This pre-workout supplement handles both the “mind” and the “matter” of muscle building. Its ingredient blend is intended to boost mental and physical stamina for optimum workouts.

Athletic Edge Nutrition asserts its products are cutting-edge, and “if there was a better pre-workout product, we would have made it.”

But is this for real? Let’s take a look.

Ingredients

PreSurge is comprised of two proprietary blends, so most ingredient concentrations are undisclosed. The complete supplement facts can be found on the manufacturer’s website, AENutrition.com.

How Does PreSurge Compare to PreSurge Unleashed?

PreSurge is among Athletic Edge Nutrition’s most recent products, and it was released in early 2013. The original PreSurge formula contained DMAA, which was recently banned by the FDA. PreSurge has since been reformulated to be DMAA-free, so it is purportedly safer than the original PreSurge formula.

Its sister product, PreSurge Unleashed, has been marketed for several years. Although the two products contain many of the same ingredients, differences exist as well.

For example, PreSurge contains dendrobium while PreSurge Unleashed does not. According to WebMD, little research has been conducted on Dendrobium dendrobium (an ingredient unique to the new PreSurge), but WebMD states that it contains its chemicals that could possibly “lower blood pressure, increase blood sugar, and reduce pain.” ^[11] Consequently, this could have a positive impact on athletic performance and health.

Because PreSurge is a newer product, reviews comparing the two formulas are few. However, on MuscleAndStrength.com, Matt commented on the difference saying, “I have used the other PreSurge [PreSurge Unleashed] many times and liked it. This one is COMPLETELY different. The main difference is the focus element.”

Potential Side Effects

Because PreSurge ingredients are hidden behind a proprietary blend, it’s impossible to determine its full side effect risk. There are a few ingredients to watch out for though.

Trimethylglycine (TMG), according to the New York University medical center, “has shown the potential for having adverse effects on cholesterol profile.” Experts warn, “People with high or borderline-high cholesterol should use TMG only with caution.” ^[12]

Additionally, PreSurge contains high caffeine amounts. According to WebMD, a moderate caffeine dosage (200-300mg) is safe. But, heavy caffeine use (more than 500-600mg a day) may cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, and upset stomach. ^[10]

Taking the full PreSurge dosage provides 675mg caffeine daily, which puts you at risk. Those sensitive to caffeine should exercise caution.

To minimize risk, begin with one serving a day. Depending on your tolerance, you may then increase your dosage to three servings daily.

The product label also warns customers to first consult with a doctor before taking PreSurge. This is especially important if you (or a family member) has (or has had) heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, or a number of other issues.

Reduce or discontinue use you experience excessive sleeplessness, tremors, dizziness, nervousness, headaches, or heart palpitations.

How Does Athletic Edge PreSurge Taste?

Based on customer reviews, the newly-released PreSurge is a significant improvement in taste to the PreSurge Unleashed.

Referring to PreSurge unleashed, reviewer DADAMS on Amazon.com said, “i have been taking pre workout [supplements] for the past 7 years and this is by far the worst taste ever,” and on that same website brymin said, “worst tasting pre workout i’ve ever tried. really bitter and not much sweetness. mixes desolves [sic] well though.”

But, reviews of the new PreSurge taste are quite the opposite.

“Presurge watermelon was one OF THE BEST TASTING SUPPLEMENTS I HAVE EVER HAD,” one MuscleAndStrength.com reviewer exclaimed. To which CJ adds, “To start with the taste, for a pre workout, was actually pretty pleasant.”

PreSurge comes in three flavors: Fruit Punch, Grape Bubblegum and Juicy Watermelon, and the majority of customers on muscleandstrength.com favor the Grape Bubblegum.

Customer Feedback

Because PreSurge is newly released, customer reviews are sparse. However, PreSurge and PreSurge Unleashed are fairly similar, so we can get a general idea of its effectiveness through reviews on the latter.

Gauging from the reviews, the product’s effects were varied. Many responders said PreSurge Unleashed gave a significant amount of mental energy and focus.

One reviewer at SupplementReviews.com said he felt “euphoric” and had “smooth energy to spare with the knowledge you just completed a grueling workout.”

