ProLine Sports, Nutrition and Equipment Blog

First Endurance EFS Sports Drink Prototype - tastier and more effective

I know we've been talking a lot about the new First Endurance Optygen HP Prototype the last few months, but I wanted to quickly hit on the EFS Powder Drink Prototype that the PRO athletes are testing now.

I cracked it open as soon as I got it out of the box and went for a scoop and 12 ounces of water.

This very first thing I visually noticed was the change in consistency of the powder. The best way I can describe it is somewhere between a powdered sugar and bread flour texture and "feel". We've all at some point have had difficulties mixing powders with any temperature of water, but especially with cold water. Not here. The performance formulation upgrade not withstanding, that alone sets this endurance sports drink apart from any other (including the current EFS powder version). A scoop added to fridge cold water pratically mixed itself.  - no kidding.

The taste also seemed to be improved on dramatically and that may have something to do with the superior solubility this formulation has. You get a mix how it was intended right off the bat. I've personally never experienced anything like that .. even with some of the other specialty brands that are in the same school, but of course in a different classroom. Taste is what really matters - to me anyway. Less acidic on the palate and the tummy and keeping the low sugar taste profile is important a lot of us.

So, the nuts and bolts without getting too specific. First Endurance has improved on a already superior product, but until the EFS prototype is released I'm sure they want to keep most of this under the table.

*Highest Electrolyte Content Available - of all 5 electrolytes per serving

*Latest Amino Acid Technology - the most bio-available source of free-form amino acids available

*Superior Mineral Bio-availability - two unique sources of Calcium and Magnesium

*New Ingredients on-board - stimulating oxygen consumption via increased mitochondrial uptake and increasing energy production.

You'll have to wait on this stuff though. Currently there is not an estimated scheduled release date, but I guess that leaves us all something else to look forward to.

Bicycling Magazine Reviews Optygen HP Endurance Supplement

Bicyling Magazine publishes a stellar review on OptygenHP and how this endurance supplement impacts athlete performance. They also went as far as to back it up with data collected from some 25 cyclists. While other trials might consider this group to be a very small sampling you have to remember that these cyclists are at the top of their game, so any improvement on performance would be quite noticeable.

FIRST ENDURANCE OPTYGEN HP, $75
May 2009
“With active ingredients rhodiola and beta-alanine, OptygenHPmakes hard training and racing feel easier.  Tibetan Sherpas used rhodiola, an herb, to improve their endurance and ability to use oxygen, and studies show it helps your body adapt to high levels of physical stress.  Beta-alanine has been dubbed the new creatine for sports performance.  In a study of 25 cyclists who received either beta-alanine or a placebo for four weeks, those taking the amino-acid supplement improved their performance in a test by 13 percent.  At the end of 10 weeks, they had boosted their numbers yet another 3.2 percent, for a gain greater than 16 percent in two and a half months.  OptygenHP is one of the few supplements I and other staffers swear by.” Selene Yeager
 

Legal Jet Fuel Reviewed

I loved this review of First Endurance and the products they continue to innovate. This is a great read for anyone that wants to supplement, but is not sure about which products to choose. Look no further.... thanks Scott!

http://stilluphill.blogspot.com/2009/04/product-review-1st-endurance-products.html

IOC retesting means only one thing....

With the IOC announcement to retest Beijing Olympiads... this can mean only one thing despite their statement that "There is no evidence that Beijing athletes were using either substance". The banned substances they are retesting for are EPO CERA (a new version of the endurance-enhancing hormone EPO that was discovered in use on this years Tour De France) and the well known diabetic drug Insulin (substance is not new but, it wasn't until recently that a WADA lab developed an effective urine test for it).

"When we have a test available which is fully validated, we use it and we don't hesitate to test retroactively," Moreau said.

