Q: What is EFS-PRO?
A: EFS-PRO 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: Why doesn't EFS-PRO contain Vitamin C?
A: EFS-PRO doesn't contain Vitamin C because the latest research shows that Vitamin C can have a negative effect on endurance and performance when consumed during exercise.

Q: What electrolyte can we find in the new EFS-Pro?
A: There is 500mg of sodium per serving in the new EFS-Pro drink (EFS has 300mg). This represents the highest sodium content in any electrolyte drink on the market. The EFS-PRO formula now offers over 1,500mg of electrolytes coming from all 5 electrolytes, per serving.

Furthermore these superior minerals also offer a buffering of stomach acids. DiCalcium and DiMagnesium malate lower stomach acids significantly helping to reduce the unwanted gastric distress that can be associated with other minerals.

Q: Are there any changes to the amino acids?
A: The amino acids in the EFS-Pro drinks are AjiPure amino acids, the purest, most- bioavailable source of free-form amino acids available. AjiPure amino acids have purity levels of 99%-100%. This results in faster and more complete absorption.

Q: What is L-Alanyl L-Glutamine?
A: The EFS-Pro is also fortified with L-Alanyl L-Glutamine which is a highly soluble water stable source of glutamine with some very unique features. This amino acid has been clinically proven to significantly improve the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestinal tract.

Q: What is malic acid used for in the EFS-Pro drinks? Why is this important?
A: The new EFS-PRO drink contains 700mg of malic acid. Malic acid stimulates oxygen consumption by increasing mitochondrial uptake, improving mitochondrial respiration and increasing energy production. Malic acid is essential in the formation of ATP, the body's energy source. Malic acid allows the body to make ATP more efficiently, even under low oxygen, or hypoxic conditions.

During anaerobic conditions, malic acid has an ability to remove the accumulation of reducing equivalents. Human studies have shown that after endurance training, athletes' muscles were characterized by a 50% increase in the malate-aspartate redox shuttle enzymes.

Q: How is the flavor?
A: The new EFS-PRO formula went through extensive flavor testing in the most demanding races in the world. We used this extensive feedback to create a flavor profile that mimics flavored water. With practically no sweetness this formula is ideal for those long, hot workouts where sweet drinks simply do not cut it. All formula uses 100% natural flavors and contains NO color. This allows athletes to use EFS not having to worry about staining water bottles.

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 BCAAs and glutamine. Clinical evidence supporting the use of BCAAs 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 most recent 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-PRO 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

• Replenishment of electrolyte loss

Q: How does it taste?
A: EFS-Pro literally tastes like cucumber water.

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, 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-PRO?
A: Long and short distance athletes can use EFS-PRO effectively.

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-PRO 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. Through experience we have found the EFS Liquid shot to be preferred during cold weather training.

Q: Should I use EFS-PRO 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 (<1 hour) 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-PRO 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) electrolytes are depleted; and 3) amino acids are depleted.

1) EFS-PRO 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. EFS-PRO contains a powerful absorption technology blend of cluster dextrins and L-Alanyl L-Glutamine that further drives fluid and electrolytes from the gut to the working muscles.

2) EFS-PRO provides the most potent electrolyte profile available. The combination of all five electrolytes delivers a potent 1500mg per serving, helping to prevent cramping. The 500mg 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-PRO.

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, reduce post-exercise muscle damage, improve muscle glycogen resynthesis, reduce central fatigue and improve rate of perceived exertion.