Q: What is EFS?
A: EFS is a new energy drink that provides endurance athletes with the nutrients they need to fuel working muscles and increase endurance during exercise. The EFS formula utilizes the latest clinical research on endurance nutrition and input from some of the best endurance athletes in the world.

Q: I’ve heard that there are benefits to having protein during exercise. Why doesn’t EFS contain protein?
A: EFS contains 2g Free Form Amino Acids per serving which is the equivalent in BCAA and Glutamine profile to 9g Whey Protein. Protein naturally contains Branched Chain Amino Acids and Glutamine. Clinical evidence supporting the use of Branched Chain Amino acids and Glutamine during exercise dates back to 1991. These clinical studies clearly indicate supplementing with as little as 1g Free Form Amino Acids improved performance, reduced post-exercise muscle damage, improved muscle glycogen resynthesis, reduced central fatigue and improved rate of perceived exertion. These are the same claims made by the ‘NEW’ Protein study and clearly support a mechanism for improved performance.

The First Endurance Research Board sides with the abundance of clinical studies supporting improved endurance performance while supplementing with Amino Acids during exercise. In addition to the clinical support, other factors lead to a decision to use these Free Form Amino Acids over complete proteins.

• Proteins are more difficult to digest than Amino Acids during exercise
• Proteins don’t taste very good during exercise
• Proteins can reduce the glycemic index of a drink, further reducing its ability to be quickly absorbed
• There is considerably more evidence supporting Free Form Amino acids than complete proteins

Q: What are the benefits of using EFS during exercise?
A: The benefits of EFS are:

• Supplying fast and sustained energy for muscles
• Improved fluid absorption
• Reduced cramping and dehydration
  
• Improved performance
• Easy to digest and absorb
• Improved glycogen resynthesis
• Delayed central (mental) fatigue
• Replenish electrolyte loss

Q: How does it taste?
A: EFS is a light, great-tasting energy drink that’s sweetened and flavored with 100% natural ingredients. Because EFS is low in sweetness, there is no need to dilute the recommended serving allowing you to drink it full strength. Unlike energy drinks that contain complete proteins, EFS is not chalky and thick. The benefit is a potent, easy to digest energy drink which delivers all the nutrients like they were intended (full strength). EFS is available in four refreshing flavors: Lemon-Lime, Fruit Punch, Mild Grape, and Orange Splash.

Q: How much EFS should I use during my training and racing?
A: Clinical research shows that a 6-8% solution delivering between 45-60g carbohydrates, >1000mg Amino Acids, 400-600mg sodium and equivalent balance in all electrolytes should be taken every hour during exercise. EFS is designed to maximize all these levels. Athletes should consume one serving for every 30 minutes of intense exercise. Adjustments should be made based on body weight, training state, 17
heat, individual sweat rates and preference. Use one serving for every 30 minutes as a starting point and adjust as necessary from there.

Q: What types of athletes should be taking EFS?
A: The following symptoms will all benefit from use of EFS

1) Athletes which experience cramping from strenuous exercise.

2) All athletes who demand rapid fluid absorption in order to stay hydrated.

3) Athletes who want all the benefits of protein without the heavy/chalky consistency of protein drinks. Essentially any athlete exercising for one hour or more will benefit from the use of EFS in their training and racing.

Q: Should I use EFS even when it’s cold, like during XC ski races?
A: Cold weather sports still put a considerable fluid and electrolyte demand on the athlete. EFS works just as well in the cold as is the heat. The high sodium content in EFS may even help reduce the drinks propensity to freeze. (this has not been tested).

Q: Should I use EFS in short races?
A: Short races generally don’t put a heavy demand on your glycogen, carbohydrate stores, given that you are well nourished prior to the start of the race. During a short race athletes can be slowed significantly from cramping and electrolyte imbalance. A serving of EFS can be used 15-30 minutes prior to a short race to assure adequate carbohydrates and electrolytes are available for the intense effort. Short race is defined as one lasting less than one hour.

Q: Should I use EFS in long races?
A: During long races (3 hours+) considerable stress is put on an athlete’s body. 1) Glycogen (energy) stores are depleted 2) cells experience damage from cellular oxidation 3) electrolytes are depleted and 4) amino acids are depleted.

1) EFS replenishes glycogen by using a mix of high glycemic carbohydrates including both simple and complex sugars. This easy to digest mix is rapidly absorbed and delivers fast and long term energy.

2) Formulated with 120mg (200% RDA) of Vitamin C per serving, EFS helps protect cells from oxidation keeping the immune system stronger for better training and faster racing. A depleted immune system can cause upper respiratory distress which generally accompanies long exhaustive exercise.

3) EFS provides the most potent electrolyte profile available. The combination of all five electrolytes deliver a potent 1040mg per serving, helping to prevent cramping. The 270mgs sodium per serving also aids in maximum fluid absorption so you stay hydrated throughout your training and racing. Supplementing with additional salt tabs, electrolyte tabs, or salty snacks is no longer needed when using EFS.

4) 2000mg of Amino Acids offers the same BCAA and Glutamine levels as 9g Whey Protein. These amino acids have clinically shown to improve performance, reduced post-exercise muscle damage, improve muscle glycogen resynthesis, reduced central fatigue and improved rate of perceived exertion.

Q: What’s the carbohydrate source in EFS?
A: EFS replenishes glycogen by using a mix of high glycemic carbohydrates including both simple and complex sugars. This easy to digest mix is rapidly absorbed and delivers fast and long term energy.

Q: I am prone to cramping during longer training and racing. Will EFS help me with cramping problems?
A: Nutritionally cramping stem from electrolyte imbalance, electrolyte depletion and/or dehydration,. EFS provides the most potent electrolyte profile available. The combination of all five electrolytes deliver a potent 1040mg per serving, helping to prevent cramping. The 270mgs sodium per serving also aids in maximum fluid absorption so you stay hydrated throughout your training and racing. Supplementing with additional salt tabs, electrolyte tabs, or salty snacks is no longer needed when using EFS.

Q: How many servings are in a container of EFS?
A: There are 25 servings per container of EFS