Suffice to say that the IOC believes retesting will turn up some findings maybe none of us want to hear about. I was on a phone call just today talking with a Pro Mountain Biker about doping and his efforts to help get the sport(s) CLEAN. It's like you can't get away from it and everyone is always talking about it. Worse, the cheats are continually finding new ways to keep beating the system. So maybe there will always be doping with the kinds of sports that pushes an athlete beyond their capacity. I've seen very little to suggest reasons why there wouldn't be. Read the full story here

EFS Liquid Shot from First Endurance

Now available from www.ProLineSportsNutrition.com

ProLine Sports Nutrition is pleased to annouce that we are the first retail outlet to offer the highly anticipated EFS Liquid Shot from First Endurance to the general public.

EFS Liquid Shot that delivers 400 calories, over 1500mg electrolytes and 1000mg of amino acids in a reusable, refillable, resealable, and fully recycleable flask. Flavor: Vanilla

EFS Liquid Shot Q&A

EFS Liquid Shot Review

EFS Liquid Shot Comparison

The First Endurance product line was designed from the beginning to work as a complete endurance system. Each product has been designed to compliment the others. With the addition of the EFS Liquid Shot, First Endurance now offers everything an endurance athlete needs to maximize endurance and performance. There.s no reason or need to use anything else.

Details:

Two years in development, the EFS Liquid Shot represents the latest collaboration between First Endurance, consumers like you and the most demanding athletes in the world. From the state-of the-art formula down to the eco-friendly packaging, the EFS Liquid Shot is packed with the latest and greatest from First Endurance.

Supplement Facts Serving Size: Each flask 5oz (130ml)
	Amount Per Serving	%DV
Calories-400 Calories from fat-0
Total Carbohydrate (Complex carbohydrates, Dextrose, Sucrose)	100g	33%
Sugars	50g	**
Calcium (as Calci-K calcium complex)	150mg	15%
Magnesium (as Magnachel magnesium glycine amino acid chelate)	120mg	30%
Chloride	600mg	*
Sodium	400mg	25%
Potassium	290mg	8%
Amino Acid Blend (L-Glutamine, Leucine, Iso-Leucine, Valine)	1,000mg	*
*Daily Value Not Established **Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Other Ingredients: Purified water, natural flavors, citric acid, sorbic acid and sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness).

Calci-K and Magnachel are registered trademarks of Albion Laboratories Inc, covered by US Patents 6599544, 6248376, 5516925
*Natural flavors, sweeteners and colors
**No Gums

It's called a liquid shot because it doesn't contain gelling agents that can slow down absorption and digestion. Features include our exclusive 400 calorie super-charged endurance formula that boasts over 1500mg electrolytes, 1000mg Amino Acids and 100 grams of simple & complex carbohydrates - all in clinically effective doses. Plus, it's packaged in an easy to use, re-sealable, refillable, and fully recyclable container. Flavor: Vanilla

EPO, CERA, whatever - How do they not get it yet?

Well, once again it's clear that some cyclists and the like still don't get it - until they get busted of course. Stefan Schumacher, a two stage winner at this years Tour de France has tested positive for the BANNED substance EPO (erythropoietin), according to L'Equipe website - Man down.

"Gerolsteiner rider Schumacher is the second rider named on Monday to be caught using a new generation of EPO called CERA (Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator) at this year's race.

Earlier Monday the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) announced that Leonardo Piepoli, who won the race's 10th stage to Hautacam in the Pyrenees, tested for CERA." READ MORE>>>>>>

Armstrong to Race with Team Astana

We had a heads up on this earlier before the news broke and it's obviously old now, but we wanted to plug our two cents. In our humble and NOT so expert opinion I view this as being interesting on many levels in particular the team that was chosen. Where does an Armstrong fit into a team that sports the likes of Alberto Contador?

"Alberto Contador, who recently captured all three Grand Tour titles (Tour de France – 2007, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España – 2008), is optimistic that Armstrong’s presence on the Team will be positive. “When you look at professional sports, it’s very common to have two or even three champions on one team. Right now people are looking to make up controversy, but honestly I have no ill-will towards Lance. I identify with his passion for the sport. He has certainly been a role model for me and others throughout the world and I imagine having him on Team Astana will only motivate me further. Of course, my objectives for the 2009 season are clear. With Lance and the Team Directors we will soon have to talk about it.”

