Bike Hugger 

Why exactly are you writing about this?  This looks like some kind of junk you’d see at GNC, next to the Muscle Milk and Ripped Fuel.

A wide range of cyclists use sports drinks and H2O is new on the market. They sent us some samples to test and as I noted, there’s a lot in their drink that’s not proven and I suggested they prove it. Myself, I drink Clif on the bike and use their bloks during long rides and races. I’ve got a sensitive stomach and just can’t load it up with that much stuff—i use G2 or water-downed Gatorade in the heat.

We’re covering a wider range of topics as our audience grows, including the fitness cyclist. David just wrote about Clif

Hey guys, I represent H2O Overdrive and just wanted to weigh in on your discussion.

The H2O Overdrive formula is a product of many years in the health/nutrition industry by company founders, Randy Olshen and Terry Giles. The exact chemical makeup, ratio and balance of ingredients is also based on scientific research.

As an example, you address the stimulants in the drink, the “ines.” There is scientific proof that caffeine, for one, does more than just provide an energy boost and reduce fatigue. Caffeine also helps muscles use fat as a source of energy instead of quickly depleting precious glycogen in the body. This chemical process increases endurance.

You can get more info about the scientific research behind our unique formula on our Web site here http://h2ooverdrive.com/index_files/Page442.html.

Beyond that, I’m happy to answer specific questions. Feel free to send me an email, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In brief there is reams of science to support the formula I developed over a 5 year period – specifically the use of protein, carbs and electrolytes for driving true cellular hydration (or rehydration) which is the mechanism that drives glycogen resynthesis (which creates energy), muscle function, stamina and recovery. Recovery must begin when exercise commences – hence restoring energy levels throughout your ride – prolonged stamina and the eventual protein synthesis needed to recover – all of this requires cellular level hydration (rehydration). This is not a protein supplement (like Muscle Milk) nor is it a meal replacement – it is a hydration beverage that only contains 3 grams of sugar –and contains a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein – which you can google and find to be the most researched ratio around athletics (specifically endurance athletes and cycling). I won’t bore you with a lengthy post of the mountains of research that supports this – you can find it on your own easy or visit our website for more details.

The idea that “all of the vitamins and minerals” will upset your stomach is wrong…there are literally hundreds of riders in South Florida and surrounding areas using the product with GREAT result – try it before you judge it…quite simply the vitamins and minerals and amino acids do have a specific purpose physiologically – and YES there is scientific evidence and in some cases proven clinical studies that show their effectiveness. They are needed to (1) stabilize blood sugar levels (2) are necessary for energy production (3) are necessary for muscle function   (4) are necessary for nutrient use and uptake and as far as the caffeine – it is micro encapsulated and releases slowly to aid in vasodilatation which helps in nutrient transmission and mental acuity – there are dozens of studies that support the use of small amounts of caffeine in sports – and this dose is equal to a single cup of coffee….this product cannot be compared to a “Ripped Fuel” type of product that is more marketing hype than actual nutritional substance. I developed this product over a 5 year period of time using hundreds of test subjects and most of which were top amateur or professional athletes including many Olympians – they use and endorse the product now that it is being commercialized for the first time – FREE – because they believe in the product and have experienced first-hand its benefits.

I do not want to turn this post into a “sales pitch” – but I did want to clarify some of the misconceptions surrounding the product and offer anyone that has any specific questions can contact me directly for more detail and for a free sample to see for themselves the difference it makes having your muscles hydrated when exercising or cycling. Over 90% of all athletes suffer from dehydration at varied levels of intensity – I have developed a product that science has shown to effectively hydrate muscle 40% better than water alone and as much as 25-30% better than carbs and electrolytes alone and trust me – having muscle that are better hydrated equates to more contractile performance and higher output which in simple terms equals better performance….that is why I will send you a free sample – because I know you will feel the difference if you use the product under intense exercise or activity.
Thanks for considering -
Terry

Terry,

Thanks for you comment. As I said in my review, I’ve got a sensitive stomach and that’s a concern of mine. Regarding caffeine and recovery ratios, yes those are well-studied. The [NYTimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/health/nutrition/26best.html) just wrote about that last week.

