Utilized Diet USA (AN USA) continues its formidable enlargement into the American market with the launch of AN Efficiency PRE, a comprehensively-dosed pre-workout complement that’s poised to make waves within the premium efficiency class. This meticulously formulated pre-workout complement joins the rising AN Efficiency Collection, which has already impressed us with its Creatine + Peptide and Electrolytes Hydration dietary supplements, each of which embrace novel elements to surpass the competitors.
What units AN Efficiency PRE aside isn’t just its strong method (which we’ll element under), however its Knowledgeable Sport certification, making certain that athletes can practice with full confidence understanding their complement is freed from banned substances. This dedication to high quality and transparency aligns completely with AN USA’s mission to offer premium, trusted dietary supplements to critical athletes and health fanatics.
The method particulars are under, however we’re excited in regards to the inclusion of a clinically-supported 250 milligrams of Cognizin citicoline subsequent to each 150 milligrams of naturally-sourced caffeine and Aura Scientific’s NeuroRush to carry some further zip to the method. A giant difference-maker inside is the ornithine added inside.
Let’s get into it, however first, test PricePlow’s offers and join our AN USA information alerts so that you get notified of recent product launches:
L-Citrulline – 6g
AN Efficiency Pre method kicks off with a strong 3-gram dose of L-citrulline per scoop (6 grams on the most two-scoop serving), which is a well-researched dose that may improve your coaching efficiency and pumps. This non-essential amino acid is of course present in watermelon, however you’d have to eat a whole lot of watermelon to get these sorts of doses![1]
L-citrulline works by way of two key mechanisms that make it good for a pre-workout complement:
First, it helps clear ammonia by way of the urea cycle, which may in any other case contribute to fatigue throughout intense train.[2]
Second, and extra importantly for many customers, L-citrulline converts to L-arginine in your kidneys, which then serves as a substrate for nitric oxide manufacturing.[3]
What makes L-citrulline attention-grabbing is that it truly works higher than supplementing with L-arginine instantly. It’s because L-citrulline bypasses the intestinal and liver metabolism that breaks down most supplemental L-arginine earlier than it will possibly do its job.[3] The tip end result? Higher nitric oxide manufacturing, resulting in enhanced blood circulate and people coveted muscle pumps throughout coaching.
Analysis exhibits that supplementing with 2.4 to six grams of L-citrulline earlier than train can increase efficiency (particularly throughout high-intensity actions), scale back post-exercise fatigue, and even assist with restoration by lowering muscle soreness.[2,4] At 3 grams per scoop, AN Efficiency Pre-Exercise offers a clinically-supported dose on the single-scoop serving, with room to double down for these larger coaching classes.
However we’re not completed with the urea cycle but:
L-Ornithine Hydrochloride – 4g
L-ornithine is one other amino acid that performs a captivating twin function in athletic efficiency – it helps take away performance-robbing ammonia whereas doubtlessly boosting key anabolic hormones that assist coaching depth.[5]
First, ornithine is a central participant within the urea cycle, the place it helps detoxify ammonia, a poisonous byproduct that builds up throughout intense train.[6] By clearing ammonia extra effectively, ornithine may help keep efficiency while you’re pushing laborious within the fitness center – analysis has proven that the buildup of ammonia is instantly linked to exercise-induced fatigue.[7]
However that’s simply the beginning. What’s additionally nice about ornithine in AN Efficiency PRE is its synergy with the product’s stimulant mix. Analysis has demonstrated that L-ornithine can stimulate the discharge of progress hormone by way of activation of the ghrelin system.[8] This mechanism includes the sympathetic nervous system, suggesting that ornithine may match even higher in a stimulant-based pre-workout method.[8]
A scientific research discovered that when topics supplemented with L-ornithine, they skilled improved train efficiency and decreased fatigue in comparison with placebo. The researchers discovered this was linked to ornithine’s capability to advertise lipid metabolism and keep wholesome cortisol ranges.[5] With 4 grams per serving, AN Efficiency PRE offers a considerable dose in step with profitable analysis protocols.
