We often formulate our products with natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Fructose, dextrose, sucrose, or glucose polymers are used to enhance sports performance and to improve the texture or the palatability of a product. Fructose is the primary sugar in fruit.  It has a low glycemic index, which means it has minimal impact on blood sugar levels yet is sweeter than other simple sugars[1].  Fructose is used in a limited number of our products to provide a sweet flavor.  It is found in larger amounts in the GPS products to enhance athletic performance.  Studies have shown that intake of carbohydrates (sugars like dextrose) during physical activity improves endurance[2].  Glucose is the primary sugar used by cells during physical activity and dextrose is equivalent to glucose. Studies have shown that using products containing both glucose and fructose improves performance and reduces stomach complaints more than using products that contain glucose alone[3],[4].  Carbohydrates can also enhance the uptake of amino acids also found in GPS products. Furthermore, fructose, as part of a post-exercise drink, has been shown to increase the rate at which the body restores its carbohydrate stores (glycogen), potentially leading to faster recovery time after exercise[5].  Fructose should not be confused with high fructose corn syrup, which is not found in any products by PURE. Products that contain fructose: CalciuMK+, GPS Rebuild Glucose polymers are an important source of carbohydrates in sport beverages.  They are large molecules composed of smaller glucose molecules. They provide more energy and are absorbed at a faster rate than glucose alone[6]. Glucose polymers improve the consistency of beverages made from powdered mixes. Products that contain glucose polymers: ENERGY, GPS Hydrate, Probiotic, GPS Energize, Greens, 360 Complete Shake, GPS Circulate, GPS Reset and PURE Café. [1]Tappy L, Lê KA. Metabolic effects of fructose and the worldwide increase in obesity. Physiol Rev. 2010 Jan;90(1):23-46. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00019.2009. [2]Abbiss CR, Peiffer JJ, Peake JM, Nosaka K, Suzuki K, Martin DT, Laursen PB. Effect of carbohydrate ingestion and ambient temperature on muscle fatigue development in endurance-trained male cyclists. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2008 Apr;104(4):1021-8. [3]O'Brien WJ, Rowlands DS. Fructose-maltodextrin ratio in a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution differentially affects exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rate, gut comfort, and performance. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2011 Jan;300(1):G181-9. [4]Rowlands DS, Swift M, Ros M, Green JG. Composite versus single transportable carbohydrate solution enhances race and laboratory cycling performance. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012 Jun;37(3):425-36. [5]Décombaz J, Jentjens R, Ith M, Scheurer E, Buehler T, Jeukendrup A, Boesch C. Fructose and galactose enhance postexercise human liver glycogen synthesis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Oct;43(10):1964-71. [6]Shi X, Passe DH. Water and solute absorption from carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions in the human proximal small intestine: a review and statistical analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010 Oct;20(5):427-42.