"IRONSIDE" Pre-Workout Ingredients

What we like to call "superior transparency".

Know what you are taking and why.

If you have any further questions about an ingredient please feel free to contact us.

Citrulline Malate 2-1

Once Citrulline enters the kidneys it ends up being converted to Arginine. Arginine has two vital roles for working out. First and foremost it assists in the removal of waste products such as ammonia and lactate. These are two metabolic waste products that hinder muscle contractions, this is more commonly known as fatigue.[1] This means Citrulline Malate may allow you to push out additional repetitions on sets that revolve around moderate to high reps, as well as help you in your recovery process between sets.[2] *

(We will access Arginine's second vital role in the next ingredient section)

Malate, aka Malic Acid, plays an essential role in converting macros into readily available energy.*

What is “2-1”?

Simply put it is a specific ratio of Citrulline to Malic Acid most commonly used in research. For every two (2) Citrulline there is one (1) Malic Acid molecule attached. It’s very common to see companies provide a lower 1:1 ratio as a way to cut costs. It’s important to note, as mentioned before, 2:1 has more research to back its effects on your body and workout.*

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

As mentioned above Arginine's first vital role is the removal of waste. The other vital role is vasodilation which in turn is a main source of nitric acid. Nitric acid drastically increases vasodilation and blood flow. In other words, Arginine may support strong blood flow in muscle during your workout. This is commonly referred to as the “pump feeling” you experiences while in and after an intense training session.[3] *

What about Alpha-Ketoglutarate?

Alpha-Ketoglutarate is a naturally occurring substance made in the body that has various vital roles. With its antioxidant effect known to decrease levels of hydrogen peroxide it can regulate the amount of free nitrogen in each cell. More importantly it is used to form Glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system, and Pyruvate the first step in aerobic respiration (Krebs Cycle).[4] *

CREATINE HCl

Creatine is noted as possibly the most effective and researched supplement today. With good reason, many say it may have been shown to increase strength, power, lean mass, and performance. Creatine’s end goal is to assist in the production of ATP (energy).[6] *

What is HCl and why is it being used?

The more commonly traditional form of  Creatine, is Creatine Monohydrate. We used Creatine in Hydrochloric Salt (HCI) form which can be absorbed by the intestines much faster once broken down in the stomach. As an added bonus, since HCI is absorbed faster it actually lowers the bloating effect, or “water retention”, that many would experience when using the traditional Creatine Monohydrate.[5] *

Beta Alanine

Carnosine is a molecule formed by the amino acids Beta-Alanine and Histidine. Carnosine reduces the acidity in your muscles that occurs during a workout, also known as lactic acid build up. Over time increasing your Carnosine threshold, through Beta-Alanine, may in turn increase muscle endurance and increase athletic performance.[6] *

However, consuming Carnosine by itself can not be properly digested. Beta Alanine is the key ingredient for Carnosine. Simply put, the amount of Beta Alanine available mainly determines the amount of Carnosine available.[7] *

Betaine Anhydrous

Betaine, aka Trimethylglycine (TMG), is often found in certain types of beets.

Betaine is a very powerful anti-homocysteine compound that is usually recommended for those on a high meat diet. This is because glycine acts to prevent toxins that are slowly produced from metabolizing protein. Studies have also shown that Betaine may help assist in the removal of liver toxins.[8] *

Organic Adaptogenic Mushroom Blend (as PeakO₂®)

PeakO2 is a patent-pending unique blend of 6 types of mushrooms that will support your adrenal system. Clinical studies made at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, showed that after supplementing with PeakO2 over a duration of time, it heavily increased power output, and time-to-exhaustion. This is done by increasing lung oxygen uptake and efficiency.[9] (Click here for Abstract) *

What is PeakO2?

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N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a key amino-acid not made by the body that is usually obtained through cheese. Tyrosine is the key amino acid needed for the production of Dopamine, Noradrenaline and ultimately Adrenaline. These key components may aid in supporting mental cognition and focus during rigorous workouts.[10] *

What is N-Acetyl and why is it being used?

N-Acetyl refers to an acetic acid attached to the nitrogen group. This in turn will help make Tyrosine more absorbable decreasing the lag time between when you take the pre-workout and feel it’s effects.*

Caffeine Anhydrous

The longer you're awake the more prone your body is to begin producing more Adenosine in the brain. Adenosine is the culprit behind gradually making you more tired and sleepy as the day progresses. Caffeine competes with Adenosine to bind to its receptors; which in turn fights drowsiness and delays fatigue.*

GABA (GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID)

GABA, aka Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, is one of the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It causes a “balancing effect” in which it helps the brain to relax. In addition, it's believed to aid in preventing jitters and anxiety that can be caused from more excitatory ingredients such as caffeine.[11] *

Glucuronolactone

Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring compound that converts to Glucuronic Acid, a known metabolite of sugar naturally made in the liver. This is said to be a key regulator in carbohydrate storage. Glucuronolactone combines with toxic substances and converts them into a water-soluble bondage that could be excreted in urine.This being said this may give it hepatoprotective abilities or rather put could possibly have the ability to prevent damage to the liver.[12] *

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid found most commonly in tea leave. L-Theanine has the ability to travel through the blood brain barrier and increase Dopamine, GABA and Glycine levels. This may help in promoting greater levels of cognition and attention.[13] *

Black Pepper Extract (as BioPerine®) 

BioPerine has been shown to significantly enhance the bio-availability of various supplement nutrients, especially water-soluble vitamins such as B6, through increased absorption.[14] *

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Yohimbine HCl

Extract from Yohimbe Bark has the ability to block the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells, which in theory, can help support weight management and energy.[15] *

B12 (as Cyanocobalamin)

B12 helps support metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. This may aid in producing further energy and endurance during training.[16] *

B12 (as Cobalamin) comes in 4 different forms. We chose Cyanocobalamin because it has a higher shelf life which may make it more suitable for a rigorous workout.[17] *

B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl)

B6 helps support protein synthesis, metabolism, and maintaining blood glucose levels.*

 

Other Ingredients Not Mentioned: Natural and Artificial Flavors, Silica (anti-caking), Sucralose, Beet Juice Powder (color)

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Disclaimer

This ingredient sheet provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage and prefer you to talk to your healthcare providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health.