In contrast, several Amazon customers said energy was minimal, “not much more than you would get from a cup of coffe [sic].”

Product Pricing and Guarantee

PreSurge can be purchased through a dozen or so of retailers in the United States and is available in several other countries as well. The cheapest, most reliable retailer is Amazon.com, $29.99 with free shipping. MuscleAndStrength.com sells the product for $27.99, but with shipping at $5.99, you would save a dollar or two by purchasing with Amazon.

Those wishing to experiment first can visit their local Vitamin Shoppe or GNC and obtain a free, one-serving sample.

Manufacturer Information

The Florida-based Athletic Edge Nutrition has been in business for six years. According to their “About Page,” their cooperation has leading experts in the field of exercise science. Subsequently, AEN claims to have “highly effective and completely innovative formulas.”

In describing PreSurge, manufacturers refer to studies and research supporting their claims, yet no citation or references are given. Research findings are available on the website (for beta-Alanine), but none relate to PreSurge itself.

Additionally, the PreSurge description on the AEN website is littered with punctual and grammatical errors, which doesn’t inspire confidence in the formula.

Summary

For those serious about improving muscular strength, this product seems to satisfy that goal. Research studies and customer reviews demonstrate PreSurge enhances mental and physical performance.

But, the product is not for everyone. It seems particularly unsafe for those who react easily to caffeine or who are prone to cardiovascular issues.

Described as a “nitric oxide pre-workout complex,” OxyPump is designed to increase exercise energy and performance.

OxyPump is so new information is limited. Even so, it’s worth taking a closer look at OxyPump to see how it compares to other pre-workout supplements.

Ingredient Breakdown

To produce outstanding results during exercise, OxyPump needs ingredients that enhance multiple aspects of physical performance. Let’s see if OxyPump has ingredients for building muscle, improving blood flow, increasing energy, and minimizing fatigue.

Arginine Matrix
OxyPump contains three types of the amino acid arginine in its Arginine Matrix. Each provides similar, but important, exercise benefits.

Creatine Matrix
OxyPump also has several creatine forms. Again, each contributes to workouts in a specific way.

Vitamins

Additional Ingredients

Though some pre-workout supplements only provide one or two benefits, OxyPump seems to do it all. As advertised, several ingredients boost nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels for better circulation. OxyPump’s other ingredients focus on making muscles stronger and less tired.

In fact, every OxyPump ingredient benefits exercise in one or more ways. I’m positively surprised to find OxyPump’s no-filler claim is actually true.

Usage Directions

A single OxyPump serving is between 1 and 3 powder scoops. For beginning users, start with 1 scoop to assess tolerance. Mix this with 4 to 8 ounces of water and drink it about 30 minutes before you work out.

After your first few uses, gradually increase your dose to 3 scoops. Just add an extra half scoop every 3 to 5 days until you’ve reached the maximum 3 scoop dosage. Never use more than 3 scoops in 24 hours.

OxyPump also needs to be shaken well in its container before it’s mixed with water. This action redistributes the ingredients more evenly. And, keep OxyPump in a dry place to avoid clumping caused by moisture.

Side Effects

Generally, OxyPump’s ingredients don’t cause intense side effects. More common, minor side effects include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or heartburn. ^{[14] [17]}

Creatine draws water into the muscles, so dehydration sometimes occurs in people taking creatine. Consequently, it’s important to drink plenty of water while using OxyPump. For women, sufficient water is at least 91 ounces a day. For men, 125 ounces is the minimum suggested daily intake.

Although OxyPump is generally safe, some OxyPump ingredients interact negatively with medications or trigger negative reactions in people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you take prescription medications or have a chronic medical issue, ask your doctor before using OxyPump.

Final Findings

If you want a pre-workout supplement with multiple benefits, OxyPump likely meets most, if not all, requests on your list. OxyPump lets you exercise longer while simultaneously decreasing fatigue. Consequently, you’ll build more muscle. Since its potential side effects are minimal, OxyPump is a great, multi-purpose pre-workout supplement.

Though details are limited on Jack3d Advanced, USPLabs says they’ll be releasing more information about their formula “soon.” In the meantime, let’s examine what we do know about Jack3d Advanced.