The final word urea cycle assist stack
The inclusion of L-ornithine alongside citrulline creates an clever “urea cycle assist stack” – whereas citrulline drives nitric oxide manufacturing for pumps, ornithine helps clear metabolic waste that might in any other case restrict your coaching depth. This sort of considerate formulation is precisely what we’ve come to count on from AN Efficiency’s premium strategy to supplementation.
Beta Alanine – 3.2g
AN Efficiency PRE features a full scientific dose of beta-alanine at 3.2 grams per serving, which analysis exhibits can improve your coaching efficiency by boosting muscle carnosine ranges.[9] Carnosine serves as a crucial pH buffer in your muscle groups throughout intense train, serving to to fight the burning sensation of lactic acid buildup that may restrict your efficiency.[10]
Whereas caffeine and different stimulants drive coaching depth, beta-alanine helps you maintain that depth by buffering acid buildup in your muscle groups. Analysis exhibits that supplementing with 3.2-6.4g of beta-alanine each day for not less than 4 weeks can considerably improve muscle carnosine content material by 40-60%, resulting in improved efficiency in high-intensity train lasting between 1-4 minutes.[11]
In a pre-workout context, beta-alanine shines throughout these difficult units the place you’re pushing by way of the burn – suppose heavy compound workout routines or metabolic finishers. Research have demonstrated that elevated muscle carnosine from beta-alanine supplementation can enhance train capability and scale back neuromuscular fatigue.[12] This implies you may doubtlessly squeeze out just a few extra reps or keep depth longer throughout your exercises.
One factor price noting is that beta-alanine might trigger a innocent tingling sensation referred to as paresthesia in some customers. AN Efficiency PRE makes use of an ordinary 3.2g dose, which could trigger gentle tingling in delicate people. Nonetheless, this sensation usually subsides inside 60-90 minutes and doesn’t impression the efficiency advantages.[13]
When mixed with different efficiency elements on this method, particularly the citrulline and ornithine for extra fatigue preventing advantages, beta-alanine helps create a complete pre-workout that helps each fast efficiency and longer-term coaching diversifications.
Betaine Anhydrous – 2.5g
Subsequent is a scientific 2.5 gram dose of betaine anhydrous, also referred to as trimethylglycine. This naturally-occurring compound was first found in sugar beets, however will also be present in meals like wheat bran, wheat germ, and spinach.[14] When mixed with the stimulants and efficiency enhancers on this method, betaine helps assist each power and energy output whereas doubtlessly bettering physique composition over time.
Betaine works by way of a number of mechanisms that make it extraordinarily priceless in a pre-workout complement. As an osmolyte, it helps keep mobile hydration throughout intense train, which can improve muscle protein synthesis and shield towards protein denaturation.[15] This turns into particularly vital throughout stimulant-fueled coaching classes that may improve sweating and fluid loss. Moreover, betaine acts as a methyl donor that will assist improve creatine manufacturing in muscle groups, complementing its performance-enhancing results.[16,17]
Analysis on betaine supplementation exhibits promising outcomes for power and energy output. One research discovered that 2.5 grams of betaine per day improved vertical bounce energy, bench press throw energy, and drive manufacturing within the isometric squat.[18] When mixed with a structured coaching program, betaine supplementation has been proven to boost lean mass good points whereas lowering fats mass.[16,17] The scientific dose in AN Efficiency PRE was particularly chosen based mostly on these profitable analysis protocols.
What additionally makes betaine helpful is its synergy with different elements. Research recommend betaine might assist scale back exercise-induced fatigue and enhance coaching quantity, particularly throughout high-volume resistance coaching.[19] When paired with stimulants like caffeine, this might assist customers keep greater coaching intensities all through their exercises whereas doubtlessly supporting higher physique composition outcomes over time.