Renewed charges of doping over the years on tour will certainly resurface......but that wouldn't be a first for Team Astana. Back in 2007 Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for blood doping after a time-trial stage win on the Tour de France.

No doubt this is only the beginning and a story worth following.

First Endurance Partners with Discovery Channel

First Endurance and Discovery Channel partner. This is a slam dunk for First Endurance and their best selling endurance supplement Optygen

Date: 12-DEC-2006

December 5, 2006- First Endurance is pleased to announce Optygen™ as the official training and racing supplement for the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team thru 2008. The Discovery Channel team is the only American Team to have ever won the Tour de France–which they’ve done seven times!

Optygen™ is a supplement that’s based on clinical trials and the latest scientific research on maximizing oxygen utilization. Optygen™ is patent-pending for its ability to increase VO2Max, increase the body’s ability to adapt to high levels of physical stress, increase anaerobic threshold and reduce lactic acid. ....more

Endurance and Caffeine

Nice article compliments of First Endurance.

Caffeine and Endurance
Reviewed by Shawn Dolan RD, Ph.D

Intro: Caffeine continues to be one of the most studied and consumed ergogenic ingredients. Researchers are constantly re-designing studies to get a clear indication of how caffeine improves performance. Each year new studies are published on the effects of caffeine on endurance activity. Some of the more recent studies will be reviewed in this newsletter.

For years athletes have been using caffeine in various doses to improve their performance. Everyone knows that a strong cup of Java gives you that alertness and sense of extra energy. Drink three cups of leaded Starbucks coffee and you'll feel like you want to run a marathon! So…does the caffeine simply make you want to run that marathon or does the caffeine actually help you finish it faster? Many professional endurance athletes use caffeine to enhance their performance. Prior to 2004, caffeine was banned by the US Olympic Committee, World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) and US Anti-doping association. The level at which caffeine was banned was 12mcg/ml in urine, which requires about 1,200 mg of pure caffeine or 8 cups of strong coffee. However, this decision was reversed in 2004, allowing the use of caffeine in elite level sports. Based on the literature, the dose required to elicit an ergogenic effect is much less than the level banned (3 - 9 mg·kg-1 body mass which is approximately 225-675 mg for a 75 kg athlete). There is some controversy surrounding the lifted ban since caffeine does have some ergogenic properties but it can also be dangerous if abused. Back to running the marathon: caffeine can help you run it faster, but only if done correctly, so let's talk about who can benefit from caffeine and how it can be properly used.

Caffeine Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), increases the release of adrenaline, increases the use of body fat as fuel and spares glycogen. Adrenaline release is accomplished through caffeine's effect on epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. Many athletes seek this CNS excitatory response to increase alertness and to give them the extra 'energy' needed for their workouts. More importantly, caffeine mobilizes free fatty acids (FFA) in the blood. Increased FFA in the blood allows the body to use fat as a fuel source. The use of fat as fuel allows the body to spare glycogen (carbohydrates) for later use in exercise.

Notes to consider:

Caffeine is classified as a diuretic. This property can complicate an individual's water balance, which determines how efficient he/she will perform. Diuretics not only dehydrate the body, they can cause bowel movements and gastric distress. However, research performed on trained athletes has not found caffeine to cause a diuretic effect. See Diuretic Effects of Caffeine for more details.

Caffeine has thermogenic properties. This means ingestion of caffeine can raise your heartbeat and core body temperature. During physical performance, this may pose an unwanted effect or cause adverse events.

Because our body has the ability to build a tolerance to caffeine, it has been suggested to athletes to abstain from caffeine use days/weeks prior to a race. The theory behind this method is to allow the body to become accustom to not having caffeine and with reintroduction the ergogenic effect will be increased. However, research indicates that the body will respond to the withdrawal from caffeine experienced overnight as much as abstaining from caffeine over prolonged periods of time. The half life (time of clearance) of caffeine in the body is 6 hours.