What’s Different About Jack3d Advanced?

USPLabs has many products in the Jack3d line already, so why make Jack3d Advanced?

If you’ve been following USPLabs or even the supplement industry in general, you know the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against products containing 1,3 dimethylamylamine (DMAA) in August 2012. In April 2013, the FDA banned DMAA altogether.

Unfortunately for USPLabs, DMAA was the active ingredient in the original Jack3d formula. Until April, USPLabs fought FDA opposition to the stimulant and continued to market Jack3d. However, in the eventuality DMAA was banned outright, USPLabs introduced an alternative—Jack3d Micro.

Jack3d Micro has been on the market for close to a year, but has failed to catch on with the original Jack3d audiences. Now USPLabs is trying again with Jack3d Advanced.

Currently, Jack3d Advanced is believed to exclude DMAA but present a more powerful alternative than Jack 3d Micro.

What Ingredients Are in Jack3d Advanced?

Unfortunately, we don’t yet know what ingredients will be in Jack3d Advanced. All USPLabs has released is an image of the Jack3d Advanced bottle with a “Coming Soon” stamp across the top.

However, in forums on USPLabsDirect.com, a company administrator said:

With such a short timeline, I expect we’ll be hearing more about the Jack3d Advanced formula soon. Keep checking back at USPLabsDirect.com for more information.

What About the Original Jack3d?

Jack3d, as well as USPLabs’ OxyElite Pro, will both continue to be sold despite the FDA ban. However, the products are officially discontinued, which means the existing supply is all USPLabs has left to sell.

If you’re a fan of the original Jack3d formula, you’d better snap up the few remaining bottles while you can. As the administrator expects Jack3d to be sold out by August or September, you’ll want to stock up fast.

Is Jack3d Advanced Worth Waiting For?

It’s hard to determine if Jack3d Advanced will be an exciting product or not. While USPLabs has consistently provided quality supplements in the past, Jack3d Micro failed to make the splash that was intended.

That means Jack3d Advanced could conceivably go either way. Unless you can’t wait for the new Jack3d formula, I’d recommend holding off until customer reviews start rolling in for Jack3d Advanced. That way, you can benefit from others experience.

Specifically, NutriForce PreWod is said to “improve exercise exertion, anaerobic performance, and result in acute boosts in strength.”

NutriForce PreWod is new, so it hasn’t been tested and tried by consumers. However, the company claims the ingredients were researched and proven. I determined to find the truth behind this claim.

The PreWod Performance Blend

The main ingredients are combined into a 9,400-mg proprietary blend, which includes:

The inactive ingredients are sugar, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, and stevia.

What’s in the Proprietary Blend?

The NutriForce PreWod blend shows what ingredients are used and what the total dosage is. It does not disclose individual ingredient amounts, though.

Every ingredient was proven effective by at least one clinical study. However, NutriForce PreWod users cannot expect the same results as study participants unless clinically proven dosages are used.

Unfortunately, the proprietary blend doesn’t allow consumers to see the dosages. So, they have no way to determine if NutriForce PreWod has safe, effective amounts before buying it.

Ingredient Safety

Creatine monohydrate is safe, but may cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.^[11]

Carnosyn® is safe for short-term use. Large dosages may cause flushing and tingling.^[12]

L-tyrosine is safe for most adults, but some experience nausea, headache, and fatigue after taking it.^[13]

AgmaPure™ is natural and may be safe, but there is not enough research to confirm it.

Beet is safe, but consuming too much may cause kidney damage.^[14]

Caffeine dosages larger than 400 mg may be unsafe. Consumers who are sensitive to caffeine may experience headache, jitteriness, and insomnia; even with smaller dosages.^[15]

NutriForce PreWod may not be safe for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. If you have these conditions, talk to your doctor before buying the supplement.

Suggested Use

There are 28 servings in NutriForce PreWod and each serving is 1 scoop (14 g). Begin with 1/2 serving until tolerance is assessed, then increase to 1 serving. Do not take more than 1 serving a day.

NutriForce PreWod works best taken 20-30 minutes before exercise, according to the manufacturer.

