We all know BLOCKHEAD Energy Gum is the perfect way to get a quick boost without the hassle of downing a sugar-laden energy drink or mugful of coffee. Why is gum such an excellent medium to deliver functional ingredients? Let's find out.
FASTER ABSORPTION ✅
Simply put, chewing gum provides the quickest absorption rate of caffeine [1]. A coffee, energy drink or caffeine tablet typically reaches peak absorption in about 30-45 minutes. BLOCKHEAD gum, on the other hand, acts way faster with full absorption in as little as 5 minutes.
BUT HOW? 🤔
When micronutrients (such as caffeine) are consumed via chewing gum, they undergo a process called sublingual and buccal absorption, passing through the mucous membranes in your mouth and flowing directly into your bloodstream. Sublingual absorption refers to the uptake of nutrients by the blood vessels under your tongue, and buccal absorption takes place through the vessels in your gums and cheeks.
Let’s compare this to drinking a cup of a coffee or an energy drink. When liquid is consumed, it must pass through the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream via the small intestine. Evidence has also shown that GI absorption is slowed if your stomach is full [2]. That means those porridge oats you had for breakfast could further delay the effects of your morning coffee, leaving you waiting even longer to get that morning energy kick.
The bottom line is: if you need an immediate caffeine boost, chewing BLOCKHEAD Energy Gum is the quickest solution.
THE POWER OF CONTROLLED DOSAGE 💪
Plenty of research shows that the optimal caffeine dose for cognitive and physical benefits is 3mg per kilogram bodyweight [3], with significantly enhanced mental capacity seen in doses from 40 – 300mg [4]. With each piece of BLOCKHEAD Energy Gum, you know you’re getting 50mg of high-quality caffeine, making it easy to quantify and achieve your ideal personal dosage.
It’s clear to see the benefits when you consider the high variability of caffeine found in coffee. Recent research has shown that certain disposable coffee pods can vary dramatically in caffeine content; with a single pod containing 25-71 mg of caffeine! [5]
With a range this wide, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve the correct dose to safely and effectively receive the benefits you’re searching for. One cup of coffee could provide a high dose today and a low one tomorrow! With every piece of BLOCKHEAD, you know for certain that you’re getting 50mg per piece every single time, without the sugar and calories found in energy drinks and coffee.
LIQUID FREE ENERGY 🚫💧
One of the obvious benefits of chewing BLOCKHEAD gum is that you receive an instant energy boost without the need to consume liquid. High fluid intake is detrimental to performance, particularly before exercise. It may seem counter-intuitive, but if your stomach contains a high volume of fluid, it can promote a higher rate of water loss, which can then lead to dehydration [6].
The benefits of liquid-free caffeine are also found away from the sports field. Anyone who has ever completed a long drive knows how vital it is to stay alert on the road. We’ve all seen the impact that a cup of coffee (and the need to relieve ourselves of the extra liquid) has had on our travel time. With BLOCKHEAD Energy Gum you get the added concentration without the fuss of needing to find the nearest service station.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jake Kemp is a sports science geek. He graduated with a bachelor’s Sports Science degree from the University of Exeter and a master’s degree from Northumbria University. He’s worked with some of the world’s top professional athletes, including the first team of Newcastle Football Club in the English Premier League.
- Kamimori, G. H., Karyekar, C. S., Otterstetter, R., Cox, D. S., Balkin, T. J., Belenky, G. L., & Eddington, N. D. (2002). The rate of absorption and relative bioavailability of caffeine administered in chewing gum versus capsules to normal healthy volunteers. International journal of pharmaceutics, 234(1-2), 159-167.
- Brachtel, D., & Richter, E. (1988). Effect of altered gastric emptying on caffeine absorption. Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie, 26(5), 245-251.
- Burke, L. M. (2008). Caffeine and sports performance. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 33(6), 1319-1334.
- McLellan, T. M., Caldwell, J. A., & Lieberman, H. R. (2016). A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 71, 294-312.
- B. Desbrow, S. Hall & C. Irwin (2017). Caffeine content of Nespresso Pod Coffee
- Backes, T. P., & Fitzgerald, K. (2016). Fluid consumption, exercise, and cognitive performance. Biology of Sport, 33(3), 291.
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