pre-workout

Pre-workout supplements are available in different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and bars.{{Cite web|url=https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-HealthProfessional/| author = Office of Dietary Supplements | title = Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance|website=ods.od.nih.gov|language=en|access-date=2019-03-20}} A number of common ingredients are used. There is considerable overlap between the ingredients used in pre-workout blends and other supplements intended for weight loss, improving mood, life extension, or as purported nootropics or aphrodisiacs, although certain ingredients tend to be found only in products intended to assist in bodybuilding or athletic training. Some ingredients such as caffeine, creatine and β-alanine are found in nearly all pre-workout blends, but each branded product is a "proprietary blend" with an average of 18 different ingredients, the exact composition and proportions of which can vary widely between different products.{{cite journal | vauthors = Harty PS, Zabriskie HA, Erickson JL, Molling PE, Kerksick CM, Jagim AR | title = Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | volume = 15 | issue = 1 | pages = 41 | date = August 2018 | pmid = 30089501 | doi = 10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6 | pmc = 6083567 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Jagim AR, Harty PS, Camic CL | title = Common Ingredient Profiles of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements | journal = Nutrients | volume = 11 | issue = 2 | date = January 2019 | page = 254 | pmid = 30678328 | doi = 10.3390/nu11020254 | pmc = 6413194 | doi-access = free }}

• Ephedrine (usually as Ephedra extract) was a common ingredient in many pre-workout supplements in the 1990s and early 2000s, sometimes in combination with caffeine and aspirin (the so-called ECA stack), however, following many reports of serious side effects and some deaths, it was banned for use in supplements by the FDA in 2004 throughout the USA, and many other countries have enacted similar bans.
• Caffeine is now one of the most common ingredients, found in one study to be in 86% of the bestselling pre-workout supplements. Caffeine works with the central nervous system to increase the blood flow.{{Cite journal |last=Glade |first=Michael J. |date=2010-10-01 |title=Caffeine—Not just a stimulant |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900710002510 |journal=Nutrition |volume=26 |issue=10 |pages=932–938 |doi=10.1016/j.nut.2010.08.004 |pmid=20888549 |issn=0899-9007}} Caffeine is a popular ingredient in pre-workout because it increases alertness, mental concentration, and energy.{{Cite web|url=https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html|title=Caffeine|website=medlineplus.gov|access-date=2020-04-03}} Related compounds such as theophylline or theobromine (sometimes as "cocoa extract") may also be used.{{cite journal | vauthors = Kennedy M | title = Effects of Theophylline and Theobromine on exercise performance and implications for competition sport: A systematic review | journal = Drug Testing and Analysis | date = November 2020 | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 36–43 | pmid = 33188564 | doi = 10.1002/dta.2970 | s2cid = 226947746 }}
• Methylhexanamine, also known as DMAA, is another stimulant which was widely used for some time as an alternative or supplement to caffeine.{{Cite journal | author = Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition |date=2020-02-04|title=DMAA in Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements|url=https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/dmaa-products-marketed-dietary-supplements|journal=FDA|language=en}} DMAA can increase alertness in the body and help burn body fat.{{Cite web |title=Gale - Product Login |url=https://galeapps.gale.com/apps/auth?userGroupName=mnauduluth&da=true&origURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.gale.com%2Fps%2Fretrieve.do%3FtabID%3DT003%26resultListType%3DRESULT_LIST%26searchResultsType%3DSingleTab%26retrievalId%3D27c016f3-8399-4225-928d-f1a89195b679%26hitCount%3D1%26searchType%3DAdvancedSearchForm%26currentPosition%3D1%26docId%3DGALE%257CA268405618%26docType%3DArticle%26sort%3DRELEVANCE%26contentSegment%3DZONE-MOD1%26prodId%3DAONE%26pageNum%3D1%26contentSet%3DGALE%257CA268405618%26searchId%3DR1%26userGroupName%3Dmnauduluth%26inPS%3Dtrue&prodId=AONE |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=galeapps.gale.com}} The