Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin D3 is a natural product. It is a form of vitamin D that occurs naturally in some foods and is also produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be found in foods such as fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), eggs, and liver.

No, this is a natural product that strengthens your immune system. If you have an excess of vitamin D3, your body will simply regulate it.

Yes, a sports fruit snack with 30 carbohydrates is always a good addition. However, it is advisable to use caffeine in the second half of the effort when you can best take advantage of the caffeine boost effect.

Yes, a pre-workout is highly suitable for short efforts. The greatest effect occurs in the first 60 minutes after ingestion. So, yes, it is ideal for short efforts, including a short Zwift race or intense workout.

A pre-workout is used for endurance training or intense efforts. The effect of a pre-workout is to maximize endurance and minimize decline in performance during the first two hours. You can also use a pre-workout for short, powerful efforts such as sprint training or indoor Zwift races.

Yes, you can definitely do that. You can also add 1 to 2 packets to 500 to 750 ml of water. This way, you get a sports drink that is easy to digest and has a neutral taste.

Adding Carb Max sticks to your isotonic drink is done to increase carbohydrate intake. This converts an isotonic drink into a hypertonic drink, which means you will absorb less fluid but get more carbohydrates. This is ideal if you have a high energy expenditure or when you cannot drink for a while and want to load up on carbohydrates/energy. You can add 1 to 2 packets to an isotonic drink, allowing you to process up to 105 carbohydrates in a bottle.

Yes, the sticks are neutral in taste and can be added to any sports drink or water. Ideally, use 1 to 2 sticks per 500 to 750 ml. However, to optimize their effectiveness and to avoid overstimulating your intestines, it is advisable to add them to water or Neapharma’s Pro Isotonic. The Carb Max sticks are specifically designed to work optimally with these products.

Hydro contains salts and minerals to replenish what you lose through sweat, ensuring your muscle function remains optimal. At Neapharma, several minerals, vitamins, and salts have already been added to the isotonic drink. If you have a high sweat rate, lose a lot of salts, or exercise in warm (sunny/indoor) conditions, it is advisable to use Hydro or O.R.S. as an extra supplement to support your fluid balance for good muscle performance.

Yes, the sticks are neutral in taste and can be added to any sports drink or water. Ideally, use 1 to 2 sticks per 500 to 750 ml.

Hydro contains salts and minerals to replenish what you lose through sweat, helping to keep your muscle function optimal. O.R.S. is a ratio of salts and minerals in an ideal balance to maximize absorption. Often, Hydro is sufficient, but for people who lose a lot of salts during exercise, an O.R.S. ratio may be necessary. Hydro = 1 stick. O.R.S. = 2 sticks.

The Boost gel from Neapharma has a neutral pH, meaning it is as digestible as water and doesn’t put extra strain on your stomach. This allows you to use the gel at any time. However, it is wise to only use the Boost effect of caffeine in the second part of your effort. The effect slightly diminishes if used continuously over several hours.

All Neapharma gels are supplemented with extra fluid. This is to ensure faster absorption, easier digestion, and to support your fluid balance during exercise. Every Neapharma gel is as efficient as an isotonic gel in terms of fluid absorption, but contains more carbohydrates/energy.

All Neapharma gels are supplemented with extra fluid. This is to ensure faster absorption, easier digestion, and to support your fluid balance during exercise. Every Neapharma gel is as efficient as an isotonic gel in terms of fluid absorption, but contains more carbohydrates/energy.

The 45 carbohydrates per gel are ideal for building up to a maximum of 130 carbohydrates per hour without causing stomach discomfort. The combination of 45 carbohydrates from the Carb Max gel and 33 carbohydrates from an isotonic drink already provides 78 carbohydrates. If this is not enough, you can choose to further build up with a Carb Max gel (45), Carb Max stick (35), or isotonic fruit (25). For runners who cannot drink large volumes, a Carb Max gel is also an ideal solution to still take in enough carbohydrates. Moreover, the Carb Max gel contains extra fluid to support fluid balance, digestion, and absorption speed.

The Carb Max gel contains 45 carbohydrates and provides longer-lasting effects. The energy gel contains 33 carbohydrates and can deliver energy for 45 to 55 minutes. The Carb Max gel will keep you going for well over an hour because it has more carbohydrates.

Yes! Generally, this is not harmful. However, we recommend avoiding caffeine products for the first 90 to 120 minutes, as there is little added benefit since the pre-workout is already working. Additionally, you risk putting extra strain on your intestines. After 2 hours, it is a good time to use a caffeine gel again.

Always begin with 10 grams and gradually increase to 20 grams. This product varies greatly from person to person, so find your own dosage, but start with 10 grams and then scale up.

It’s best to gradually build up your omega-3 intake if you’re using it for the first time: Week 1 = 1 capsule, Week 2 = 2 capsules, and Week 3 = 3 capsules. After a month, you can reduce to 2 capsules if you wish.

Due to the high concentration, 1 capsule can already have an effect. However, it is advisable to take at least 2 capsules.

