Current Concepts in Sports Nutrition - Australian Sports Commission

Recommended uses by the AIS Department of Sports Nutrition
PowerBar Product Range / 44
• Snack — Suitable for athletes with high-energy requirements (for example, athletes
undertaking a heavy training load, adolescent athletes undergoing a period of
growth, or strength or power athletes training to increase muscle mass). Also a
convenient, portable snack for athletes with a busy lifestyle.
• Pre-exercise — Low residue (fibre), carbohydrate-rich pre-exercise snack. Useful as
part of a pre-event meal for athletes at high risk of gastrointestinal problems during
exercise. Provides a source of fuel prior to prolonged workouts.
• During exercise — Portable, convenient source of carbohydrate. Can help satisfy
hunger during prolonged training sessions and competitive events (for example, road
cycling).
• Post-exercise — Convenient, portable source of carbohydrate and other nutrients for
post-exercise recovery. Provides a reasonable source of protein but may not meet
(yet to be determined) goals for optimal protein resynthesis after resistance training.
Ideal for refuelling or replacing energy and nutrients following exercise when
appetite is suppressed, access to food is limited, or the athlete has minimal time to
eat between exercise sessions. Useful between events or in multi-event competition.
• Making weight — Low residue (fibre) source of carbohydrate and micronutrients
which can be used by weight-making athletes to replace some meals in the period
before weigh-in. By reducing fibre intake, the athlete can reduce the weight of their
gastrointestinal contents and overall body mass while still consuming fuel and
nutrients.
• Travel — Portable and non-perishable food alternative for travelling athlete who has
minimal facilities for food preparation/storage or is travelling to locations where food
availability is limited.
Considerations
Bars should always be consumed with adequate fluid to assist digestion/absorption
and to help meet hydration needs. If the athlete intends to consume performance bars
during a competitive event, this strategy should be practised and assessed during
training sessions. Post-exercise use targets post-exercise refuelling and general
energy and nutrient replacement. Although the nutritional recipe for optimal postexercise
protein synthesis is yet to be determined, performance bars may not provide
sufficient protein to meet the post-exercise needs of resistance training. Food sources
should always be considered as the first option for meals and snacks. Overuse may
lead to inappropriate replacement of whole foods.
Available in three flavours: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cappuccino
(Coming soon – Cookies & Cream & Caffeinated Raspberry & Cream)