FDA has warned that DMAA "is known to narrow the blood vessels and arteries, which can elevate blood pressure and may lead to cardiovascular events ranging from shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to heart attack". DMAA is also considered a prohibited stimulant by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usada.org/dietary-supplements/athlete-advisory-methylhexaneamine-and-dietary-supplements/|title=Athlete Advisory - Methylhexaneamine And Dietary Supplements|date=2011-06-16|website=U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-03}} Following the widespread banning of DMAA, it has in some cases been replaced by similar compounds such as DMBA, octodrine, tuaminoheptane or DEPEA, which are associated with similar side effects.{{cite journal |vauthors=Cohen PA, Travis JC, Keizers PH, Deuster P, Venhuis BJ | title = Four experimental stimulants found in sports and weight loss supplements: 2-amino-6-methylheptane (octodrine), 1,4-dimethylamylamine (1,4-DMAA), 1,3-dimethylamylamine (1,3-DMAA) and 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (1,3-DMBA) | journal = Clinical Toxicology | date = 2018 | volume = 56 | issue = 6 | pages = 421–426 | doi = 10.1080/15563650.2017.1398328 | pmid = 29115866 | s2cid = 5193271 }}
• Carbohydrates are usually present, often in a mix of simple sugars like glucose and more complex oligosaccharides such as maltodextrin which are supposed to provide more sustained energy. Carbohydrates cause an increase in serotonin levels.{{Cite journal |last1=Mantantzis |first1=Konstantinos |last2=Schlaghecken |first2=Friederike |last3=Sünram-Lea |first3=Sandra I. |last4=Maylor |first4=Elizabeth A. |date=2019-06-01 |title=Sugar rush or sugar crash? A meta-analysis of carbohydrate effects on mood |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763418309175 |journal=Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews |volume=101 |pages=45–67 |doi=10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.016 |pmid=30951762 |s2cid=92575160 |issn=0149-7634}} These are used both to provide a sweet taste and fuel for exercise, though evidence for whether they actually enhance exercise performance is mixed.{{cite journal | vauthors = Outlaw JJ, Wilborn CD, Smith-Ryan AE, Hayward SE, Urbina SL, Taylor LW, Foster CA | title = Effects of a pre-and post-workout protein-carbohydrate supplement in trained crossfit individuals | journal = SpringerPlus | year = 2014 | volume = 3 | pages = 369 | pmid = 25110627 | doi = 10.1186/2193-1801-3-369|pmc=4125607 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Maroufi K, Razavi R, Gaeini AA, Nourshahi M | title = The effects of acute consumption of carbohydrate-protein supplement in varied ratios on CrossFit athletes' performance in two CrossFit exercises: a randomized cross-over trial | journal = The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness | date = December 2020 | volume = 61 | issue = 10 | pages = 1362–1368 | pmid = 33314886 | doi = 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.11774-2 | s2cid = 229179829 |issn=0022-4707 }}
• Protein supplements, usually in a palatable powdered form such as whey protein or rice protein, are also commonly used both for flavour and as a fuel for muscle growth and recovery.{{cite journal | vauthors = Davies RW, Carson BP, Jakeman PM | title = The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on the Temporal Recovery of Muscle Function Following Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = Nutrients | volume = 10 | issue = 2 | date = February 2018 | page = 221 | pmid = 29462923 | doi = 10.3390/nu10020221 | pmc = 5852797 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Gala K, Desai V, Liu N, Omer EM, McClave SA | title = How to Increase Muscle Mass in Critically Ill Patients: Lessons Learned from Athletes and Bodybuilders | journal = Current Nutrition Reports | volume = 9 | issue = 4 | pages = 369–380 | date = December 2020 | pmid = 33098051 | doi = 10.1007/s13668-020-00334-0 | s2cid = 225049327 }}
• Electrolytes providing sodium, potassium and magnesium (and often others such as zinc, calcium, iron etc in smaller amounts) are often included to replace those lost due to sweating during heavy exercise, generally as a mixture of different salts, sometimes including exotic forms such as zinc monomethionine aspartate or calcium fructoborate which are supposed to be better absorbed or have other special properties. Electrolytes help the body perform homeostasis and prevent dehydration.