It is not our intention to provide specific dietary advice, but rather to provide our community with information to better understand the role of dietary supplements in health. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and we urge you to consult with a qualified health care provider to discuss both the advantages and risks of using dietary supplements and for answers to your personal questions.

References

[1] Pérez-Guisado, J., & Jakeman, P. M. (2010). Citrulline Malate Enhances Athletic Anaerobic Performance and Relieves Muscle Soreness. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research,24(5), 1215-1222. doi:10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181cb28e0

[2] Bailey, S. J., Blackwell, J. R., Lord, T., Vanhatalo, A., Winyard, P. G., & Jones, A. M. (2015). L-Citrulline supplementation improves O2 uptake kinetics and high-intensity exercise performance in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 119(4), 385-395. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00192.2014

[3] Willoughby, D. S., Boucher, T., Reid, J., Skelton, G., & Clark, M. (2011). Effects of 7 Days of Arginine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate Supplementation on Blood Flow, Plasma L-Arginine, Nitric Oxide Metabolites, and Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine after Resistance Exercise. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism,21(4), 291-299. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.21.4.291

[4] Campbell, B., Roberts, M., Kerksick, C., Wilborn, C., Marcello, B., Taylor, L., . . . Kreider, R. (2006). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise performance of l-arginine α-ketoglutarate in trained adult men. Nutrition,22(9), 872-881. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2006.06.003

[5] Miller, D. W., Mannitoba, W., Vennerstrom, J. L., & Faulkner, M. C. (2011). U.S. Patent No. USOO835445OB2. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. CREATINE ORAL SUPPLEMENTATION USING CREATINE HYDROCHLORIDE SALT

[6] Stout, J. R., Cramer, J. T., Mielke, M., Oʼkroy, J., Torok, D. J., & Zoeller, R. F. (2006). Effects Of Twenty-Eight Days Of Beta-Alanine And Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation On The Physical Working Capacity At Neuromuscular Fatigue Threshold. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research,20(4), 928-931. doi:10.1519/00124278-200611000-00033

[7] Hill, C. A., Harris, R. C., Kim, H. J., Harris, B. D., Sale, C., Boobis, L. H., . . . Wise, J. A. (2006). Influence of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. Amino Acids,32(2), 225-233. doi:10.1007/s00726-006-0364-4

[8] Apicella, J. M., Lee, E. C., Bailey, B. L., Saenz, C., Anderson, J. M., Craig, S. A., . . . Maresh, C. M. (2012). Betaine supplementation enhances anabolic endocrine and Akt signaling in response to acute bouts of exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology,113(3), 793-802. doi:10.1007/s00421-012-2492-8

[9] Hirsch, K. R., Mock, M. G., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Smith-Ryan, A. E. (2015). Chronic supplementation of a mushroom blend on oxygen kinetics, peak power, and time to exhaustion. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition,12(S1). doi:10.1186/1550-2783-12-s1-p45

[10] Deijen, J., & Orlebeke, J. (1994). Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress. Brain Research Bulletin,33(3), 319-323. doi:10.1016/0361-9230(94)90200-3

[11] Abdou, A. M., Higashiguchi, S., Horie, K., Kim, M., Hatta, H., & Yokogoshi, H. (2008, December 19). Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Retrieved from https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/biof.5520260305

[12] Tamura, S., Tsutsumi, S., Ito, H., Nakai, K., & Masuda, M. (1968). Effects Of Glucuronolactone And The Other Carbohydrates On The Biochemical Changes Produced In The Living Body Of Rats By Hard Exercise. The Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, 18(1), 30-38. doi:10.1254/jjp.18.30

[13] Nathan, P., Lu, K., Gray, M., & Oliver, C. (2006). The Neuropharmacology of L-Theanine(N-Ethyl-L-Glutamine). Journal Of Herbal Pharmacotherapy,6(2), 21-30. doi:10.1300/j157v06n02_02

[14] Majeed, M., Badmaev, V., & Rajendran, R. (1996). U.S. Patent No. USOO553650.6A. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. USE OF PIPERINE TO INCREASE THE BIOAVAILABILITY OF NUTRITIONAL COMPOUNDS

[15] Mccarty, M. F. (2002, July 21). Pre-exercise administration of yohimbine may enhance the efficacy of exercise training as a fat loss strategy by boosting lipolysis. Medical Hypotheses,58(6), 491-495. doi:10.1054/mehy.2001.1459

[16] Lukaski, H. C. (2004). Vitamin and mineral status: Effects on physical performance. Nutrition,20(7-8), 632-644. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2004.04.001

[17] Danielyan, K., & Simonyan, A. (2017). Protective abilities of pyridoxine in experimental oxidative stress settings in vivo and in vitro. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy,86, 537-540. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.053