On Endurafuel and Performance Drinks

Not long ago we were given samples of a new energy/ recovery drink mix called Endurafuel. Claiming to be both an energy drink as well as formulated to act as a recovery drink that worked within minutes with improved performance, enhanced mental focus, prevents muscle breakdown, provided electrolytes, and the big kicker: not being associated with any stomach discomfort; it was only natural that we were a little skeptical, if not trepidatious, about such a product.

At closer inspection it doesn't seem to be all that different from similar products on the market, however it does combine both the energy/performance aspects of say a Gatorade or Powerade or high caffeine drinks like Monster and Red Bull, with the recovery components in many post-workout protein drinks into one formula.

It has the typical electrolyte complex consisting of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride, all crucial elements to get your nerves firing and your muscles moving (little do people know that calcium is the most important electrolyte in muscle contraction). It has the classic caffeine & l-glutamine mixture to stimulate and provide energy to- and increase function of- the brain. It contains cirtulline malate, a component of watermelon seed rinds, and while the data is still preliminary it has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue. One thing that caught our eye was that it had 100% of the daily value of vitamins C and E. These two vitamins are considered to be the anti-oxidant vitamins, and while it is true antioxidants do help to prevent some muscle fatigue, it should be noted that going above the DV is not recommended for performance athletes. This is because to trigger mitochondrial oxidation thus creating energy, there physiologically NEEDS to be an oxidative stress response. Without this stress response the muscle will not create enough energy to meet the demands of the exercise.

Endurafuel, in terms of recovery, adds typical branched-chained amino acids (BCAAs) to its formula, setting it apart from most other energy drinks and bringing it into the realm of recovery drinks. While there is growing clinical evidence that BCAAs do not offer additional energy benefits and improve muslce glycogen concentrations, BCAAs are crucial for muscle synthesis post exercise and recovery. All pretty standard affair when compared to other drinks.

But then we see the claim that their formula will not cause stomach discomfort, their second major selling point next to being a 2-in-1 performance and recovery drink. Most of these energy or recovery drinks are high in sugars like fructose  which can cause stomach problems during their digestion, especially during exercise when there is less blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract. Endurafuel's formulation uses dextrose (a type of glucose) and maltodextrin, an oligosaccharide (a short-chain sugar molecule) which is rapidly absorbed by the body.

So the only logical next step was to put the product to test with our very own Wendy O'Neill as the guinea pig. She is a rower at the Don Rowing Club and was put to the task of rowing 1000m as fast as she could on an indoor rowing machine. She took Endurafuel, just on a whim, and sat down for the exhaustive task.

She had been worrying about the test all week, had been having trouble eating, and was stressed, but when it came to test day and she took the Endurafuel and sat to row, she surprised everyone around her with her performance. She wants others to give it a try and tell us their experiences with it.

While Endurafuel is filled with ingredients that are clinically proven to be beneficial to performance in some way, this is our first experience with it. We would love for you to leave us feedback on Endurafuel be it your own experience or just your own thoughts on the product.