Yes, it is often recommended to take omega-3 fatty acids throughout the year. Omega-3 is essential for your health, especially for supporting your heart, brain, and inflammatory responses. Since the body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own, a constant intake through diet or supplements is important.

This is also valuable for athletes to help manage injury-related issues.

You produce vitamin D by converting sunlight into vitamin D. Often, summer is not enough to compensate for the deficiency in winter. Therefore, it is advisable to take vitamin D3 throughout the year. However, if you want to skip a season, summer is the best time to do so.

Een voedingsplan is van groot belang voor een sporter, omdat voeding een directe invloed heeft op de prestaties, het herstel en de algemene gezondheid. Hier zijn enkele redenen waarom een goed doordacht voedingsplan essentieel is voor sporters:

1. Energy Supply: Athletes require sufficient energy to perform during training sessions and competitions. A nutrition plan ensures that the right amount of calories and macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) is consumed to meet the energy needs of the athlete.
2. Recovery: After intensive workouts or competitions, it is important to provide the body with the right nutrients to promote recovery. Proteins, for example, are crucial for muscle recovery, while carbohydrates help replenish glycogen stores.
3. Optimal Performance: The timing and composition of meals can impact performance. A well-structured nutrition plan can assist athletes in getting the right nutrients at the right time, leading to improved endurance, strength, and speed.
4. Weight Management: For some sports, it is important to maintain or achieve a specific weight. A nutrition plan can help regulate body weight and preserve the right body composition.

5. Immune System: Intensive training can impact the immune system. A well-balanced nutrition plan with sufficient vitamins and minerals can support the immune system and reduce the risk of illnesses.
6. Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for athletes to maintain performance and prevent dehydration. A nutrition plan can also include guidelines for adequate fluid intake.

The evolution of Neapharma energy gels is such that they are nearly as digestible as solid food. Therefore, there is almost no difference in digestibility between gels and solid food. However, solid food is less aggressive in terms of insulin response and has a less significant impact on blood sugar levels, making solid food a more stable and long-lasting source of energy. Energy gels are quicker to be absorbed but also have a faster onset and decline.

Absorption time Bars: 6 – 12min
Effect Bars:  45 -120min

Absorption time Gels: 4 -6 min
Effect Gels: 45 – 50 min

The evolution of Neapharma energy gels is such that they are nearly as digestible as solid food. Therefore, there is almost no difference in digestibility between gels and solid food. However, solid food is less aggressive in terms of insulin response and has a less significant impact on blood sugar levels, making solid food a more stable and long-lasting source of energy. Energy gels are quicker to be absorbed but also have a faster onset and decline.

Moisture in gels for Speed of Absorption
An additional benefit of moisture in energy gels is the quicker and more complete absorption of carbohydrates. Thick, sticky gels can cause up to 50% loss in absorption. Therefore, moisture in gels is advantageous to increase the efficiency of carbohydrate absorption.”

isotonic gels
Isotonic gels are an outdated concept where you receive fewer carbohydrates and overly focus on fluid intake. A good energy gel contains sufficient moisture (without being isotonic) for the aforementioned reason and, in reality, has nearly the same fluid absorption as an isotonic gel but with a lot more energy.

Isomaltulose is one of the most powerful and complex carbohydrates in sports science. It has a slower metabolism than sucrose, resulting in a more gradual increase in blood glucose levels. It is often used as a carbohydrate source with a low glycemic index. This means that it can provide both quick and sustained energy.

It prevents energy dips because of its prolonged effect. Therefore, it is also an ideal substance for carbohydrate loading. This way, with a combination of various carbohydrates and isomaltulose, you can go up to 120g of carbohydrates per hour!

The 6-carbohydrate strategy is the latest insight from top coach and Performance Manager at the cycling team Alpecin Deceuninck, Kristof De Kegel. He researched which carbohydrates are best used by athletes and what the ratio of these different energy sources is in relation to endurance and strength.

He developed a strategy that, when you combine the right sources of carbohydrates at the right time, you can process up to 35% more energy. The key here is alternating between 6 different carbohydrates in the right proportion. Therefore, all Neapharma products have been adjusted since 2023, making us the only brand in the world where this strategy works.

To simplify these calculations, Neapharma has created the Fuel Plan App, where your personalized nutrition plan is generated.

Hydration Balance
Energy gels are potent energy boosters, but don’t expect to extract 300 ml of fluid from a 60 ml gel. It is important to have realistic expectations, as each gel has limited capacity to maintain your hydration balance.

Digestibility
A good energy gel also includes moisture to facilitate the smooth absorption of carbohydrates. The moisture acts as a conductor for the carbohydrates in your intestines, promoting better digestibility. It is always beneficial to have fluid in your gels to enhance proper digestion.

Speed of Absorption
An additional benefit of moisture in energy gels is the faster and more complete absorption of carbohydrates. Thick, sticky gels can cause up to a 50% loss in absorption. Therefore, moisture in gels is advantageous to increase the efficiency of carbohydrate absorption.