• Nitrate salts are commonly included (often as "beetroot extract") for their supposed benefits for endurance exercise. Sometimes this is achieved by using nitrate salts of other ingredients (e.g. arginine nitrate, creatine nitrate).{{cite journal | vauthors = McMahon NF, Leveritt MD, Pavey TG | title = The Effect of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Endurance Exercise Performance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = Sports Medicine | volume = 47 | issue = 4 | pages = 735–756 | date = April 2017 | pmid = 27600147 | doi = 10.1007/s40279-016-0617-7 | s2cid = 207494150 }}
• Creatine, a natural chemical created in the kidneys and liver, is used supposedly to improve physical performance.{{cite journal | vauthors = Cooper R, Naclerio F, Allgrove J, Jimenez A | title = Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 33 | date = July 2012 | pmid = 22817979 | pmc = 3407788 | doi = 10.1186/1550-2783-9-33 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Butts J, Jacobs B, Silvis M | title = Creatine Use in Sports | journal = Sports Health | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 31–34 | date = 2018 | pmid = 29059531 | pmc = 5753968 | doi = 10.1177/1941738117737248 }} It also promotes an increase in muscle growth.{{Cite journal |last1=Poortmans |first1=Jacques R. |last2=Francaux |first2=Marc |date=2000 |title=Adverse Effects of Creatine Supplementation: Fact or Fiction? |url=http://link.springer.com/10.2165/00007256-200030030-00002 |journal=Sports Medicine |language=en |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=155–170 |doi=10.2165/00007256-200030030-00002 |pmid=10999421 |s2cid=25617337 |issn=0112-1642}}
• β-Alanine is a common ingredient found in 87% of leading pre-workout formulas. Beta-alanine decreases fatigue during high-intensity exercise by increasing the muscle carnosine concentration.{{cite journal | vauthors = Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C | title = Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis | journal = Amino Acids | volume = 43 | issue = 1 | pages = 25–37 | date = July 2012 | pmid = 22270875 | pmc = 3374095 | doi = 10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z }}
• Branched-chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine are commonly used for their muscle fueling properties and relief of post-workout soreness, often alongside other amino acids such as glutamine which are thought to have synergistic effects. Results from research have been mixed, and the dose contained in commercial pre-workout products is often less than an optimum effective dose.{{cite journal | vauthors = Santos CS, Nascimento FE | title = Isolated branched-chain amino acid intake and muscle protein synthesis in humans: a biochemical review | journal = Einstein | volume = 17 | issue = 3 | pages = eRB4898 | date = September 2019 | pmid = 31508659 | doi = 10.31744/einstein_journal/2019RB4898 | pmc = 6718193 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Fedewa MV, Spencer SO, Williams TD, Becker ZE, Fuqua CA | title = Effect of branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Muscle Soreness following Exercise: A Meta-Analysis | journal = International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research | volume = 89 | issue = 5–6 | pages = 348–356 | date = November 2019 | pmid = 30938579 | doi = 10.1024/0300-9831/a000543 | s2cid = 91189309 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Holeček M | title = Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Branched-Chain Keto Acids in Hyperammonemic States: Metabolism and as Supplements | journal = Metabolites | volume = 10 | issue = 8 | date = August 2020 | page = 324 | pmid = 32784821 | doi = 10.3390/metabo10080324|pmc=7464849 | doi-access = free }}
• β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate may sometimes be used as an ingredient in some products,{{cite journal | vauthors = Silva VR, Belozo FL, Micheletti TO, Conrado M, Stout JR, Pimentel GD, Gonzalez AM | title = β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation may improve recovery and muscle adaptations after resistance training: a systematic review | journal = Nutrition Research | volume = 45 | pages = 1–9 | date = September 2017 | pmid = 29037326 | doi = 10.1016/j.nutres.2017.07.008 | hdl = 11449/170023 | hdl-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim J, Kim EK | title = Nutritional Strategies to Optimize Performanceand Recovery in Rowing Athletes | journal = Nutrients | volume = 12 | issue = 6 | date = June 2020 | page = 1685 | pmid = 32516908 | doi = 10.3390/nu12061685|pmc=7352678 | doi-access = free }} though is prohibitively expensive for most commercial pre-workout blends.
• Arginine (sometimes as complexes like arginine alpha-ketoglutarate), is also commonly used as a nitric oxide precursor and supposed booster of growth hormone and IGF-1 release, though studies have shown limited benefits, and generally at higher doses than are present in typical pre-workout products.{{cite journal | vauthors = da Silva DV, Conte-Junior CA, Paschoalin VM, da Silveira Alvares T | title = Hormonal response to L-arginine supplementation in physically active individuals | journal = Food & Nutrition Research | year = 2014 | volume = 58 | page = 22569 | pmid = 24678288 | doi = 10.3402/fnr.v58.22569 | pmc=3967014 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Viribay A, Burgos J, Fernández-Landa J, Seco-Calvo J, Mielgo-Ayuso J | title = Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = Nutrients | volume = 12 | issue = 5 | date = May 2020 | page = 1300 | pmid = 32370176 | doi = 10.3390/nu12051300 |pmc=7282262 | doi-access = free }}
• Ornithine or L-ornithine L-aspartate are sometimes used as an alternative or in addition to arginine, and have generally similar properties.{{cite journal | vauthors = Mikulski T, Dabrowski J, Hilgier W, Ziemba A, Krzeminski K | title = Effects of supplementation with branched chain amino acids and ornithine aspartate on plasma ammonia and central fatigue during exercise in healthy men | journal = Folia Neuropathologica | year = 2015 | volume = 53 | issue = 4 | pages = 377–86 | pmid = 26785372 | doi = 10.5114/fn.2015.56552 | doi-access = free }}