I’m referring to the other supplements, the other “ines” on the label. As the FDA-required label on the bottle states, those are not proven and if they are, I suggest you share that data.

Actually – we as a company could have chosen to use a simple Nutritional Panel (as opposed to the Supplement Facts Panel we used) and “hidden” all of our ingredients from sight – we opted for the Supplement Facts Panel show that we could showcase the development, formulation and functionality of our product. The FDA in the case of the panel simply states that “the daily allowance” of these ingredients has not been established – not their functionality. One of the big misconceptions in supplements is the “unregulated” thing – I won’t go into that here – but that is not accurate either as all of the ingredients used in dietary supplements must be either (1) GRAS – “generally recognized as safe” for use in consumable products or (2) have self affirmation filing status – wherein the ingredient and all supporting documentation to its use and safety are filed with the FDA – this has always been a requirement of DSHEA (the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994)…but enough about that. As far as what you mention about the “ines” – I gather you are speaking in reference to the amino acids…in basic terms amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in the human body. Protein could not exist without the proper combination of amino acids. Amino acids can be linked together in different combinations to form over 50,000 different proteins and over 20,000 different enzymes. Protein is essential for all life and amino acids form all proteins needed by the human body. Amino acids form the protein profiles for muscle, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, hair, nails and most body fluids. You will see or hear the term “essential amino acids”, this refers to the amino acids that the body cannot produce (synthesize) on its own - that must be taken in from outside sources. There is not really any such thing as “non-essential” amino acids, as they are all essential in regards to our health and nutritional foundation, but the ones that cannot be synthesized in the body are labeled essential. There are over 28 known and identified amino acids – 80% (or 12-14) of these are produced by the liver – the remaining 20% (8-10) are considered our essentials. The essential amino acids are: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophane and valine.

As far as the specific amino acids I formulated into H2O Overdrive and their proven physiological function, here is a breakdown:

Taurine – is an L-chain amino acid that is essential as a building block in all amino acids. Research has shown its role in elevating mood, mental alertness, reaction time as well as its importance in osmoregulation (the balancing of water and mineral salts in the blood). It is also necessary for the proper digestion of food and in the absorption of vitamins and plays a vital role in the digestion of fat.

Arginine - is an essential L-chain amino acid that helps the body retain more nitrogen – and nitrogen plays a vital role in muscle synthesis. Arginine research is very abundant and it illustrates the substantial support of NOS (nitric oxide synthase – which is the body’s natural healing and recovery process)that arginine supplies and its vital role in recovery and repair.

Glycine - is an L-chain amino that is the third amino acid in the chain of formation for glutathione. Research substantiates the effects glycine has in retarding muscle degeneration by supplying additional creatine to the muscles.

The “BCAA’s” : There is piles of research on the effectiveness of branch chain amino acids which are the essential amino acids Leucine, Iso-leucine and Valine and research has shown their importance in protecting the muscles through prolonged workouts or strenuous workloads as well as their role in protein synthesis, protecting against muscle protein degradation and in supporting cognitive response and mental alertness.
Leucine - is an essential amino acid that lowers elevated blood sugar levels and aids in the healing of bones, skin, muscle fiber and tissue. Leucine comprises eight percent of all body proteins. It stimulates protein synthesis and insulin secretion from the pancreas (which in turn stimulates the entrance of amino acids into the muscle tissue).
  Iso-leucine - is an essential amino acid that is needed for hemoglobin formation and also assists in stabilizing and regulating blood sugar and energy levels.
  Valine - is an essential L-chain amino acid that is essential for the body’s hydrogen and nitrogen balances. It is vital for proper muscle metabolism and for proper tissue repair and growth.

I hope this answers your immediate questions – so that this post doesn’t ramble on and on – I would suggest taking a close look at our website under “product” and click on “lab notes” to see in detail what each component (ingredient) in the product does and the science that backs it up. In closing I will tell you tasting and using our product “at rest” – is far different than using it when you are taxed, heavily exercising or have had a brutal workout…when your body NEEDS these nutrients, you will feel it deliver – you will feel the difference. There is a whole lot of years and hundreds upon hundreds of hours and real hands on development that when into the formulation of this product - this is real nutritional substance – not marketing BS.

Regards,
Terry