GU: Roctane

Roctane takes athletes' top choice for an energy gel, GU, amplifies the original recipe and then adds new ingredients to boost performance in sustained, high-intensity efforts.* Here's how it's done:

We start with original GU's mix of complex and simple carbohydrates that provide quick and sustained energy, electrolytes for replenishment and caffeine to tap more power.*

From there we increase the amount of histidine, an essential amino acid, to act as a buffer and slow the energy-sapping lactic acid build-up in muscles.*

We mix in higher levels of citrates (potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and citric acid) to help speed the conversion of carbohydrates into energy molecules and, like histidine, help mitigate acid build-up.*

We also add more of the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, valine and isoleucine to serve as another fuel source, aid in recovery and help maintain mental focus and reduce fatigue by limiting the central nervous system's production of serotonin.*

Finally, we add a new ingredient, the amino acid complex Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) which limits the body's tendency to break down muscle protein tissue during extremely hard training and racing days.* OKG may help you go longer and promotes a speedier recovery.*

Are You A Roctane Athlete?

If your idea of training or racing is giving it your all in a multi-hour adventure or you're competing in multiple racing heats during a day, then Roctane is for you.* For all other training and racing, the original GU energy gel will keep you fueled like a champ.*

FAQs

When Should I Use Roctane?

Roctane is specifically formulated for your most intense training and racing. If you face a hard, multi-hour training session or race (think marathons, ultra-marathons, Iron-distance triathlons, 100-plus-mile bike rides and adventure races), take one-to-two Roctane gels 15 minutes prior to the start, followed by an additional packet every 30-45 minutes along the way. If you compete in short bursts of all-out efforts (think track meets or crew regattas) then go with a packet of Roctane 45 and 15 minutes before, as well as immediately after, your event.

Why Is It Used Just Like GU's Original Energy Gel?

Fundamentally, Roctane is GU, just with more of the stuff that makes original GU so effective (histidine, branched chain amino acids, citrates) plus OKG, an added amino acid complex that lessens damage to muscle tissue during hard training or racing and speeds recovery.* You can use GU and Roctane somewhat interchangeably, but Roctane is specifically formulated for your most intense training and racing. The higher concentrations of these key ingredients give you more of what your body needs when you need it most.*

How Much Fluid Should I Drink With Roctane?

Same as you always should: A couple of big gulps of fluid with Roctane and around 20 to 30 ounces of fluid for each hour of exercise (Don't drink it all at once, please. Pace yourself.).

Should I Use Roctane Differently On Race-Day?

No, make sure to pre-load your body with a packet or two of Roctane and chase with water approximately 45 minutes and 15 minutes before the start.

What Happens If I Switch To Roctane Exclusively For My Sports Nutrition Needs?

If you win a lot because of it, we sponsor you. Seriously though, you may enjoy your best performance ever. Roctane has everything you need to keep on running all day and all night.* It was, after all, designed for competitors of 100-mile ultra marathons. However, your stomach or your taste buds might want you to switch things up a bit with different flavors. That's why Roctane is a perfect complement to an energy program that includes all varieties of GU, as well as Electrolyte Brew for rehydration.

What Is OKG?

Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is the scientific name of this amino acid complex, and it essentially blunts the catabolic process, a.k.a. the body breaking down muscle in response to extreme physical exertion and the corresponding muscle trauma.*Simply put, OKG enhances recovery by providing your muscle tissue with added support against the damage inherent in extreme athletic efforts.*

Why Does Roctane Have The Same Amount Of Calories As Original GU?

You find 100 calories of carbohydrates in both Roctane and GU because there's no reason to add more. The stomach can only absorb so many calories at a time during exercise without disrupting the oxygenated blood flowing to your hard-working muscles. Add too many more calories and the body redirects blood from your muscles to the intestines to digest those calories. And you slow down.

Why Doesn't Roctane Contain The Antioxidant Vitamins In Original GU?

Roctane does not contain the vitamin C or vitamin E that is in GU in order to make room for the additional volume of ingredients in Roctane. Since it is fairly easy to obtain your daily recommended intake of vitamins C and E by ingesting one or more packets of original GU, we removed them in favor of accommodating the added OKG and other increased concentrations of ingredients which are beneficial on those really hard days. If you are concerned about getting enough antioxidants, we suggest including a packet of original GU, in addition to Roctane, as part of of your nutrition program during intense training and racing.

Why Does Roctane Cost More Than The Original GU?

Roctane costs more because there are up to 10 times the amount of high-performance ingredients in each packet. Consider this analogy: Original GU is like premium unleaded-it'll power the most sophisticated engines on the planet with no problem. Roctane is our high-octane, racing-grade unleaded. It burns hotter and stronger and will keep an engine running near red-line all day long.

Is Roctane Kosher?

GU Energy Gel, Roctane, GU Electrolyte Brew, and GU Recovery Brew are all certified Kosher. Chomps are not.