Isotonic Gels
Isotonic gels are an outdated science where you receive fewer carbohydrates and overly focus on fluid intake. A good energy gel contains sufficient moisture (without being isotonic) for the above reason and, in reality, has nearly the same fluid absorption as an isotonic gel but with a lot more energy.

Of course, various factors play a role in this. Duration, intensity, sequence, … but nutrition and recovery also play a crucial role:

• Building endurance starts during the training; drink enough: a dehydrated body can convert up to 25% less endurance building from a workout.
• Afterward: Everything is proportional: short workouts versus long workouts. For short workouts, effective endurance building is possible. Then we use Pro Leucine: focus on muscle recovery and building. For long workouts, we aim for complete recovery with Pro Elite Recovery. You can find more information and details on the detail page.

“Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins play a crucial role in numerous physiological processes in the body. For athletes, amino acids are particularly important due to their diverse functions that contribute to muscle building, recovery, and overall performance. Here are some functions of amino acids for athletes:”

1. Muscle Building and Recovery: Amino acids are essential for protein synthesis, which, in turn, is crucial for muscle building and recovery. Particularly, the so-called ‘essential amino acids’ cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from diet. They play a key role in repairing and building muscle tissue after intense physical exertion.
2. Energy Production: Amino acids can, under certain conditions, be converted into energy. This can be particularly relevant during prolonged or intense workouts when the glycogen stores in the muscles become depleted.
3. Immune System Support: Intensive physical activity can temporarily weaken the immune system. Some amino acids, such as glutamine, are involved in supporting the immune system, which can help reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.

Salts and minerals play a crucial role in the overall health and performance of athletes. These substances, also known as electrolytes, are essential for various bodily functions and can be lost during physical activity through sweating. Here are some reasons why salts and minerals are important for athletes:

1. Fluid Balance: Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, help maintain fluid balance in the body. During exercise, excessive sweating can lead to the loss of these electrolytes, which may result in dehydration if not replenished.
2. Muscle Function: Calcium, potassium, and sodium are crucial for normal muscle function. A proper electrolyte balance is essential to prevent muscle cramps and weakness.
3. Nerve Function: Electrolytes are involved in transmitting nerve impulses in the body. A balanced electrolyte status is crucial for effective communication between nerve cells, which is important for muscle contraction and coordination.
4. Energy Production: Various minerals, including magnesium, are involved in cellular-level energy production. Adequate energy production is crucial for sports performance.
5. Recovery after Exertion: After exercising, it is important to replenish lost electrolytes to promote recovery. This helps reduce muscle soreness, fatigue, and maintains a healthy electrolyte level.
6. Prevention of Hyponatremia: During prolonged exertion, excessive water intake without sufficient electrolyte intake can lead to hyponatremia, a serious condition where the sodium concentration in the blood becomes too low.

Athletes can replenish electrolytes by consuming sports drinks, dietary supplements, or by eating foods naturally rich in these minerals. It is important to pay attention to individual needs, depending on the intensity and duration of physical activity, climate, and individual factors such as body weight and sweat level. It is recommended to seek advice from a nutritionist or health professional for personalized guidance.

You are best off using the Pro Elite Recovery after your intense workouts. It is not necessary on a daily basis. For very short, intense workouts (lasting less than 1 hour) or light workouts, it’s better to opt for the Pro Leucine because a full recovery shake is not necessary in those cases.

Indeed, the Pro Leucine has a similar effect to BCAAs. BCAAs, in fact, are a blend of Leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Full Explanation

Pro-Leucine does indeed have a similar effect to BCAAs. The latter are a mixture of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Leucine is just one of the three BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), but it is the most potent among them (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). It contributes to significant muscle strength, stimulates protein synthesis, and is essential for building, preserving, and repairing weakened or damaged muscles. Additionally, both leucine and isoleucine assist your body in muscle building and recovery after exertion.

Therefore, it is advisable to invest in a supplement with pure leucine if you want to enhance recovery and muscle growth. Furthermore, leucine also promotes increased strength, which is not the case for isoleucine and valine. Leucine is most effective when taken in its pure form.

We often get asked if our supplements can also be used by children. The answer to this is actually simple: yes. All Neapharma products are perfectly suitable for children. However, we would like to emphasize that moderation is key. We also do not advocate for children using recovery shakes or Omega 3 (they are not exactly cheap either).

Of course, it is better to give a child an isotonic sports drink during exertion. The body can use an extra boost during any physical activity, and children do sweat as well. Some 13-year-olds even engage in quite intense training for their age, making sports nutrition a necessity for them too. However, if your child is going for a leisurely bike ride for an hour, there is no reason to equip them like a professional athlete.

All Neapharma products are pH-neutral. Without flavorings and acids that affect the pH, everything is absorbed more quickly and effectively, resulting in maximum outcomes without burdening the stomach and intestines. Additionally, pH-neutral products are gentler on your tooth enamel.

Do you have a strong stomach and this is not important to you? A neutral pH also guarantees faster and complete absorption of nutrients. So, a neutral pH is not only good for your stomach, intestines, and teeth. It also enhances performance!