Do not take NutriForce PreWod within 5 hours of bedtime or it may cause sleeplessness. Do not use if you are taking prescription or OTC medication. In addition, the company warns against combining NutriForce PreWod with other dietary supplements.

Where to Buy Online

NutriForce Sports does not sell NutriForce PreWod directly. Instead, the product is distributed through third party retailers. The retail price is $54.99, but there are a few places to get discounts:

The supplement is available in the flavors: Fruit Punch, Grape, and Watermelon.

Is NutriForce PreWod Worth Buying?

As promised, NutriForce PreWod contains clinically proven ingredients. Most are natural and safe, too. The only thing missing is clinically proven dosages. NutriForce PreWod may or may not have safe and effective amounts, but as long as the company uses a proprietary blend, consumers will never know.

At this point, I’m not confident NutriForce PreWod has an effective formula. If most customer reviews are positive, my confidence may improve, but there aren’t enough customer reviews yet.

I suggest purchasing a pre-workout supplement you feel confident is safe and effective.

Should you accept the call of Mutant Mayhem? Read on and see what our research discovered about this new pre-workout supplement.

What’s in Mutant Mayhem?

With vitamins, nutrients, and a huge 18,000 mg blend of other ingredients, Mutant Mayhem intends to give you a mental and physical boost. Here are the most prominent blended ingredients:

Power Strength Complex (3400 mg)

Hyper-Stim Matrix (2,960 mg)

Lactic Acid Buffer Blend (975 mg)

Mutant Mayhem appears to pack a lot of powerful ingredients into its formula. However, since the formula is based on blends, it’s difficult to tell just how effective the ingredients as a whole are.

How Do You Take Mutant Mayhem?

Mix one scoop of Mutant Mayhem with 8 -12 ounces of cold water. Consume 10 – 15 minutes before working out.

Does Mutant Mayhem Cause Any Side Effects?

Many of the ingredients in Mutant Mayhem can cause side effects if taken in high dosages. Creatine can cause diarrhea, nausea, and muscle cramps. Also, stimulant ingredients such as glucuronolactone can cause jitteriness, increased heart beat, and heart palpitations.

Even Mutant Mayhem’s amino acids, which are necessary for life, can cause negative side effects if taken in excess. For example, l-arginine can become toxic, causing damage to cells and organs.

Use caution if you choose to take Mutant Mayhem. Since these ingredients are listed in blends, it’s difficult to know exactly how much of each ingredient you will be taking.

How Much Does It Cost?

Currently, the only way to purchase Mutant Mayhem is from online Canada-based vendors. The best deals I found are:

Unfortunately, Mutant Mayhem is not backed by any sort of guarantee from its manufacturer or these vendors.

Final Thoughts

Though the ingredients packed in Mutant Mayhem are impressive, we can’t recommend it. Many ingredients cause side effects if not taken in a safe dose. Without dosage information, it is extremely difficult to take Mutant Mayhem safely.

Also, we weren’t able to find any trustworthy reviews of this product, as most of the reviews were by vendors trying to sell the product.

Lastly, we didn’t like that the manufacturer refuses to back its product up with any sort of guarantee.

For these reasons, we suggest you pass on Mutant Mayhem and find a different supplement for your pre-workout needs.

Those are some pretty tall promises, can Mutant Pump deliver? Read on and see what my research into Mutant Pump uncovered.

Is Mutant a Trustworthy Manufacturer?

Mutant’s official website shows that the Mutant brand is owned by Fit Foods, a Canada-based limited liability health supplement company.^[1]

Founded in 1996, Fit Foods currently owns and runs seven different health supplement brands. The company also provides manufacturing and distribution services to other companies. Fit Foods enjoys a reputation for quality products and does business in various countries around the globe.

What About the Ingredients?

In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, Mutant Pump provides two blends that focus on boosting performance, developing lean muscle mass, and increasing vascularity.

HyperPump N.O Maximizer Hyperox (3400 mg)

Plasmapump Vascularity Enhancer (767 mg)

Many of Mutant Pump’s ingredients appear to be very effective in boosting energy, developing lean muscle, and improving blood flow. However, the actual effectiveness of the ingredients is unknown because they are listed in blends.

