Tech review - November 28, 2004

First Endurance E3 sports drink

Tasty and effective

The most effective sports drink is the one you'll actually use, says Mark Zalewski, who's found this new power potion to be pleasantly palatable and potent.

First Endurance E3
Photo ©: First Endurance

A common question from curious fans at any major cycling race is: "What's in your bottle?" The novice spectator might want to know what scientific concoction is able to power professional athletes during these seemingly horrendous races. The seasoned cycling spectator might want to know what the difference is between the hundreds of products available. And the veteran amateur racer just wants to know if it works and does it taste good (or is the pro is actually using the sponsor's product!).

All of these questions and more are answered by First Endurance, a Utah-based company started by a cyclist and a triathlete with the goal of making the best endurance performance products possible. The companies first two products, Optygen and Ultragen, are in frequent use around the U.S. and many parts of the world. Three domestic cycling teams (Navigators, Sierra Nevada, Webcor) had deals with the company for the 2004 season, along with running and skiing athletes. Fred Rodriguez and Tina Pic also carry the First Endurance banner as individuals.

Joining Optygen (a supplement) and Ultragen (recovery drink) to round out a complete family of endurance products is E3 Energizing Sports Drink. Available in two well-known flavors (Tangerine and Lemon-lime) the E3 is designed to fuel the muscles during high-level exercise. The following, along with natural flavors and colors make up the energy potion:

Serving size 1 scoop (29g): makes 12 fluid ounces
 
                           Amount Per Serving               %DV*

Calories                          96
Calories from fat                 0
Total fat                         0
Cholesterol                       0
Total Carbohydrate                24g                         9%
  (Complex carbohydrates, 
  Sucrose, Dextrose)
Sugars                            16g
Vitamin C                        120mg                      200%
  (as ascorbic acid)
Calcium                          100mg                       10%
  (as calcium carbonate)
Magnesium                        150mg                       38%
  (as magnesium oxide)
Chloride                         380mg                        4%
  (as sodium chloride)
Sodium                           250mg                       12%
  (from sodium chloride)
Potassium                        160mg                        5%
  (as di-potassium phosphate)
Amino Acid Blend                2000mg
  (L-Glutamine, Leucine, 
  Iso-Leucine, Valine)

Looks more like a high school chemistry lab than something you would put into your body. And if you remember anything from your high school science classes, you can deduce what the various purposes those ingredients serve. A quick glance will tell you that in the off-season this drink will help you fight a cold with a hefty dose of Vitamin C. The other ingredients follow a similar pattern compared to many other powder drinks on the market -- daily value percentages of each are significantly more, sometimes more than 100 times!

However, First Endurance claims two things set E3 apart: its mix of carbohydrate sources and that last ingredient, the 2000mg of amino acid blend.

The best source of energy while you're exercising is carbohydrates, and E3 contains a mixture of complex carbohydrates, glucose (dextrose) and sucrose. According to Robert Kunz, head of research and development at First Endurance, "There are a number of studies which clearly indicate that a mix of carbohydrates is easier to absorb and digest than any single carbohydrate source. E3 is formulated with a mix of carbohydrates, all of which are high-glycemic, in order to assure fast and easy absorption."

The amino acids work alongside the carbohydrates to enhance endurance, First Endurance claims, by "improving glycogen re-synthesis and delaying central (mental) fatigue." Kunz reviewed mountains of literature and studies to choose this direction and to establish the appropriate blend to use in E3. Michael Fogarty of First Endurance further reveals the rationale behind this design. "The reason many companies don't use free form amino acids is because it's more expensive and is harder to formulate with."

Okay, so this answers the first two types of questions about content and differences, but let's get to the important ones: How does it taste, and does it work?

Taste test
Photo ©: Mark Zalewski

Let's begin with the age-old disclaimer, everyone's taste buds are different. So take the taste analysis with a grain of amino acids. Regardless of this, one big advantage E3 has in the taste category is the extremely light texture. I hardly knew I was drinking anything other than water in terms of consistency. Granted, it takes a lot of agitation of the solution to ensure it is completely dissolved -- but after that it is almost as light as the water it is in. The chalky taste of some energy drinks is not an issue here, but there is still a texture that won't let you forget that you are consuming a sports energy drink. Nonetheless, this is minimal and not significant enough to even be considered a drawback.

Flavor is a much more subjective area. I will say that I preferred the tangerine to the lemon-lime. The tangerine actually made me think of tangerines whereas the lemon-lime was closer to Alka-seltzer. Not that it is a bad thing. And if it calms your stomach after stuffing a burrito, all the better. I also noticed a difference compared to many pre-mixed sports drinks, specifically a lack of sweetness. I have watered-down many a mass-marketed drink in order to make it easier to stomach during high-intensity training. Michael Fogarty again explained that this was intentional. "The low sweetness level of E3 allows you to use it at full strength so you get the full dose of carbohydrates, amino acids and electrolytes in every serving. You can use E3 as directed without feeling like you need to dilute the sweetness."

But Cyclingnews always goes that extra mile/kilometer for you the reader. In that light, I decided to run a special scientific, double-blind taste test on the two flavors of E3 to get the ultimate opinion. Bailey the Beagle and resident chow hound gave a few licks of the tangerine flavor, and merely sniffed the lemon-lime. That was proof enough for me. But seriously, do some taste-testing if you can before you order a case of anything, including E3. Regardless, I will echo any sports nutritionist worth a protein and say the best exercise drink is the one you will actually drink.

It's tangerine!
Photo ©: Mark Zalewski

Now, does it do what it is supposed to? Of course it does. Anything containing that many milligrams of words you have to read twice to pronounce is probably going to do something beneficial, and E3 has a lot of what has been scientifically proven to work. Like most cyclists, I've tried many different types of energy drinks for a range of reasons -- it was a free sample, my team was sponsored by it, the USPRO champion drinks it, etc. Some have seemed to work better than others, and the reasons for that are as various as the products out there. But I stick with what I will drink.

I tested my samples of E3 during the final races of my season and into the post-season. I enjoyed the very light taste of the tangerine during races and felt that my energy levels were always topped off with consistent use. The times that I didn't bring E3 on a training ride, or was too distracted to keep up the recommended ingestion rate, I did notice a decline in my energy levels. It also worked well with energy gels and food that I consumed while riding. The most noticeable difference was on longer efforts, and I can say that E3 performed up to expectations.

In conclusion, E3 is the third component of the First Endurance triple threat of sports drinks. The price is right in line with other similar products of this type. Therefore, as usual, the decision mostly comes down to individual preference. If you like the taste of either of E3 flavors, then you will be pleased with the results. That is the biggest drawback, the lack of flavor choices. However, that is understandable for such a new product. First Endurance says it is listening to the athletes that use E3 and plans on offering additional flavors down the road. So send in your suggestions if you aren't satisfied with the first two. Until then, keep sampling until your palate is satisfied.

Recommended retail price: US$21.95 for 25 servings
Pro: A lot of research backing up a good product.
Con: Flavor can be an issue, for both athlete and canine alike.
More information: First Endurance's website
Cyclingnews Rating:

No beagles were harmed in the production of this product review.