• Citrulline (sometimes as "watermelon extract") is used as an alternative or supplement to arginine, and is claimed to reduce post-exercise soreness.{{cite journal | vauthors = Rhim HC, Kim SJ, Park J, Jang KM | title = Effect of citrulline on post-exercise rating of perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and blood lactate levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = Journal of Sport and Health Science | volume = 9 | issue = 6 | pages = 553–561 | date = December 2020 | pmid = 33308806 | doi = 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.02.003|pmc=7749242 | doi-access = free }}
• Agmatine is also often used as an alternative or supplement to arginine.{{cite journal | vauthors = Laube G, Bernstein HG | title = Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience? | journal = The Biochemical Journal | volume = 474 | issue = 15 | pages = 2619–2640 | date = July 2017 | pmid = 28747403 | doi = 10.1042/BCJ20170007 | doi-access = free }}
• Taurine is also a common ingredient in pre-workout, and can be used as a supplement taken alone. It is similar to creatine purportedly to aid muscle hypertrophy that increases strength, endurance, reduced muscle damage, and helps with a faster recovery.{{cite journal | vauthors = Eudy AE, Gordon LL, Hockaday BC, Lee DA, Lee V, Luu D, Martinez CA, Ambrose PJ | display-authors = 6 | title = Efficacy and safety of ingredients found in preworkout supplements | journal = American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy | volume = 70 | issue = 7 | pages = 577–88 | date = April 2013 | pmid = 23515510 | doi = 10.2146/ajhp120118 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Waldron M, Patterson SD, Tallent J, Jeffries O | title = The Effects of an Oral Taurine Dose and Supplementation Period on Endurance Exercise Performance in Humans: A Meta-Analysis | journal = Sports Medicine | volume = 48 | issue = 5 | pages = 1247–1253 | date = May 2018 | pmid = 29546641 | doi = 10.1007/s40279-018-0896-2 | s2cid = 4822875 | url = https://research.stmarys.ac.uk/id/eprint/2159/1/Waldron-et-al-Effects-of-Oral-Taurine-Dose.pdf }}
• Tyrosine or its precursor N-acetyl-L-tyrosine are commonly used to purportedly boost levels of dopamine and noradrenaline.{{cite journal | vauthors = Pomeroy DE, Tooley KL, Probert B, Wilson A, Kemps E | title = A Systematic Review of the Effect of Dietary Supplements on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults and Military Personnel | journal = Nutrients | volume = 12 | issue = 2 | date = February 2020 | page = 545 | pmid = 32093203 | doi = 10.3390/nu12020545|pmc=7071459 | doi-access = free }} Some brands may contain L-dopa (generally as Mucuna pruriens extract),{{cite journal | vauthors = Jung YP, Earnest CP, Koozehchian M, Galvan E, Dalton R, Walker D, Rasmussen C, Murano PS, Greenwood M, Kreider RB | display-authors = 6 | title = Effects of acute ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without p-synephrine on resting energy expenditure, cognitive function and exercise performance | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | year = 2017 | volume = 14 | pages = 3 | pmid = 28096758 | doi = 10.1186/s12970-016-0159-2 | pmc = 5234109 | doi-access = free }} but this is classified as a prescription medicine in many countries.
• Theanine is often used as an ingredient (sometimes as "green tea extract", though this may alternatively be used to refer to EGCG, which may also be present), to supposedly improve mental and physical performance, and reduce anxiety.{{cite journal | vauthors = Baker LB, Nuccio RP, Jeukendrup AE | title = Acute effects of dietary constituents on motor skill and cognitive performance in athletes | journal = Nutrition Reviews | volume = 72 | issue = 12 | pages = 790–802 | date = December 2014 | pmid = 25400063 | doi = 10.1111/nure.12157 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Zaragoza J, Tinsley G, Urbina S, Villa K, Santos E, Juaneza A, Tinnin M, Davidson C, Mitmesser S, Zhang Z, Taylor L | display-authors = 6 | title = Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | volume = 16 | issue = 1 | pages = 56 | date = November 2019 | pmid = 31771598 | doi = 10.1186/s12970-019-0326-3|pmc=6880365 | doi-access = free }}
• Piperine (often as "black pepper extract") is often included possibly to improve absorption of other ingredients, and for its supposed ability to improve muscle recovery.{{cite journal | vauthors = Delecroix B, Abaïdia AE, Leduc C, Dawson B, Dupont G | title = Curcumin and Piperine Supplementation and Recovery Following Exercise Induced Muscle Damage: A Randomized Controlled Trial | journal = Journal of Sports Science & Medicine | volume = 16 | issue = 1 | pages = 147–153 | date = March 2017 | pmid = 28344463 | pmc = 5358025 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Directo D, Wong MW, Elam ML, Falcone P, Osmond A, Jo E | title = The Effects of a Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplement Combined with Resistance Training on Exercise Volume, Muscular Strength, and Body Composition | journal = Sports | volume = 7 | issue = 6 | date = June 2019 | page = 152 | pmid = 31242635 | doi = 10.3390/sports7060152 | pmc = 6628438 | doi-access = free }}
• B vitamins are another common ingredient, most commonly vitamin B₃ and vitamin B₁₂ in various forms, but also often thiamine (sometimes as sulbutiamine),{{cite journal | vauthors = Sobolevsky T, Rodchenkov G | title = Sulbutiamine in sports | journal = Drug Testing and Analysis | volume = 2 | issue = 11–12 | pages = 643–6 | date = 2010 | pmid = 21204296 | doi = 10.1002/dta.183 }} pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅) and folic acid.