How Do You Take Mutant Pump?

For optimal effect, take seven capsules 10-15 minutes before workout with at least 10-12 ounces of water.

Continue to drink plenty of water while taking Mutant Pump to ensure proper absorption and use of ingredients.

What About the Price?

Mutant Pump can be purchased online from various vendors. The best deals include:

While AllStarHealth has the lowest price, Supplementing.com may be the better deal because it has an impressive 90-day money back guarantee on all products it sells.

Are There Side Effects?

Though the ingredients in Mutant Pump are all-natural and beneficial to the body, they can cause negative side effects if taken in high amounts. For example, chromium in high dosages can cause blood disorders and organ damage.

Niacin is another cause for concern as it can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and even liver damage if taken in high dosages.

If you choose to take Mutant Pump, make sure to monitor nutrient intake from other sources in order to lessen the possibility of side effects.

Final Thoughts

As a performance booster, Mutant Pump is a mixed bag. Its formula is an interesting mix of effective ingredients and unproven ingredients presented in blends. Consequently, it’s unclear whether the product actually works. This uncertainty over the effectiveness of the product and possibility of serious side effects dissuade me from recommending Mutant Pump.

There are comparable pre-workout supplements that are proven to increase vascularity and have less possible side effects. Try one of those products and pass on Mutant Pump.

If you have tried Mutant Pump, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Supposedly, the MRI research team hit the “mother lode” of supplement technology when they introduced No2 Black Full Cycle.

“After years of dedicated service, the classic NO2 Black formulation has been fully upgraded,” claims advertisements. “This is everything you expect from No2 black . . . and more – much more!”

No2 Black Full Cycle offers:

But can it really do all that?

What’s Under the Lid?

To determine No2 Black Full Cycle’s true potential, it’s best to look at the ingredient label.

MRI No2 Black Full Cycle is divided into 2 proprietary blends. Both blends contain the same ingredients, but in varying concentrations. The first layer (brown) offers 2147.5 mg while the second (beige) layer only contains 1947.5 mg.

Should You Be Worried About Side Effects?

Many of the ingredients in MRI No2 Black Full Cycle are all-natural, safe amino acids commonly found in foods. There is no caffeine, ephedrine, or any other harmful substance that put your health on the line.

However, even amino acids may be dangerous if taken in large doses.

For example, arginine is linked with bloating, diarrhea, gout, blood abnormalities, airway inflammation, and low blood pressure. A few are concerned that l-arginine might increase the risk of death after a heart attack.

These side effects are linked with high doses in extended periods of time. It is unknown how much arginine is used in MRI No2 Black Full Cycle, so it’s best to approach with caution.

Is It Easy to Use?

For best results, take 3 caplets 30 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach. Depending on your ingredient tolerance, you may take an additional 2 caplets in the mid-afternoon or before your workout.

If you use as recommended, a 150 capsule bottle will last 30 days.

Consumers warn not to start off with the full dose. Rather, start off small and gradually work your way up to the full amount.

Consumer Reviews

While MRI No2 Black and other MRI products come highly recommended and reviewed, MRI No2 Black Full Cycle is still too new.

Consequently, finding reliable customer reviews is difficult, so it’s impossible to tell if the Full Cycle blend lives up to its reputation.

You can help by leaving your own thoughts and opinions in the comment box below!

Where to Buy MRI No2 Black Full Cycle

MRI products are among the most popular supplements available. Consequently, they can be found through multiple online distributors.

Here are a few of my favorite sites:

More About MRI

MRI, or Medical Research Institute, was originally founded in 1997 as a way to develop nutraceuticals that combine novel active ingredients with cutting edge technology.

According to the MRI website, “Most importantly, all MRI products are in keeping with our industry leading standards for quality and safety. Products are manufactured at audited facilities that adhere to the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines. All products pass tests for ingredient purity and integrity. We have relationships with NSF and the Banned Substances Control Group, non-profit agencies that test random lots of certain products and/or certify our manufacturing facilities.”

Pick It or Pitch it?

MRI No2 Black Full Cycle contains a few good ingredients for improving energy levels and optimizing your workout.