Taurine – 2g
The massive 2-gram dose of taurine works synergistically with the method’s stimulants whereas offering its personal efficiency advantages. Taurine is an amino acid that’s extremely concentrated in muscle tissue, the place it performs a number of key roles in train efficiency.[20]
Taurine is effective in pre-workout formulation because of its capability to assist regulate mobile calcium dealing with and keep correct muscle contractility.[21] This turns into particularly vital when mixed with stimulants, as taurine may help easy out the energetic response whereas supporting muscle efficiency. Analysis has proven that taurine supplementation can enhance train time to exhaustion and scale back exercise-induced oxidative stress.[22]
The two-gram dose aligns with profitable analysis exhibiting that 1-3g of taurine taken 60-120 minutes earlier than train can improve endurance efficiency and energy output.[23] Whereas some pre-workouts embrace taurine merely to “easy out” stimulants, AN Efficiency PRE offers a correct scientific dose that may assist each cardio and anaerobic efficiency. Research reveal that taurine supplementation can
improve fats oxidation throughout train,[24]
scale back lactate manufacturing,[25], and
might even assist enhance restoration by lowering muscle harm markers.[26]
When mixed with caffeine and different stimulants, taurine helps create a extra full pre-workout expertise by supporting mobile hydration, sustaining electrolyte steadiness, and doubtlessly lowering the “crash” some customers expertise from stimulant-based formulation.[27] This makes it an clever addition to AN Efficiency PRE’s complete method, and we’re loving the doses we’re seeing right here.
L-Tyrosine – 1.5g
Utilized Diet included a strong 1.5 gram dose of L-tyrosine, an amino acid that serves as a crucial precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine – two key neurotransmitters that assist focus, motivation, and cognitive efficiency throughout intense coaching.[28] When mixed with the method’s stimulants, tyrosine helps create a extra complete performance-enhancing impact that goes past simply pure power.
For pre-workouts, we love tyrosine’s capability to assist keep optimum catecholamine (dopamine/norepinephrine) ranges throughout traumatic circumstances – like an intense coaching session. Analysis exhibits that when neurons are firing quickly, resembling in periods of stress or intense focus, tyrosine supplementation may help stop the depletion of those essential neurotransmitters.[29] This can be particularly vital when mixed with stimulants like caffeine, which may improve the demand on these neurotransmitter programs.
A number of research have demonstrated tyrosine’s advantages throughout traumatic circumstances. For instance, analysis has proven that tyrosine supplementation can enhance cognitive efficiency and scale back fatigue throughout prolonged durations of bodily stress and sleep deprivation.[30] One research discovered that supplementing with tyrosine helped topics keep efficiency throughout train in sizzling circumstances[30] – precisely the form of stress you may expertise throughout an intense coaching session.
The 1.5 gram dose in AN Efficiency PRE is well-chosen, as analysis usually makes use of doses between 1-2 grams for efficiency advantages.[31] When paired with the method’s caffeine and different nootropics like Cognizin citicoline, tyrosine helps create a complete cognitive enhancement mix that helps each psychological and bodily efficiency throughout coaching.
For some customers, the tyrosine-caffeine mixture might present a smoother, extra targeted power in comparison with caffeine alone. This makes AN Efficiency PRE preferrred for athletes who desire a pre-workout that delivers clear power and enhanced focus with out extreme jitters or crash.
Cognizin® Citicoline – 500mg
Earlier than we get to the caffeine, it’s time for some critical focus — taurine and tyrosine have been simply an appetizer.
AN Efficiency PRE consists of a powerful dose of Cognizin®, Kyowa Hakko’s patented[32-35] type of citicoline, delivering 250mg per scoop and a full scientific 500mg dose at two scoops. This nootropic ingredient is a wonderful addition to the method, as it really works by way of a number of complementary pathways to boost each cognitive and bodily efficiency throughout coaching.