• Carnitine or its precursor acetylcarnitine are sometimes added to the mix for their supposed ability to enhance exercise performance and aid recovery, though evidence for these benefits is weak.{{cite journal | vauthors = Fielding R, Riede L, Lugo JP, Bellamine A | title = l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise | journal = Nutrients | volume = 10 | issue = 3 | date = March 2018 | page = 349 | pmid = 29534031 | doi = 10.3390/nu10030349 | pmc = 5872767 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Sawicka AK, Renzi G, Olek RA | title = The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | volume = 17 | issue = 1 | pages = 49 | date = September 2020 | pmid = 32958033 | doi = 10.1186/s12970-020-00377-2|pmc=7507632 | doi-access = free }}
• Betaine (trimethylglycine) is often used as an ingredient, despite limited evidence for effectiveness in increasing athletic performance.{{cite journal | vauthors = Cholewa JM, Guimarães-Ferreira L, Zanchi NE | title = Effects of betaine on performance and body composition: a review of recent findings and potential mechanisms | journal = Amino Acids | volume = 46 | issue = 8 | pages = 1785–93 | date = August 2014 | pmid = 24760587 | doi = 10.1007/s00726-014-1748-5 | s2cid = 18157886 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Willingham BD, Ragland TJ, Ormsbee MJ | title = Betaine Supplementation May Improve Heat Tolerance: Potential Mechanisms in Humans | journal = Nutrients | volume = 12 | issue = 10 | date = September 2020 | page = 2939 | pmid = 32992781 | doi = 10.3390/nu12102939 | pmc = 7599524 | doi-access = free }}
• Phenethylamines such as β-phenethylamine, β-methylphenethylamine, deterenol, halostachine, N-methyltyramine, hordenine, or synephrine (sometimes as "bitter orange extract") may be included as thermogenics to aid in weight loss.{{cite journal | vauthors = Pawar RS, Grundel E | title = Overview of regulation of dietary supplements in the USA and issues of adulteration with phenethylamines (PEAs) | journal = Drug Testing and Analysis | volume = 9 | issue = 3 | pages = 500–517 | date = March 2017 | pmid = 27259162 | doi = 10.1002/dta.1980 }}
• Higenamine (norcoclaurine) is also often added for its supposed weight loss and mild stimulant properties.{{cite journal | vauthors = Cohen PA, Travis JC, Keizers PH, Boyer FE, Venhuis BJ | title = The stimulant higenamine in weight loss and sports supplements | journal = Clinical Toxicology | volume = 57 | issue = 2 | pages = 125–130 | date = February 2019 | pmid = 30188222 | doi = 10.1080/15563650.2018.1497171 | s2cid = 52165506 }}
• Resveratrol and related polyphenols (usually as "grape seed extract") are often included.{{cite journal | vauthors = Kan NW, Lee MC, Tung YT, Chiu CC, Huang CC, Huang WC | title = The Synergistic Effects of Resveratrol combined with Resistant Training on Exercise Performance and Physiological Adaption | journal = Nutrients | volume = 10 | issue = 10 | date = September 2018 | page = 1360 | pmid = 30249003 | doi = 10.3390/nu10101360 | pmc = 6212981 | doi-access = free }}
• Yohimbine has also been used as an ingredient (often as Pausinystalia johimbe extract), as a supposed testosterone booster and fat-loss agent,{{cite journal | vauthors = Alkhatib A, Seijo M, Larumbe E, Naclerio F | title = Acute effectiveness of a "fat-loss" product on substrate utilization, perception of hunger, mood state and rate of perceived exertion at rest and during exercise | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | year = 2015 | volume = 12 | pages = 44 | pmid = 26612980 | doi = 10.1186/s12970-015-0105-8| pmc=4660661 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, Soni Y, Leong JY, Patel P, Ramasamy R | title = A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements | journal = International Journal of Impotence Research | date = May 2020 | volume = 33 | issue = 3 | pages = 311–317 | pmid = 32358510 | doi = 10.1038/s41443-020-0285-x| s2cid = 217167165 |issn=0955-9930 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Lutsch DJ, Camic CL, Jagim AR, Stefan RR, Cox BJ, Tauber RN, Henert SE | title = Effects of a Multi-Ingredient Preworkout Supplement Versus Caffeine on Energy Expenditure and Feelings of Fatigue during Low-Intensity Treadmill Exercise in College-Aged Males | journal = Sports | volume = 8 | issue = 10 | date = September 2020 | page = 132 | pmid = 32992830 | doi = 10.3390/sports8100132 |pmc=7600984 | doi-access = free }} but it has been associated with dangerous side effects, and is also a prescription medicine in many countries.{{cite journal | vauthors = Avula B, Bae JY, Chittiboyina AG, Wang YH, Wang M, Khan IA | title = Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometric method for targeted analysis of 111 nitrogen-based compounds in weight loss and ergogenic supplements | journal = Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis | volume = 174 | pages = 305–323 | date = September 2019 | pmid = 31195319 | doi = 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.05.066 | s2cid = 189812866 | doi-access = free }}
