All components measured in the blood (lactate, LPS, cytokines, and CK) were analyzed by a two factor ANOVA with time and treatment as variables. Lactate was included as it is generally considered to be an index of anaerobic activity. One other parameter were interested in is creatine kinase. As mentioned in the introduction, this enzyme is detected in the blood after intense exercise and is thought to correlate with damage to muscles. Furthermore, at least two studies with chocolate milk have noted that plasma CK is lower in athletes drinking chocolate milk vs. other recovery drinks.