Citicoline serves as a constructing block for acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis, supporting each neurotransmitter perform and cell membrane integrity.[36]
What makes citicoline so particular in a pre-workout is its capability to boost dopamine launch and neural activation[37] – results that may synergize with caffeine to offer extra targeted, sustained power. Analysis has proven that citicoline supplementation can enhance consideration, scale back impulsivity, and improve psychomotor pace – all essential elements for sustaining coaching depth and correct type.[38]
A key benefit of together with Cognizin citicoline alongside stimulants is its capability to assist mind bioenergetics. Research utilizing magnetic resonance spectroscopy have demonstrated that citicoline supplementation will increase frontal lobe phosphocreatine ranges by 7% and ATP ranges by 14%, suggesting improved mobile power manufacturing in mind areas chargeable for focus and motor management.[39] When mixed with caffeine and tyrosine in AN Efficiency PRE’s method, this creates a complete cognitive enhancement stack that helps sustained psychological efficiency all through your coaching session.
Scientific analysis has validated these advantages at precisely the doses supplied right here – research present that 250-500mg of citicoline can considerably enhance consideration and scale back psychological fatigue.[40]
The truth that AN Efficiency PRE delivers a scientific dose in only one scoop, with room to double down for extra demanding classes, demonstrates the premium strategy taken with this method. This considerate dosing technique permits customers to regulate their consumption based mostly on their wants whereas making certain they obtain research-backed quantities of this highly effective nootropic.
PurCaf Natural Caffeine (from inexperienced espresso beans (Coffea arabica)) – 300mg
Now it’s time for caffeine, however not simply any caffeine — AN Efficiency PRE takes a considerate strategy to caffeine supply by offering 300mg of naturally-sourced PurCaf natural caffeine in two scoops alongside NeuroRush espresso fruit extract, which is mentioned subsequent. This mixture offers a much more pure, complete stimulant expertise in comparison with fundamental caffeine anhydrous alone.
Caffeine is essentially the most widely-researched ergogenic support in sports activities diet, persistently demonstrating advantages for each bodily and psychological efficiency.[41] It really works by way of a number of mechanisms:
Blocks adenosine receptors within the mind, lowering fatigue and rising alertness[42]
Enhances calcium launch in muscle tissue, bettering muscle contraction drive[43]
Will increase fats oxidation and preserves muscle glycogen throughout train[44]
Reduces perceived exertion throughout coaching, permitting you to push tougher[45]
The dose vary in AN Efficiency PRE (150-300mg) hits the candy spot for efficiency advantages. Analysis exhibits that caffeine doses between 3-6mg/kg physique mass persistently enhance train efficiency, which generally interprets to 200-400mg for many customers.[46] By offering flexibility with the two-scoop serving choice, athletes can modify their dosage based mostly on particular person tolerance and coaching calls for.
Extra synergy coming with NeuroRush
What makes AN’s strategy distinctive is the inclusion of NeuroRush espresso fruit extract alongside PurCaf. Espresso fruit extract accommodates extra bioactive compounds that will complement caffeine’s results by way of antioxidant and neurotrophic properties. That is defined within the part under, and the dual-source strategy might present a smoother power expertise in comparison with single-source caffeine merchandise.
When mixed with the method’s nootropics like Cognizin citicoline and L-tyrosine, this caffeine mix creates a complete performance-enhancing stack that helps each psychological and bodily facets of coaching. The addition of taurine (2g per serving) helps modulate caffeine’s results whereas offering its personal efficiency advantages, doubtlessly lowering the chance of jitters or crash that some customers expertise with stimulant-based pre-workouts.[27]
NeuroRush (Espresso (Coffea arabica) Fruit Extract) – 100mg
As mentioned above, Utilized Diet added 100mg of NeuroRush, a premium espresso fruit extract from Aura Scientific that provides a brand new dimension to the method’s power profile. When mixed with the naturally-sourced PurCaf, this creates a extra complete stimulant expertise by way of extra bioactive compounds present in espresso fruit.