Diuretic Effects of Caffeine Depending on several factors, the diuretic effects caused by caffeine can be considered weak to negligible under normal caffeine consumption and for people without urinary tract problems. However, it is difficult to measure the effects, even in a laboratory situation. A study by Nussberger et al. (1) does not show a significant increase of urine excretion when consuming drinks containing caffeine compared to water intake. Transitory effects have been reported by Neuhäuser-Berthold et al. (2) when passing from abstinence to an elevated dose or when a chronic intake is followed by massive absorption. Such transitory imbalances disappear after less than an hour. A study by Martof and Knox (3) concluded that there is no evidence to recommend that xanthines should be omitted when forcing fluids (what does this mean). Even in a recent epidemiological study attempting to classify alcohol and caffeine as diuretic substances (4), the author admits that there are no estimates of the chronic effect of caffeine on diuresis under variable free-living conditions. Caffeine also causes smooth muscle relaxation particularly in relation to the function of lungs and the blood vessels. Its effect on the detrusor muscle, which is involved in bladder function, has been studied. A control (what does this mean?)study (5) showed that consumption of caffeine led to a rise in pressure on the detrusor muscle upon bladder filling but not to a diuretic effect as such. Women with normal bladder function were not significantly affected by caffeine. A more recent study (6) confirmed an association between high caffeine intake and detrusor instability in a population of women with symptoms of urinary incontinence. The beneficial effects of caffeine on endurance exercise performance are discussed in the next section. However, there has been concern that use of caffeine during exercise might exacerbate dehydration induced by exercise. Consequently, it has usually been accepted that beverages containing caffeine should not be used to promote fluid replacement during prolonged exercise. Wemple and collaborators (7), however, demonstrated that the presence of caffeine in drinks, taken before moderate endurance exercise, did not compromise hydration of the body, even though it did cause weak diuresis during rest. In a study aimed at assessing the effects of caffeine on endurance performance?, Graham and collaborators (8) did not observe differences among their trials in the volume of urine produced during pre-exercise and post-exercise when comparing different sources including decaffeinated coffee, placebo capsules, decaffeinated coffee with caffeine added, regular coffee and caffeine capsules. 1. Nussberger, J. et al. Journal of cardiovascular Pharmacology, 15, 685-691, 1990. 2. Neuhäuser-Berthold, M. et al. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 41, 29-36, 1997. 3. Martof, M.T. and Knox, D.K., Clinical Nursing Research, 6, 186-196, 1997. 4. Stookey, J.D., European Journal of Epidemiology, 15, 181-188, 1999 5. Creighton, S.M. and Stanton, S.L. British Journal of Urology, 66, 613-614, 1990. 6. Arya, L.A. et al. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 96, 85-89, 2000. 7. Wemple, R.D. et al. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 18, 40-46, 1997. 8. Graham, T.E. et al. Journal of Applied Physiology, 85, 883-889, 1998. The above excerpt was borrowed from The Coffee Science Information Center.

Abstracts supporting use of caffeine with trained athletes:
A study using well-trained cyclists also supports the use of caffeine during competition to improve performance. In this study, 15 cyclists ingested different levels of caffeine in addition to a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink during a time trial. The highest caffeine doses (225 and 320 mg) resulted in a 5% increase in power relative to the control trials without caffeine (308 + 9 and 309 + 10W versus 295 + 9W, respectively). The amount of caffeine ingested during this study were relatively small, and yielded caffeine concentrations in the urine of less than 5 mg/L for the participants.(Kovacs)

Another recent study supported the use of caffeine both before and during performance. This study involved a cycling time trial which occurred after 2 hours of steady state cycling at 70% of VO2 max. They used several different patterns of caffeine ingestion, including different levels of before and during trial caffeine intake. None of the methods caused an increase of urine caffeine concentrations to exceed 12ug/ml. Their results also demonstrated that ingestion of 1-3 mg/kg of caffeine produced the same level of performance enhancement (~3%) as did the higher levels of caffeine intake (6 mg/kg). (Cox)

Recently published research supporting use of caffeine with trained athletes:
Kovacs et al. (1998) studied well-trained cyclists. The results of this study support the use of caffeine during competition to improve performance. In this study, 15 cyclists ingested different levels of caffeine in addition to a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink during a time trial. The highest caffeine doses (225 and 320 mg) resulted in a 5% increase in power relative to control trials without caffeine (308 + 9 W and 309 + 10W versus 295 + 9W, respectively). The amount of caffeine ingested during this study was relatively small, and yielded caffeine concentrations in the urine of less than 5 mg/L for the participants.

