In an effort to further the health, well-being and success of athletes everywhere, a former BYU runner has developed a new sports drink that purports to offer instant energy to athletes in an easier-to-digest format.

Mark Jensen, creator of the newest sports drink, Gleukos, developed the idea while working on his MBA at BYU. Unsatisfied with drinks that helped hydrate athletes but also put them on a sugar high, Jensen decided to produce a drink around a basic scientific idea.

"I was disappointed with the drinks that were on the market," Jensen said. " We wanted to design a better beverage."

The idea of his product is based on the knowledge that glucose is the fuel for the human body. Most drinks that claim they can give more energy to an athlete focus more on carbohydrates and complex sugars like fructose. Both of these nutrients, despite providing the body with power, have to be broken down into glucose before they can be used for the body's energy stores. Jensen felt if he could simply put glucose into his product to begin with, the body could bypass the digestion process and give athletes quicker energy.

"The concept is to take a normal IV bag that you'd find in a hospital and basically flavor it," Jensen said. "That's it-we wanted an oral IV."

Jensen also wanted to add other nutrients, like potassium, that are crucial to athletic performance and cut out sodium, a nutrient he says most people get more than enough of.

Jensen already has key supporters for Gleukos. Not coincidentally, his biggest supporter is current BYU men's cross-country coach and running legend Ed Eyestone.

A little over two years ago, Jensen started promoting his new drink by getting the Eyestone's squad to try his fresh-off-the-shelves product.

"The first time I met him, I felt he was a little skeptical," Jensen said. "I mean, this kid shows up with a drink saying it's going to make him run faster."

Fortunately for Jensen, Eyestone overcame his initial skepticism and has been using the product for his team ever since.

"Mark was nice enough to give us some of the product initially," Eyestone said. "We were happy to be the guinea pigs. I liked the concept of it and what it was."

Eyestone and his Cougar runners, including national champion Josh Rohatinsky, aren't the only ones who have embraced the newfound product. Gleukos is the official beverage of U.S. Track and Field, the Subaru cross-country ski team and Rubicon Cycling team.

Jensen said the drink is not only for the elite athlete, but for recreational ones as well. Associated Food stores agreed to carry the beverage, which comes in powder and ready-made liquid. The BYU Creamery also has decided to carry the product.

Eyestone said his nationally-ranked runners are happy with the drink and will continue to use it.

"We're glad to have an association with him," Eyestone said. "He [Jensen] has been very generous about providing for our glucose needs. It's produced promising results."