e-Fuel has more complex carbohydrates and lower sugar levels than Clif SHOT Electrolyte, but the more significant difference is that e-Fuel has a complete amino acid
profile along with vitamins and antioxidants while Clif SHOT Electrolyte has
none of these ingredients. In addition, e-Fuel is the only sports
drink available in liquid concentrated form.
For a more complete discussion of each ingredient and the differences
between e-Fuel and Powerbar Endurance, click on the ingredient links on the left side
of the table.
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Carbohydrates
Maltodextrin is the preferred carbohydrate source for endurance athletes and
as such it is the primary ingredient in e-Fuel as well as most other good
products on the market. Clif SHOT Electrolyte on the other hand uses evaporated
cane juice and brown rice syrup. Both of these sound good on the label,
unfortunately, evaporated cane
juice is another name for sugar and brown
rice syrup is also very high in sugar. The danger of high sugar content products
such as Clif SHOT Electrolyte is that they
can elevate your blood sugar level too far too fast which can lead to a
sugar crash (also known as bonking). Higher sugar content also raises the
osmolality of the product which can reduce energy delivery, delay fluid
absorption and promote dehydration.
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Electrolytes
e-Fuel is designed to provide complete and
balanced electrolyte replacement that is critical for proper hydration and
to avoid muscle cramping. The sodium and potassium levels in e-Fuel are
designed to meet the American College of Sports Medicine's recommendation
for electrolyte replacement during intense athletic activity.
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Amino Acids
The amino acids in e-Fuel are designed to reduce lactic acid
build up, maintain muscle protein and aid in recovery. There are no amino
acids in Clif SHOT Electrolyte.
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Citrates
The Citrates in e-Fuel assist in the carbohydrate to energy conversion process as well as
reduce and slow the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles.
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Antioxidants
e-Fuel is one of the few sports drinks on the market that contains antioxidant vitamins C and E
to help protect against tissue damage,
reduce soreness and aid in the recovery process. There are no antioxidants in
Clif SHOT Electrolyte.
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Vitamin B6
e-Fuel is one of the only sports drinks to include vitamin B6 which assists in the
energy conversion process.
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Protein
Protein has to go through a digestive process which draws blood away from
working muscles to the stomach and intestines. When you are competing in an
aerobic activity you want as much blood as possible supplied to your muscles
carrying fresh oxygen for the energy conversion process. Consequently,
independent studies have found no
benefit of protein in a sports drink. See the following article from the
American College of Sports Medicine for a more complete discussion:
American College of Sports Medicine
Failure
of Protein to Improve Performance when Added to a Sports Drink
Science Daily
Protein-added
Sports Drinks Don't Boost Performance
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Form
Clif SHOT Electrolyte is available as a powdered concentrate. The problem
with powder concentrates is that they are often difficult to mix in cold
water or odd shaped containers (narrow mouthed bottles, backpack hydration
systems, etc.) and they tend to spill during mixing leaving a sticky mess.
Also, if the powder is exposed to moisture then you are left with an
unusable clump.
The ultimate solution is a liquid concentrated form, and e-Fuel is the only
sports drink on the market today available in this form. e-Fuel's liquid
concentrate system (Rapid Mix) is the ultimate in convenience for serious
athletes who want to transport, mix or consume the product on the go. Since
e-Fuel is a liquid it instantly blends with any temperature water - unlike
powders. e-Fuel is also the perfect product for quick and easy mixing in
backpack hydration systems either in your kitchen or out on the trail.
Measuring isn't a problem either, as one easy-open packet makes 24 ounces -
the most common water bottle size. If you use a 50, 70 or 100 ounce backpack
hydration system, simply use 2, 3 or 4 packets of e-Fuel.
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The nutritional information shown above for
Clif SHOT Electrolyte is
for an 8 oz serving as published December
2008.
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