• Phenylpiracetam is also sometimes used as an ingredient for its nootropic and stimulant effects.{{cite journal | vauthors = Malykh AG, Sadaie MR | title = Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders | journal = Drugs | volume = 70 | issue = 3 | pages = 287–312 | date = February 2010 | pmid = 20166767 | doi = 10.2165/11319230-000000000-00000 | s2cid = 12176745 }}
• Capsaicin is sometimes used as an ingredient in gelcap pre-workout formulations, both as a supoosed weight loss aid and for improvement of endurance.{{cite journal | vauthors = de Freitas MC, Billaut F, Panissa VL, Rossi FE, Figueiredo C, Caperuto EC, Lira FS | title = Capsaicin supplementation increases time to exhaustion in high-intensity intermittent exercise without modifying metabolic responses in physically active men | journal = European Journal of Applied Physiology | volume = 119 | issue = 4 | pages = 971–979 | date = April 2019 | pmid = 30737555 | doi = 10.1007/s00421-019-04086-w | s2cid = 59617960 }}
• Plant extracts, such as Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea and Huperzine A (from Huperzia serrata), are sometimes included for their supposed ability to improve endurance and mental clarity, despite limited evidence for efficacy.
• Ecdysteroids, such as ecdysterone and turkesterone,{{cite journal | vauthors = Todorova V, Savova MS, Ivanova S, Ivanov K, Georgiev MI | title = Anti-Adipogenic Activity of Rhaponticum carthamoides and Its Secondary Metabolites | journal = Nutrients | volume = 15 | issue = 13 | date = July 2023 | page = 3061 | pmid = 37447387 | pmc = 10346812 | doi = 10.3390/nu15133061 | doi-access = free }} and other plant derived steroid like compounds such as 5α-Hydroxylaxogenin are sometimes used as ingredients, despite inconclusive results as to their supposed anabolic effects.{{cite journal | vauthors = Beer C, Keiler AM | title = Androgenic properties of the dietary supplement 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin | journal = Archives of Toxicology | volume = 96 | issue = 7 | pages = 2139–2142 | date = July 2022 | pmid = 35344071 | pmc = 9151512 | doi = 10.1007/s00204-022-03283-5 }}
• Prohormones such as DHEA, CDMA, 1-androstenediol and 7α-methyl-19-norandrostenedione were widely used in pre-workout formulations prior to 2014 when they were formally banned. These compounds are not anabolic agents in their own right, but are metabolised into anabolic steroids of a type which at the time were not restricted. Despite most known prohormones having now been banned, novel compounds of this type or older compounds which are simply not listed as ingredients, are still sometimes found in over-the-counter pre-workout products, and are a frequent cause of inadvertent drug testing failures by athletes in competition.{{cite journal | vauthors = Martínez-Sanz JM, Sospedra I, Ortiz CM, Baladía E, Gil-Izquierdo A, Ortiz-Moncada R | title = Intended or Unintended Doping? A Review of the Presence of Doping Substances in Dietary Supplements Used in Sports | journal = Nutrients | volume = 9 | issue = 10 | date = October 2017 | page = 1093 | pmid = 28976928 | doi = 10.3390/nu9101093 | pmc = 5691710 | doi-access = free }}
• Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) such as enobosarm and ligandrol are also sometimes found as ingredients in pre-workout supplement blends, and again when present are often not accurately declared on the ingredients listing.{{cite journal | vauthors = Leaney AE, Beck P, Biddle S, Brown P, Grace PB, Hudson SC, Mawson DH | title = Analysis of supplements available to UK consumers purporting to contain selective androgen receptor modulators | journal = Drug Testing and Analysis | date = August 2020 | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 122–127 | pmid = 32748554 | doi = 10.1002/dta.2908 | s2cid = 220965902 }}

Pre-workout supplements are sold in a variety of retailers. The top-selling brands of pre-workout supplements in 2019 included Pre JYM Pre Workout by JYM Supplemental Science, ENGN Shred Pre Workout by EVLUTION Nutrition, and C4 Original Pre Workout by Cellucor. These brands were the top three in the overall bestseller category on leading bodybuilding informational website bodybuilding.com and Sports Illustrated.{{Cite web|title=Top Pre-Workout Drink in 2021 {{!}} Sports Illustrated Top Reviews|url=https://www.si.com/review/pre-workout-formula|access-date=2021-10-19|website=SI|language=en-US}} Some variations on common pre-workout products include sugar-free, creatine-free and stimulant-free options. The market size for pre-workout products was a $2.7 billion industry in 2008.{{Cite news| vauthors = Roosevelt M |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/health/nutrition/14fitness.html|title=When the Gym Isn't Enough|date=2010-01-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-04-03|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} In 2022 the market size for pre-workout had grown to $14.2 billion.{{Cite web |title=Pre-Workout Supplements Market Size, Scope, Share & Forecast |url=https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/pre-workout-supplements-market/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Verified Market Research |language=en-US}}

