exercise
- During exercise: as a general rule you should consume approximately 20-32 oz. of fluid for every hour of exercise. This should consist of ingesting several ounces of Accelerade every 10 to 15 minutes throughout activity. However, there is large variability between individuals as to their tolerance for fluid intake. Further, during many athletic events the frequency and volume of fluids available may be limited. Individuals are encouraged to drink as much as can be tolerated within the recommendation above without inducing gastrointestinal distress
- Following exercise: consume approximately 20-24 oz. of fluid per pound of weight loss after exercise
As with any sports nutrition product, you should incorporate it into your daily training to determine what works best and not experiment with a new routine on race day.
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Can I drink Accelerade after exercise for recovery?
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While Accelerade is formulated especially for use before and during exercise, it is also an excellent source of recovery nutrition. Following a workout, the body needs water and sodium for rehydration, carbohydrate to replenish muscle fuel stores, and protein to repair muscle damage. Accelerade contains all of these important recovery nutrients.
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What type of protein does Accelerade contain?
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Accelerade contains all-natural whey protein.
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What is whey protein isolate and why is it in the product?
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Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from cow's milk and is considered the "gold-standard" protein for athletes. Whey protein isolates are the most pure and concentrated form of whey protein. Whey protein contains high amounts of all of the essential amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids (i.e., leucine, isoleucine and valine) which are uniquely metabolized by skeletal muscle during exercise.
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Is this a high level of protein?
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Accelerade is not considered a "high" or "rich" source of protein. From a nutritional perspective, the 8 fl. oz. serving has 4g or about 8% of the Daily Values (DV)* for protein. On a full bottle basis, it would be about 9g or 18% of the DV.
*Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. The Daily Reference Value for protein is 50 grams for a 2,000 calorie diet.
On a per weight basis, Accelerade contains ~1.5% protein per 8 oz. This is a low concentration and should not affect digestion during exercise.
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Does Accelerade contain any banned substances for use by NCAA College or Olympic level athletes?
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No.
Accelerade is included in one of the four permissible categories set forth in the NCAA by-law 16.5.2.2 as Accelerade contains less than 30 percent of its calories from protein.
Accelerade sports drink does NOT contain any banned substance or agent on the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) List of Prohibited Substances.
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I'm lactose intolerant. Will I have problems with Accelerade?
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The whey protein in Accelerade comes from milk. The maximum lactose content in Accelerade is less than 1%, which may not be of concern to the vast majority of individuals who are lactose intolerant. If you have concerns related to lactose intolerance, we recommend consulting your physician.
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I am allergic to milk or milk proteins. Should I consume Accelerade?
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If you have concerns related to a milk allergy, we strongly recommend consulting your physician prior to using this product.
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Does Accelerade contain corn-derived ingredients?
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Yes.
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Why does Accelerade contain sugar?
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Accelerade contains 15 grams of carbohydrate per 8 oz. serving, primarily in the form of simple sugars. While most of us try to limit our sugar intake in regular meals and snacks, simple sugars and other fast-acting carbohydrates are beneficial during exercise because they provide a source of quick energy. A 6-8% carbohydrate concentration is widely accepted to be the ideal in a sports drink. The carbohydrate concentration of Accelerade is 6.0%.
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What types of sugar does Accelerade contain?
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Unlike other sports drinks Accelerade does not contain high fructose corn syrup. The sugars found in Accelerade include sucrose, glucose, fructose and trehalose.
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What is Trehalose and why is it in the product?
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Trehalose occurs widely in nature and has been found to occur naturally in several foods. Trehalose is consumed as part of a normal diet in mushrooms, honey, and foods produced using baker's and brewer's yeast. Trehalose is a disaccharide, or two simple sugars that are linked together. The metabolism of Trehalose is identical to that of other disaccharides commonly consumed as part of the human diet. Trehalose is added to our product as part of the source of carbohydrate.
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Is Accelerade gluten-free?
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Yes, Accelerade is free of wheat, oats, rye and barley.
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Is Accelerade safe for children?
