- What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an electrolyte or an ion that plays a critical role in many cellular processes. Particularly, magnesium is required to make energy as ATP that is utilized by our cells. Loss of magnesium, as happens with exercise and other conditions can lead to significantly sore muscles, cramps and a fatigued body.
- Why is the formula called MAGNAK?
Because it contains 3 important electrolytes that are lost in sweat with heavy exercise: Magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K).
- Why is MAGNAK unique?
Currently, there are a very few sports drinks that are rich in magnesium. MAGNAK is full of electrolytes with a 25% recommended daily intake (RDI) for Magnesium per serving. It is low in sugar and calories and is flavored naturally. There and no preservatives, harmful additives or artificial sweeteners. The optimized ratios and proportions of electrolytes in the formula help reduce muscle cramps and soreness during exercise. All of these make it unique.
- What can an athlete feel after drinking MAGNAK?
Athletes can expect to feel better hydrated and energized (with natural electrolytes as opposed to having a caffeine “rush” which often leads to a later “crash”). Magnesium in our formula, relieves muscle cramps in people especially if they have a nutritional deficiency.
- Are there any stimulants or additives that I need to worry about?
No. We have intended MAGNAK to be completely free of stimulants. Other than the electrolytes and vitamin C as seen on labels, MAGNAK has no hidden ingredients.
- Are there any preservatives in MAGNAK?
No. MAGNAK is completely preservative free. A small amount of citric acid is used to maintain its pH in solution.
- When should I drink MAGNAK? Before, during or after a workout?
We recommend preparing a 12-16 fl.oz drink as needed using water and start drinking some before beginning the workout. Continue to sip on it during the workout and stay hydrated throughout your exercise regimen.
- How many MAGNAK scoops/servings can I drink in a day?
Each person is different. Typically, 2 scoops in a liter of water is what we recommend for a nice long run or an endurance training session. If you are training longer or in a warmer weather, you may need to use this ratio with a proportional amount of water to fuel yourself. Athletes have used up to 6 scoops in about 3 liters of water during an entire day of marathon without any adverse effects.
- Why do athletes NOT have bloating with MAGNAK?
MAGNAK Endurance mix is easier to absorb from the gut due to its low osmolarity (or loosely termed as “thickness”); the low sugar content drives the intake of other electrolytes rapidly within the blood stream preventing the solution from sitting in the gut for too long. Hence, athletes do not have bubble gut with our electrolyte mix.
- What about water for hydration? Isn’t water the best?
Nothing replaces water for hydration. However, athletes engaged in heavy workouts lose salt in the sweat and deplete themselves of other electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, etc.) and can eventually have a sub-clinical deficiency. This impairs their performance. Hence, for those with endurance feats such as marathon runs, water is not enough for hydration especially if they need to perform better, every day.
- What is hyponatremia and how does this happen in endurance athletes?
Hyponatremia is LOW SODIUM level in the blood. Almost 20% of endurance athletes develop this condition, largely due to a habit of drinking too much water (or hypotonic drinks) prior to starting the run. As the race progresses, our body releases vasopressin or anti-diuretic hormone from the brain that helps conserve water from being excreted in the urine. This along with salt wasting in the sweat lead to a dilution of sodium in the blood and can lead to a dangerous condition. Hence, having some sodium (salt) in the mix is very critical.
- Why is MAGNAK NOT sugar-free?
We know for a long time now, that sodium is absorbed from the gut using ion transport with amino acids and sugar. In other words, the presence of small amount of sugar facilitates absorption of sodium via sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter (which are specialized channels in the intestine). In sugar-free drinks, this additive benefit on sodium absorption is lost. Small amount of sugar also serves as an immediate source of energy during endurance workouts.
- How does magnesium deficiency manifest?
Magnesium deficiency is surprisingly common, possibly due to processing and packaging of food. Magnesium is not that easy to find in dietary sources (unlike sodium). Long term deficiency can manifest as muscle cramps, soreness, fatigue, insomnia (lack of sleep) and restless legs.
- What is the relationship between potassium and magnesium?
Magnesium is very important in keeping the potassium from leaking out of the body. In magnesium deficiency, potassium levels usually run low but replacing potassium alone cannot work because lack of magnesium leads to a loss of potassium in the urine.