I’m not fully convinced MRI No2 Black Full Cycle is the best pre-workout supplement. A few ingredients offer some results, but many ingredients lack clinical research.

Additionally, consumer reviews for the original No2 Black formula are fairly mixed. I’m not certain this new proprietary is any better.

But what do you think?

EAS Phos HP is said to be a high-intensity workout supplement designed to get your energy levels and strength capacity in peak condition.

Advertisements would have you believe “EAS is the first major sports nutrition brand to have its line of products certified as 100% free of banned substances,” so you can use Phos HP without the worry.

But what exactly does Phos HP offer and is it a good choice for you?

Let’s find out together by taking a closer look at the ingredients:

What’s in the Bottle?

In addition to providing 150 calories per serving and 37 grams carbohydrates, EAS Phos HP contains the following ingredients:

Potential Side Effects and Risks

As far as I can tell, there are no harmful substances, chemicals, or stimulants in Phos HP. This greatly reduces side effect risk.

My biggest concern is the creatine concentration. Creatine monohydrate is a great ingredient for building bigger, stronger, muscles. However, it is also linked to indigestion, stomach upset, cramping, and bloating when taken in large amounts.

To reduce these side effects, be sure to stay hydrated. Creatine works primarily drawing by water into the muscle cells, which increases dehydration. It’s the dehydration (not the creatine alone) that causes muscle-cramping.

How to Use Phos HP

EAS Phos HP should be mixed with 8 fl. oz. of cold water.

Manufacturers recommend taking up to 4 servings per day for 4-7 days to saturate the muscles with creatine.

After that, you may reduce serving intake to 1 serving per day to maintain creatine levels.

As with any pre-workout supplement, Phos HP works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Available Flavors

EAS Phos HP is available in 2 flavors: fruit punch and orange. Currently I have no information on its mixability or taste.

If you’ve tried EAS Phos HP, let everyone know what you think about the flavor by leaving a comment below.

What Consumers Are Saying

Oddly enough, Phos HP has almost no customer reviews. On the bright side, it means consumers don’t hate the product, but on the flip side, there isn’t enough information to prove that it works.

Where to Find the Best Price

EAS Phos HP is not sold through EAS.com. After searching high and low for the product, I could only find it available at Bodybuilding.com for $13.99 per 644 grams serving or AbbottStore.com for $69.97 for a 1.45 lb. canister.

This makes me wonder if Phos HP was replaced by a more effective workout supplement.

More About the Manufacturers

Phos HP is owned by EAS Sports Nutrition. Although it’s not the largest supplement company in the industry, many EAS products come highly recommended.

According to EAS.com, the manufacturers, “work hard to make sure all our products are safe and impactful. . . . We’re the first major brand to achieve 100% certification for banned-substance testing on our products, by two leading independent agencies.”

EAS is owned by Abbott Laboratories, a US company located in Illinois. According to the Better Business Bureau, Abbott Laboratories, Inc. received an A- rating on a scale of A+ to F. The only factor that lowered its score was the single complaint filed against the company in the last 3 years that did not receive adequate resolution.

Should You Try EAS Phos HP?

EAS Phos HP looks like any other pre-workout supplement. It contains a standard creatine blend with several electrolytes to keep your energy levels up and running.

Judging from the ingredients, I assume Phos HP offers some reliable results, but I’m not sure to what extent because there are too few consumer reviews.

I am a little surprised, however, that Phos HP is categorized as a pre-workout supplement. Its primary ingredient is creatine, which does not have a direct impact exercise performance before a workout.

In order to improve energy and muscle strength, muscles must first be saturated with creatine, which can take up to a week to provide full benefits.

The creatine your body uses your upcoming workout will come from creatine already stored in cells, not from the creatine you just ingested. Since this is the case, you could essentially take creatine after your workout and experience the same effects.

Phos HP doesn’t look like a bad product, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowd of supplements either.

If you want to test it out by buying a small dose at Bodybuilding.com, feel free to share your experience by leaving a comment below. Your input could help us determine if Phos HP is worth buying.

Muscle Marinade is supposedly “forged from science, research, and logic, by real scientists and athletes”.

I wanted to see if this claim was legitimate. So I did a bit of digging into Purus Labs Muscle Marinade.

