Hype: Marketing Graphs and Ad Copy
Again, from the manufacturer’s website: “The results of the clinical trials provide powerful support that
Endurox R4, by improving musc
le performance and enhancing
recovery, should be the product of choice for any athlete engaged in aerobic activities such as running, biking or swimming or team sports such as basketball, football or soccer.”
To support this claim, the manufacturer compared Endurox R4 to
Gatorade in two trials, and
showed these graphic results:
Figure 21. Manufacturer comparison of Endurox R4 and Gatorade. The text describes why these charts are misleading. The Rest of the Story
Yes, in these manufacturer-sponsored trials Endurox R4 came
out ahead of Gatorade. Yes, the studies were small, and abstracts, not published peer-review studies were quoted.
The real problem though is that the manufacturer was comparing
apples to oranges. It is easily argue
d that Gatorade subjects were not
getting enough calories, not that the Endurox R4 product is superior because of its protein, antioxidants, or ciwujia.
In the first study, subjects received 560 calories of Endurox and
150 calories Gatorade.
In the second study, subjects received 335 calories Endurox and
134 calories of Gatorade.
What do you think the studies would have shown if subjects had
received more calories from Gatorade and only a third as many calories from Endurox R4?
Endurox R4 Alternative Recovery Choices
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with Endurox R4 or
similar products. They can be worthwhile if you like the taste and the convenience, and do not mind spending more than you otherwise might for equivalent nutrients.
Endurox R4
Ultra Slim Fast
Serving
2 scoops in 12-oz
1 can, 11-oz
Total Cal
280
220
Carbohydrate Cal
210
165
Protein Cal
55
40
Fat Cal
15
15
Sodium, mg
230
240
Cost
$2.15
$ 1.19
Table 29. Endurox R4 vs. Ultra Slim Fast, selected nutritional content.
Nutrition for Sports, Essentials of 158
