Vitargo® is a patented carbohydrate derived from barley starch. It is different because it is made up of larger carbohydrate molecules instead of smaller sugars (e.g. glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltodextrin) found in ordinary sport drinks. Scientists use molecular weight (how heavy the molecule is) to determine the size of molecules. As shown in the table below. Vitargo® is hundreds and thousands of times larger than maltodextrin, sucrose and dextrose.

How does Vitargo® work?
Vitargo® has a larger molecule size than sugars (e.g. glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltodextrin) found in ordinary energy and recovery drinks. Vitargo®'s larger size minimises its osmolality, which refers to how much water it draws. Vitargo®'s low osmolality allows it to move through the stomach 2 times faster than other carbohydrates which tend to act more like a sponge in the stomach. Spending less time in the stomach allows Vitargo® to be absorbed faster, providing a near instant surge of energy into the working muscles, far superior to other carbohydrates. After training or competition Vitargo® recovers glycogen 68% faster allowing for an increase in performance of up to 23% after just two hours, when compared to carbohydrates found in ordinary sport drinks.

CARBOHYDRATE MOLECULAR WEIGHT
Vitargo® Pure 500,000 to 700,000
Maltodextrin 1,000 to 10,000
Starch syrup 250 to 1,000
Dextrose (sucrose) 180

Will Vitargo® make me feel bloated?
Carbohydrate-based energy and recovery beverages can make you feel bloated. That's because the type of carbohydrate used in ordinary formulas act like sponges drawing water into the stomach, which can cause uncomfortable bloating and cramping. Vitargo® is a patented carbohydrate form designed to empty from the stomach faster and be absorbed in to the body more quickly. In fact, university researchers found that Vitargo® emptied from the stomach more than 2 times faster than a comparable beverage with sugars and maltodextrin (the type of carbohydrate used in many popular sports drinks).

Can I use Vitargo® before or during training or when I compete?
Absolutely! Vitargo® is a favorite fuel source of thousands of athletes world-wide during training and competition. That's because it is university proven to be the fastest muscle fuel available. You can use one to two scoops before you begin or during training or competition.

Is your Vitargo the Super Soluble (S2) variety?
Yes we use the Super Soluble variety. Vitargo® is made from barley and is considered a starch. In general, starches don't mix very well in water. We use Vitargo® S2 which is a super soluble form that mixes more easily in water than other starches.

Is Vitargo® sugar free?
Unlike most other sport drinks and recovery supplements Vitargo® is completely sugar free! That means you can enjoy Vitargo® before, during or after training or anytime and not be concerned about sugar. Vitargo® is made from barley starch and will fit in with any vegetarian nutrition plan.

Can I use Vitargo® to carb load prior to competition?
Absolutely. In fact, using Vitargo® during "carb-loading" is common among elite athletes and Olympic competitors. You can use Vitargo in shakes and smoothies as a sugar-free carbohydrate source. Each scoop provides 50 grams of glycogen building carbohydrate. Many athletes use Vitargo between meals to ensure they meet their carbohydrate goals during loading and after exhaustive training so that they can eat normally during regular meals.

Vitargo® is manufactured using a patented process by Lyckeby Starch in Sweden. Vitargo® is a registered trademark.