Purus Labs: Trustworthy?

Purus Labs claims that efficacy, not marketing, propels their products. And this may be true. Purus Labs’ products are widely distributed and most have been rated high on Amazon.com and BodyBuilding.com.

Purus Labs Muscle Marinade Ratings

Like other Purus Labs products, Muscle Marinade has a high rating on Amazon.com. But only four people have reviewed it. Three out of the four who rated it gave it 5/5 stars.

Kyle said, “It does everything I want in a pre-workout. It gives you intense focus, makes you work harder than you can imagine, lets you smash personal records, and leaves you sweating, and heaving – but wanting more.”

However, he also added, “YOU WILL CRASH, YOU MIGHT FEEL LIGHT HEADED, YOU MAY EVEN KILL SOMEONE.” Apparently Kyle is still “wanting more” Muscle Marinade despite the side effects.

Purus Labs Muscle Marinade Ingredients

Purus Labs Muscle Marinade contains a hefty list of ingredients. Let’s break them down by category:

ATP Resynthesis/Intracellular Carnosine-Anserine Boosting/Myocellular Power & Endurance Complex

This complex contains muscle-promoting acids and compounds, including creatine monohydrate, which supplies energy to muscles. Betaine anhydrous prevents fat oxidation, promoting lean mass and fat loss. Then there’s beta alanine, which decreases muscular fatigue.

Net Protein Accretion Stimulating/Anti-Catabolic & Insulinogenic/Controlled Branch Chain-Essential Amino Acid Complex

This is a blend of amino acids that are essential to muscle growth and repair. Many are produced naturally in the body or obtained from food. Nevertheless, supplementing with amino acids could increase muscle strength and replenish those that are reduced through exercise.

Both lysine and phenylalanine build muscle protein and thus are critical in building a strong body. They also repair damaged muscle tissue, making it easier to maintain muscle growth. Similarly, threonine improves muscular strength and elasticity.

N-Acetyl L-Methionine is also important for protein synthesis, and thus muscle growth and repair. Histidine helps create carnosine, which prevents muscle injuries.

The complex also includes three important branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs make up 35% of muscle mass and are essential to muscle growth. Their functions include building cells, repairing tissues, and forming antibodies.

These amino acids are leucine, valine, and isoleucine. Between them, they provide energy to muscles and promote muscle recovery.

Controlled Sympathomimetic Psychoactive Adrenal Stimulant Complex (380 mg)

Two powerful stimulants are included to increase energy, metabolism, and fat burning during your workout.

Caffeine increases thermogenic (heat producing) function in your body for a short time. This increases the fat burning and muscle building potential of your workout. But caffeine can cause jitters, nausea, and increased heart rate. It can also cause a “crash,” and may encourage unhealthy cravings.

DMAA may also temporarily improve athletic performance and muscle building. Unfortunately, its stimulant properties can be dangerous. It’s known to increase heartbeat and blood pressure, and in some cases has caused heart attack and stroke.

Electrolyte Balancing/Vasodilatory Supporting/Intramuscular Hyper-Hydration Complex

Electrolytes are essential minerals that maintain hydration and muscle nerve tissue activity. The proper balance of electrolytes is important for muscle function.

This complex includes three electrolytes: sodium, which regulates blood pressure; chloride, which is crucial to metabolism; and potassium, which regulates muscles and nerves and retains calcium, promoting strong bones.

Cortisol Reducing/Lipid Peroxidation Inhibiting/Sarcolemma Disruption Blunting/Antioxidant-Energy-Health Complex (1.2 g)

These vitamins and minerals are important for overall body function, including muscle function. Vitamin C improves physical endurance. Vitamin E prevents muscle damage. And
selenium citrate supports cardiovascular health.

Purus Labs Muscle Marinade Ingredient Analysis

Purus Labs certainly covered all of their bases by choosing these ingredients. The ingredients should help you increase energy and muscle building.