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The nutritional ingredients in Accelerade have been shown to be perfectly safe for use by children.
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Is Accelerade ready-to-drink kosher?
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Yes. Accelerade is Kosher-dairy certified. The symbol is located on the back of the bottle, adjacent to the Universal Product Code or bar code.
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Has Accelerade been scientifically tested?
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Yes. More than 17 studies have been conducted in athletes in sports such as running, cycling, triathlon, skiing and swimming. These studies show that Accelerade and similarly formulated powder/gel products extends endurance, speeds muscle recovery, enhances rehydration and reduces muscle damage compared to a conventional, carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink or water.
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How should Accelerade ready-to-drink be stored? How should it be stored after opening?
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Once opened, Accelerade ready-to-drink should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-5 days after opening.
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What is the shelf life of Accelerade?
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For optimal flavor, please refer to the "Best By" date written on the bottle.
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Does the Citrus Grapefruit Accelerade contain real grapefruit?
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Yes, Citrus Grapefruit Accelerade contains real grapefruit. Grapefruit juice contains chemicals that can cause problems with enzymes that break down certain types of medicines. Not all medicines are affected by grapefruit juice. However, ask your doctor how your medicine(s) might be affected by grapefruit juice before you consume this product.
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What is the osmolality of Accelerade?
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Osmolality is a measure of the number of particles in a solution and can affect the functionality of fluid replacement drink. The osmolality of Accelerade ranges from approximately 345 to 365 mOsm/kg. Data in the literature suggests that beverages in the range of 0 to 400 osmolality do not affect intestinal absorption or fluid homeostasis during moderately intense exercise.
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Is there a recommended range for sodium concentration in a sports drink?
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Currently, there is not a set value of sodium concentration in sports drinks but rather a recommended range given the large variability of individual sweat rates and the associated concentration of sodium in the actual sweat.
The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 460-690 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) of sodium whereas the National Athletic Trainers Association suggests approximately 300-700 mg/L of sodium.
Accelerade contains approximately 495 mg/L of sodium and falls within both of these recommended ranges.
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Is Accelerade available as a powder?
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Accelerade is available as a powder in orange, lemonade, fruit punch, lemon lime and mountain berry flavors.
Accelerade powder can be purchased online through the www.accelerade.com website. It can also be purchased at more than 10,000 specialty retailers throughout the United States. Visit www.accelerade.com for a store locator.
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What are the differences between Accelerade ready-to-drink, Accelerade powder and Accel Gels in terms of performance benefits?
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Accelerade and Accel Gels are all based on the same 4:1 science of carbohydrate to protein ratio. However, Accel Gels do not contribute toward meeting your rehydration needs. Accel Gels are a concentrated source of carbohydrate and protein but should be combined with fluid when ingesting. In this case, Accel Gel should be taken with water. If it is combined with Accelerade ready-to-drink, digestion could be affected because of the higher concentration of protein and carbohydrates.
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Some pediatricians recommend giving conventional sports drinks to children who are mildly dehydrated when sick with a fever. Is Accelerade appropriate for such use?
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Although there is nothing harmful about our product as it is designed to replace fluids and electrolytes, we do not recommend consuming this product without consulting with your pediatrician first when deciding whether or not to give it to a sick child.
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What is lactic acid and why is it in the product?
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It's an acid produced by fermentation from sugar. It's in the beverage for flavor and to help preserve it.
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What is magnesium carbonate and why is it in the product?
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It's a mineral. We add it to the product to provide a source for magnesium.
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What is monopotassium phosphate and why is it in the product?
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It's a salt that we add to the beverage to provide a source of potassium, an electrolyte.
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What is acetate and why is it in the product?
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It's part of the ingredient called vitamin E acetate, our source of vitamin E.
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What is ester gum and why is it in the product?
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It's a water-soluble material that helps provide opaqueness to the product and to stabilize the flavors in the product.
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What is sodium ascorbate and why is it in the product?
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It's a type of vitamin C. It helps with color stability.
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