Another recent study by Cox et al. (2002) supported the use of caffeine both before and during cycling performance. This study involved a cycling time trial which occurred after 2 hours of steady state cycling at 70% of VO2max. Several different patterns of caffeine ingestion were utilized, including different levels before and during the trial. None of the methods caused an increase in caffeine concentration in the urine to exceed 12ug/ml. These results also demonstrate that ingestion of 1-3 mg/kg of caffeine produced the same level of performance enhancement (~3%) as did the higher levels of caffeine intake (6 mg/kg).

Yeo et al. (2005) published a recent study that looked at the effects of caffeine ingestion on carbohydrate oxidation. Eight male cyclists exercised for 120 min on three separate occasions. During exercise, cyclists ingested either a 5.8% glucose solution (Glu; 48 g/h), 5.8% glucose solution with caffeine (Glu+Caf, 48 g/h + 5 mg·kg·h-1), or plain water (Wat). Average exogenous CHO oxidation over the 90- to 120-min period was 26% higher (p < 0.05) in Glu+Caf (0.72 +/- 0.04 g/min) compared with Glu (0.57 +/- 0.04 g/min). Total CHO oxidation rates were higher (p < 0.05) in the CHO ingestion trials compared with Wat, but they were highest when Glu+Caf was ingested (1.21 +/- 0.37, 1.84 +/- 0.14, and 2.47 +/- 0.23 g/min for Wat, Glu, and Glu+Caf, respectively; p < 0.05). There was also a trend (P = 0.082) toward an increased endogenous CHO oxidation with Glu+Caf (1.81 +/- 0.22 g/min vs. 1.27 +/- 0.13 g/min for Glu and 1.12 +/- 0.37 g/min for Wat). In conclusion, compared with glucose alone, 5 mg/kg caffeine (approximately 350mg caffeine for a 150lb athlete) co ingested with glucose increases exogenous CHO oxidation, possibly as a result of an enhanced intestinal absorption.

Doherty et al, (2005) recent meta-analysis of the use of caffeine ingestion on rate of perceived exertion (RPE) supports the use of caffeine as an ergogenic aid. Twenty-one studies were reviewed. In comparison to placebo, caffeine reduced RPE during exercise by 5.6% (95% CI). These values were significantly greater (p<0.05) than RPE obtained at the end of exercise (RPE % change, 0.01%; 95%). In addition, caffeine improved exercise performance by 11.2% (95% CI; 4.6 17.8%). Regression analysis revealed that RPE obtained during exercise could account for 29% of the variance in the improvement in exercise performance. These results demonstrate that caffeine reduces RPE during exercise, which may partly explain the subsequent ergogenic effects of caffeine on performance.

In a 2004 study, Doherty et al. investigated the effects of caffeine ingestion on a 'preloaded' protocol that involved cycling for 2 min at a constant rate of 100% maximal power output immediately followed by a 1-min 'all-out' effort. Eleven male cyclists completed a ramp test to measure maximal power output. On two other occasions, the participants ingested caffeine (5 mg·kg) or placebo. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; 6-20 Borg scale) were lower in the caffeine trial by approximately 1 RPE point at 30, 60 and 120 s during the constant rate phase of the preloaded test (p <0.05). The mean power output during the all-out effort was increased following caffeine ingestion compared with placebo (794+/-164 vs. 750+/-163 W; p=0.05). Blood lactate concentration 4, 5 and 6 min after exercise was also significantly higher by approximately 1 mmol. in the caffeine trial (p <0.05). These results suggest that high-intensity cycling performance can be increased following moderate caffeine ingestion and that this improvement may be related to a reduction in RPE and an elevation in blood lactate concentration.

