Q: Do you really need sports gels? Are they good or bad for you?

A: Basically, sports gels are simply sugar and sometimes caffeine in a small packet. Although grabbing a packet as you run out the door may be convenient and make your life a bit easier, this is no boost to your health.

For example, a PowerBar brand sports gel contains 25 milligrams of caffeine, approximately one-fourth of the amount of caffeine in an 8-oz. cup of brewed coffee. Also, another PowerBar gel contains up to 45 grams of carbohydrates, of which 35 grams are pure sugar. All in all, going near these types of gels is not in your best interest.

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