However, the stimulants may cause side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness. They could also increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

Purus Labs Muscle Marinade Prices

Muscle Marinade Fresh Fruit flavor costs $67.95 at PurusLabs.net. But it’s less expensive at the following locations:
• $39.50 at Amazon.com
• $35.98 at NutraHealthSupply.com
• $37.90 at InfiniteMuscleSupplements.com

Purus Labs Muscle Marinade: Our Opinion

Before choosing a product such as Muscle Marinade, be sure to consider whether it will harm or improve your health. Though Purus Labs Muscle Marinade has the potential to help you build muscle and improve athletic performance, it also raises the risk of serious side effects.

Use at your own risk, or choose a more reliable product.

I was curious to see if leaving creatine and DMAA out would affect Purus Labs Condense’s effectiveness. So, I dug into the formula to see what I could learn.

The Formula

Purus Labs Condense was designed for 3 purposes:

• Sustain ATP
• Buffer lactic acid
• Oxygenate blood

The following ingredients and dosages are included in each serving (6,300 mg powder). I was a little disappointed because Purus Labs usually shows studies. But their claims about Purus Labs Condense are unsupported. Here’s what my research shows…

The dosages add up to 5,410 mg, which leaves 890 mg for inactive ingredients. I don’t know what these ingredients are because the official website doesn’t disclose them. Purus Labs promises there are no dyes in the formula.

Side Effects and Safety

Leaving DMAA out was supposed to make Purus Labs Condense safer–and legal. But are the remaining ingredients safe?

Betaine anhydrous is safe, according to WebMD.com. But it may cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Caffeine is safe in dosages under 400 mg, says the Mayo Clinic. Some people experience side effects such as headaches, insomnia, stomach upset, and jitteriness after taking caffeine. These side effects range from mild to severe and affect some people more than others.

Nitratene and electrolytes are harmless in the dosages Purus Labs Condense contains.

User Reviews

There are 17 user reviews on SupplementReviews.com. The average rating Purus Labs Condense received was 7.6 out of 10 stars. These reviews are very detailed. They go over the ingredients, effectiveness, taste, price, and the user’s overall impression.

Here are some statistics about Purus Labs Condense from the reviews:

• Increased energy – 12 users
• Increased vascularity – 10 users
• Better endurance – 10 users
• Amazing taste – 5 users
• Takes a few uses to work – 4 users
• Inconsistent results – 4 users
• Too expensive – 3 users

Only 10 users said they would recommend Purus Labs Condense to others.

Suggested Use

Mix 1-2 scoops with 8-12 oz. water. You can vary the water quantity to make the flavor weaker or stronger. Take Purus Labs Condense about 10 minutes before exercise. Several users confirmed it kicks in after about 10 minutes.

Do not take more than 2 scoops a day. 3 scoops contain 600 mg caffeine, which may be unsafe.

The official website says Condense stacks well with Fat Smack and D-Pol — also made by Purus Labs.

Best Sites to Buy

Each container holds 40 scoops and lasts between 20 and 40 days. PurusLabs.net doesn’t offer any discounts for Purus Labs Condense. It charges the full MSRP — $50.95. Luckily, other sites sell it for less:

• Supplementing.com: $31.99
• Vitacost.com: $33.99
• eSupplements.com: $40.95

The flavors you get to choose from are Crisp Apple and Melonberry Cooler. Some users liked the flavors; some didn’t. But most users agreed Purus Labs Condense mixes very well.

Supplementing.com and eSupplements.com refund unused products returned within 90 days. Vitacost.com only refunds Vitacost products, so Purus Labs Condense doesn’t qualify.

You can return Purus Labs Condense to the official website within 30 days. But you’re only option is to exchange it. They don’t offer refunds.

Is Purus Labs Condense a Good Value?

Purus Labs Condense contains ingredients proven to buffer lactic acid and oxygenate blood. But the ingredients don’t sustain ATP. At least, I couldn’t find research proving they do. This is a result creatine is proven to provide, but Purus Labs Condense doesn’t have creatine.

As long as users take the recommended dosages, Purus Labs Condense should be safe. People who are sensitive to caffeine may want to take 1 scoop or less.

A few users were very satisfied with Purus Labs Condense. But the overall ratings show it’s only slightly above average in terms of effectiveness.

Purus Labs Condense may be worth trying. But you could probably find a better pre-workout supplement.