McClellan and Bell (2004) looked at the ergogenic role of ingesting coffee (COF) prior to the subsequent ingestion of anhydrous caffeine (CAF). Thirteen subjects performed 6 rides to exhaustion at 80 % VO2max 1.5 h after ingesting combinations of COF, decaffeinated coffee (DECOF), CAF, or placebo. Time to exhaustion was significantly greater for all trials with CAF compared to placebo. In conclusion, the prior consumption of COF did not alter the ergogenic effect of the subsequent ingestion of anhydrous CAF.

Brinbaum et al. (2004) observed the physiological effects of caffeine on cross-country runners during submaximal exercise. Ten college-age subjects (5 women; 5 men) volunteered to participate in this study. After completing a VO2max test, each subject completed 2 30-minute runs at 70% VO2max on the treadmill, 1 after ingesting caffeine and the other after ingesting a placebo. Tidal volume (TV), alveolar ventilation (VA), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly different (p < 0.05) between treatment and control groups. The results suggest that the ingestion of caffeine at 7 mg·kg of body weight prior to submaximal running might provide a modest ergogenic effect via improved respiratory efficiency and psychological lift.

LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CAFFEINE AS AN ERGOGENIC AID FOR ATHLETES
AMOUNT	low to moderate dose 3-9 mg/kg body weight
FORM	Caffeine tablets, coffee, tea, caffeinated gels BEWARE: caffeine content in energy drinks is often not listed so be aware of the presence of guarana extracts (an herbal caffeine source included in un-standardized amounts) as well as many other unknown ingredients
TIMING	Ingest 60-75 minutes before event Ingest a small amount during event Ingest a small amount late in endurance event (if carbonated, should be flat)
SIDE EFFECTS	Anxiety, jitters, insomnia, inability to focus, GI unrest, irritability, dependency with withdrawal side effects Mild side effects common with high doses (> 6 mg/kg) Minimal side effects with low to moderate doses (3-6 mg/kg)
NOTE: CAFFEINE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY'S (WADA) 2004 LIST OF PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES AND METHODS

It was previously thought that caffeine's ergogenic effect was limited to endurance events lasting greater than 2 hours. Based on the latest clinical research, evidence now suggests that individual's participating in short bouts of exercise may also benefit from the use of caffeine. The mechanism of action appears to be quite different and varied depending on the length of activity.

For low to moderate intensity activities
Caffeine has been shown to stimulate the use of stored fat (free fatty acids). This in-turn spares carbohydrates and allows athletes to exercise longer.

For high Intensity activities
Caffeine improves the athlete's rate of perceived exertion and oxidation of ingested carbohydrates as well as allowing for higher lactate levels to be reached. These physiological changes allow the athlete to push a little harder and may elicit improved performance.

Recommendations:
Using caffeine as an ergogenic aid should be done with caution. Caffeine's stimulatory effect on the central nervous system can pose harm to individuals at risk. One suggested protocol is to limit your caffeine intake for 3-4 days leading up to an event. On the day of your event consume caffeine as suggested below. If you choose to use caffeine as an ergogenic aid surrounding activity, consume 3 - 9 mg·kg body weight (that's 210mg to 630mg for a 150 lb athlete). This can be a large amount of caffeine for some athletes, be sure to experiment by gradually increasing the amount of caffeine you ingest. Excess caffeine can cause anxiety, irritability, delirium and hallucinations. Be aware of the possible side effects (mentioned above). Athletes should assess how their bodies respond to caffeine to determine if the use if beneficial for them. WADA's removal of caffeine from its banned substance list does raise some concerns. If abused, caffeine can be detrimental and dangerous. Caffeine's actions on the CNS, excitory response and potential as a diuretic can all cause serious damage if abused. We strongly urge all athletes wanting to use caffeine to do so under caution.

Typical Caffeine amounts:
Soda: 35 - 90mg caffeine
Cup of Coffee: 50 - 150mg caffeine
Cup of tea: 10 - 80mg caffeine
Guarana: active ingredient is caffeine (8% to 15%)
Green tea herb: active ingredient is caffeine (0% to 15%)
I.E. 100mg of Green Tea extract provides between 0mg and 15mg total caffeine content.