Proxima C uses an unrivaled four-carbohydrate blend.  Scientific literature has established that multiple carbohydrate transport solutions are superior to single carbohydrate solutions.  Proxima C’s blend includes;

Cluster dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin) is the primary fuel source in Proxima C, accounting for over 50%.  Cluster dextrin has several advantages over maltodextrin, including faster gastric emptying time, decreased rate of perceived exertion, increased time to exhaustion, and significantly lower instances of GI distress.  Compared to other carbohydrates, cluster dextrin has a lower glycemic impact, maintaining a slower, more sustained energy release.  This allows for improved fat oxidation while keeping blood sugar stable.  In comparison to simple sugars, cluster dextrin is also less sweet, reducing the risk of palate fatigue.    

Cluster Dextrin™ won the Ringier Technology Innovation Award in 2020 as an innovative ingredient for sports nutrition for its ability to enhance stamina, reduce intestinal discomfort, decrease perceived exertion, and suppress inflammatory stress in athletes.   

Fructose is a simple sugar that utilizes the GLUT5 transporter.  Utilizing this transporter allows for additional energy consumption without contributing to GI distress.  If you’re not taking in fructose, you’re not taking advantage of the GLUT5 transporter, the equivalent of having a reserve fuel tank and cutting the line.  

Dextrose is a simple, rapidly oxidized carbohydrate that delivers immediately usable energy and encourages glycogen preservation right out of the gate.  

Palatinose® is a breakthrough carbohydrate for long-duration endurance activities.  Research has shown Palatinose® improves fat oxidation during exercise. Palatinose® is a slow-release carbohydrate that provides a balanced, sustained energy supply.  The slower, consistent release of energy, improved fat oxidation, and lower glycemic impact make it great for prolonged endurance efforts.  Palatinose® is tooth-friendly, and naturally less sweet than simple sugars – preventing palate fatigue.

GI issues are the #1 reason for DNF in ultramarathons.  Proxima C’s carbohydrate profile is exceptionally gentle on the stomach. 

Our primary carbohydrate, Cyclic Dextrin (accounting for over 50%), passes through the stomach more rapidly than any other form of carbohydrate and causes virtually no GI distress. 

You will likely notice right away that the taste of Proxima C is lighter and less sweet than most carbohydrate drinks you’ve tried.  

Palate fatigue in ultra-endurance sports is a major issue and is often a consequence of ingesting too many sweet calories. Proxima C’s carbohydrate blend is naturally less sweet than traditional carbohydrate drinks (more in carbohydrate blend dropdown). Additionally, we opted for a very light flavor profile (just enough to mask the electrolytes) to further reduce palate fatigue.

In addition to a revolutionary carbohydrate blend, Proxima C also includes a premium electrolyte profile that utilizes ideal quantities of the best versions of each electrolyte.  Rather than conform to the standard and select each form of electrolyte based on price, we select them based on bioavailability, gut tolerance, and the potential to sustain optimal performance for the LONG haul.  

Electrolytes/serving

Sodium (from sodium chloride and sodium citrate) – 310 mg

Sodium chloride provides chloride (an essential electrolyte), while sodium citrate provides a highly bioavailable form of sodium that increases fluid and electrolyte absorption.  Sodium is the most important electrolyte to replace during endurance activity.  Incorporating sodium citrate is far superior to using sodium chloride alone.

Chloride (from sodium chloride) – 360 mg

Potassium (from potassium phosphate) – 85 mg

In addition to providing potassium, phosphates increase oxygen transport to muscles and neutralizes acids, improving endurance and reducing fatigue.  Typical formulas use the cheaper forms – potassium citrate or chloride.

Calcium (from dicalcium malate) – 25 mg

Dicalcium malate is more easily absorbed and, therefore, gentler on the stomach than calcium carbonate – a cheaper form used in most endurance fuels.  

Magnesium (from Albion® dimagnesium malate) – 10 mg

Magnesium malate is gentler on the stomach than magnesium citrate (used in typical fuels) and has less GI-related side effects.

Unlike typical endurance fuels that contain only simple sugars (sucrose, dextrose, fructose), Proxima C utilizes primarily low glycemic, complex carbohydrates.  This results in a steadier energy source, eliminating large energy swings resulting from blood sugar dips and spikes caused by excessive high-glycemic, simple carbs.  

Some simple sugars are necessary and beneficial to endurance when used appropriately, but they shouldn’t be the sole fuel source for endurance athletes.  Proxima C uses an ideal ratio of low glycemic to high glycemic carbs created explicitly for long endurance efforts.

Finally, the addition of L-ornithine reduces ammonia accumulation resulting from prolonged exercise, which reduces fatigue and enhances endurance performance.