AreEnergy Gels Toxic? A Candid Look with Dr. Johnathan Edwards

In this short conversation, Peter Defty and Dr. Johnathan Edwards discuss a critical—but largely ignored—topic in endurance sports: the impact of additives found in energy gels on the Human body.

We’ve all seen it. Athletes cramming down 100+ grams of carbohydrate per hour via concentrated gels. While this fuels short term performance, Dr. Edwards warns that the cost to long-term health is far too high. On top of the simple fact chronic fueling this way is simply Too Much Sugar there is another health problem in terms of the necessary additives and preservatives..

These ultra-processed products are designed for shelf stability and palatability—not for your health. To keep gels from spoiling, manufacturers load them with hidden preservatives like citrates and chemically modified additives. As Dr. Edwards points out, if you knew how these additives were made—or what commercial seed oils really smell like when they're first extracted—you’d never ingest them again.

The conversation turns toward quality, contrasting American energy gel consumption with the more cautious, natural approach which includes real fresh foods seen in European cycling teams. Yet, even natural sugars can wreak havoc when used chronically.

Key takeaways from the clip:

• Gels Aren’t Made for Health: They’re made to sit on a shelf and taste good.

• Preservatives & Citrates: Many toxic additives go undisclosed due to labeling loopholes.

• Seed Oils vs. Natural Oils: Chemically altered seed oils are industrial products, not food.

• Chronic Sugar Intake: Even high-performance athletes aren’t immune to long-term damage.

For athletes relying on gels, this episode serves as a wake-up call to reevaluate your fueling strategy—not just for short -term performance, but for longevity.

📌 Conclusion

Dr. Johnathan Edwards doesn’t mince words: “There is “no way” chronic consumption of energy gels can be good for the human body.”

This candid conversation pulls back the curtain to provide you with an awareness of the processed additives, preservatives and industrial oils hidden in common sports nutrition products—raising big questions about what we’re fueling with, and what it’s doing to us behind the scenes.

The solution? Getting back to your foundational physiology, the one that burns fat as the preferred aerobic energy source to build metabolic capacity. This minimizes your dependence on carbs, yet allows you to harness them when needed without the long term consequences of chronic sugar consumption.. 

To get started on your Metabolic Health & Performance journey start here or contact us.

🎥 Watch the full conversation HERE and learn so much more from Dr. Edwards' longer conversation with Peter Defty.