Lack of regulation can mean that the ingredients used to prepare the product may not be of high quality and purity. This can mean the dose stated on the ingredients does not match the actual composition of the blend. Plant extracts in particular are often adulterated or of varying quality, but may be assumed by manufacturers to be pure and consistent. Also, protein powders used to prepare the blend may sometimes be contaminated with melamine, a plastic precursor which is sometimes added to produce false positive results for nitrogen content. Up to 50% of pre-workout blends analysed in one study were found to be contaminated with melamine.{{cite journal | vauthors = Deldicque L, Francaux M | title = Potential harmful effects of dietary supplements in sports medicine | journal = Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care | volume = 19 | issue = 6 | pages = 439–445 | date = November 2016 | pmid = 27552474 | doi = 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000321 | s2cid = 12979898 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Koh AH, Chess-Williams R, Lohning AE | title = HPLC-UV-QDa analysis of Citrus aurantium-labelled pre-workout supplements suggest only a minority contain the plant extract | journal = Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis | volume = 193 | pages = 113746 | date = January 2021 | pmid = 33190081 | doi = 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113746 | s2cid = 226973047 | doi-access = free }}

An increase in muscle endurance is primarily attributed to the large amounts of caffeine in pre-workout supplements.{{cite journal | vauthors = Sökmen B, Armstrong LE, Kraemer WJ, Casa DJ, Dias JC, Judelson DA, Maresh CM | title = Caffeine use in sports: considerations for the athlete | language = en-US | journal = Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research | volume = 22 | issue = 3 | pages = 978–86 | date = May 2008 | pmid = 18438212 | doi = 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181660cec | citeseerx = 10.1.1.524.1504 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Davis JK, Green JM | title = Caffeine and anaerobic performance: ergogenic value and mechanisms of action | journal = Sports Medicine | volume = 39 | issue = 10 | pages = 813–32 | date = 2009-10-01 | pmid = 19757860 | doi = 10.2165/11317770-000000000-00000 | s2cid = 31365235 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Grgic J, Trexler ET, Lazinica B, Pedisic Z | title = Effects of caffeine intake on muscle strength and power: a systematic review and meta-analysis | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | volume = 15 | pages = 11 | date = 2018-03-05 | pmid = 29527137 | pmc = 5839013 | doi = 10.1186/s12970-018-0216-0 | doi-access = free }} The ingested caffeine acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist, which serves to reduce overall pain experienced by the consumer and allowing them to work for longer periods of time. Pre-workout also increases the amount of carbohydrates in the body which are used to increase energy in the body.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-10 |title=What Every Guy Should Know About Pre-Workout Supplements |url=https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a26075019/pre-workout-complete-guide/ |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=Men's Health |language=en-GB}}

Pre-workout has shown to decrease the time it takes for muscles to recover from intense exercise, allowing athletes to reduce time between training sessions. The improvement in muscle recovery is associated with the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) found in pre-workout,{{cite journal | vauthors = Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R | title = Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise | journal = The Journal of Nutrition | volume = 136 | issue = 1 Suppl | pages = 269S–73S | date = January 2006 | pmid = 16365096 | doi = 10.1093/jn/136.1.269S | url = https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/1/269S/4664134 | doi-access = free }} particularly, glutamine.{{cite journal | vauthors = Newsholme P | title = Why is L-glutamine metabolism important to cells of the immune system in health, postinjury, surgery or infection? | journal = The Journal of Nutrition | volume = 131 | issue = 9 Suppl | pages = 2515S-22S; discussion 2523S-4S | date = September 2001 | pmid = 11533304 | doi = 10.1093/jn/131.9.2515S | doi-access = free }}

Pre-workout has shown to make athletes feel more energetic during exercise, but the higher energy levels are based on subjective judgement and there is little quantitative proof of an increase in energy.{{cite journal | vauthors = Hoffman JR, Kang J, Ratamess NA, Hoffman MW, Tranchina CP, Faigenbaum AD | title = Examination of a pre-exercise, high energy supplement on exercise performance | journal = Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | volume = 6 | issue = 1 | pages = 2 | date = January 2009 | pmid = 19126213 | pmc = 2621122 | doi = 10.1186/1550-2783-6-2 | doi-access = free }} Caffeine's role in enhancing the improvement in perceived energy is observed through the large amounts of caffeine typically found in pre-workout supplements.{{cite journal | vauthors = Bergstrom HC, Byrd MT, Wallace BJ, Clasey JL | title = Examination of a Multi-ingredient Preworkout Supplement on Total Volume of Resistance Exercise and Subsequent Strength and Power Performance | language = en-US | journal = Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research | volume = 32 | issue = 6 | pages = 1479–1490 | date = June 2018 | pmid = 29401192 | doi = 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002480 | s2cid = 20639856 }} Caffeine also increases calcium release which allows for stronger muscle contractions during high intensity workouts.{{Cite journal |last1=Martinez |first1=Nic |last2=Campbell |first2=Bill |last3=Franek |first3=Madison |last4=Buchanan |first4=Laura |last5=Colquhoun |first5=Ryan |date=2016-07-16 |title=The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance |journal=Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=29 |doi=10.1186/s12970-016-0138-7 |issn=1550-2783 |pmc=4947244 |pmid=27429596 |doi-access=free }}

Studies also show that the caffeine in pre-workout improves focus and alertness in athletes as observed through a decrease in reaction-time in different settings.{{cite journal | vauthors = Spradley BD, Crowley KR, Tai CY, Kendall KL, Fukuda DH, Esposito EN, Moon SE, Moon JR | display-authors = 6 | title = Ingesting a pre-workout supplement containing caffeine, B-vitamins, amino acids, creatine, and beta-alanine before exercise delays fatigue while improving reaction time and muscular endurance | journal = Nutrition & Metabolism | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 28 | date = March 2012 | pmid = 22463603 | pmc = 3361498 | doi = 10.1186/1743-7075-9-28 | doi-access = free }}

Various adverse effects may occur according to the pre-workout product and dose of supplement consumed. Some potential side effects of taking pre-workout could include nausea and skin irritation.{{Cite journal |last1=Jagim |first1=Andrew R. |last2=Camic |first2=Clayton L. |last3=Harty |first3=Patrick S. |date=2019-04-16 |title=Common Habits, Adverse Events, and Opinions Regarding Pre-Workout Supplement Use Among Regular Consumers |journal=Nutrients |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=855 |doi=10.3390/nu11040855 |issn=2072-6643 |pmc=6520716 |pmid=31014016 |doi-access=free }} Other adverse effects have been shown to arise when the product contains ingredients such as synephrine and caffeine. Synephrine is often used as a weight loss supplement and commonly found in pre-workout. Synephrine has been found to cause heart problems and other cardiovascular issues.{{Cite journal |last1=de Jonge |first1=M. L. L. |last2=Kieviet |first2=L. C. |last3=Sierts |first3=M. |last4=Egberink |first4=L. B. |last5=van der Heyden |first5=M. A. G. |title=Review of Case Reports on Adverse Events Related to Pre‑workout Supplements Containing Synephrine |journal=Cardiovascular Toxicology |pages=9 |date=January 2023 |volume=23 |issue=1 |doi=10.1007/s12012-022-09777-z |pmid=36639595 |pmc=9859859 |url=https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12012-022-09777-z.pdf |access-date=September 22, 2023}} Caffeine is also a common ingredient found in pre-workout which may cause an increase in blood pressure. Another issue that may arise is a higher risk in cardiac and liver related diseases due to the high concentration of caffeine in these types of products.{{Cite web |last=Sepkowitz |first=Kent |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Energy Drinks and Caffeine-Related Adverse Effects |url=https://jamanetwork-com.libpdb.d.umn.edu:2443/journals/jama/fullarticle/1487123}}

The FDA has minimal control when regulating dietary supplements like pre-workout. Product manufacturers are responsible to verify that dietary supplements are safe for consumption.{{Cite web|url=https://injury.findlaw.com/product-liability/ephedra.html|title=Ephedra|website=Findlaw|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-03}} Financial limitations prevent the FDA from testing dietary supplements before they enter the marketplace. Once a supplement is available for sale, the FDA is responsible to document and monitor manufacturer reports of adverse effects. Manufacturers are obligated to report documented adverse effects to the FDA.

The FDA recommends speaking with a healthcare professional before using dietary supplements. Ingredients in pre-workout can have negative side effects or contraindications with other medications. Taking dietary supplements may have life-threatening consequences if taken with pre-existing health conditions. Federal laws state that a supplement does not have to be declared safe by FDA standards when labeled. Most supplement businesses hire third-party companies to identify the contents of their supplement to ensure it enhances athletic performance. This also aids in assuring that a product’s labeled ingredients are free from illegal substances.

• Doping in sport
• Patent medicine

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