What makes NeuroRush distinctive is that it’s standardized for espresso’s useful compounds whereas preserving stimulant content material minimal. This enables formulators to get a lot of espresso’s cognitive advantages whereas controlling the stimulant content material by way of different sources – on this case, PurCaf natural caffeine.
Analysis on espresso fruit extract has demonstrated a number of spectacular advantages. In a single research, a single 100mg dose improved response occasions and accuracy on cognitive assessments, with topics exhibiting important enhancements in working reminiscence.[47] The researchers discovered that it labored partly by beneficially modulating the mind’s glutamate/GABA steadiness.[47]
An extended-term research spanning 28 days discovered that contributors supplementing with espresso fruit extract confirmed outstanding enhancements in response time – as much as 41% quicker in comparison with simply 11.5% within the placebo group.[48] The researchers attributed these advantages to espresso fruit’s wealthy polyphenol content material, notably its chlorogenic acids which may help scale back oxidative stress and assist wholesome mind ageing.[48]
When paired with PurCaf in AN Efficiency PRE, NeuroRush creates what many customers describe as a smoother, extra pure feeling of power. The method’s extra nootropics like Cognizin citicoline and L-tyrosine additional complement this impact, doubtlessly serving to to attenuate the jitters or crashes that some customers expertise with caffeine alone.
Through the use of this dual-source strategy to caffeine and low constituents, AN Efficiency PRE offers not simply the acute advantages of caffeine, but additionally the neuroprotective results of espresso’s different bioactive compounds. This considerate formulation technique showcases AN’s dedication to creating premium dietary supplements that maximize each fast efficiency and long-term cognitive assist.
You’ll be able to study extra about it in our deep-dive titled “NeuroRush: Unlocking Espresso’s Cognitive Advantages For Focus and Exercises“.
Potassium – 320mg (6.7% DV)
One among AN Efficiency PRE’s standout options is its spectacular 320mg dose of potassium (as potassium citrate), offering almost 7% of your each day worth. Whereas this mineral is usually ignored in pre-workout formulation, potassium performs a vital function in athletic efficiency and muscle perform.
Most notably, potassium helps promote vasodilation by way of its results on the endothelium (the inside lining of blood vessels). It really works by hyperpolarizing endothelial cells and stimulating the sodium pump, which ends up in the opening of potassium channels and in the end ends in vasodilation.[49] This mechanism suggests potassium supplementation may improve muscle pumps throughout coaching, particularly for many who could also be poor on this mineral.
Talking of deficiency, potassium is taken into account a “shortfall nutrient,” which means most People don’t get sufficient by way of their weight-reduction plan alone.[50] That is notably regarding since trendy agriculture practices have led to declining potassium ranges in lots of meals.[51] For athletes and energetic people who lose extra potassium by way of sweat, sustaining satisfactory ranges turns into much more vital.
The potassium-to-sodium ratio is crucial!
What makes potassium notably attention-grabbing is its relationship with sodium. Analysis has proven that the potassium-to-sodium ratio is usually extra vital than absolutely the quantities of both mineral.[52] Whereas most pre-workouts focus closely on sodium content material, AN Efficiency PRE takes a extra balanced strategy by offering significant quantities of each electrolytes. This balanced electrolyte profile might assist assist correct hydration and muscular perform throughout intense coaching classes.
Potassium is nice for… weight reduction?!
Maybe most surprisingly, potassium supplementation has been correlated with enhancements in physique composition – one research discovered that elevated dietary potassium consumption was the strongest predictor of decreases in BMI amongst numerous dietary elements studied.[53] Whereas the mechanism isn’t totally understood, this means potassium might play a bigger function in metabolism and physique composition than beforehand thought.
Sodium (from Sodium Citrate and Sea Salt) – 60mg (2.6% DV)
Whereas AN Efficiency PRE goes larger on potassium and takes a average strategy with its sodium content material, delivering 60mg (2.6% DV) by way of a mixture of sodium citrate and sea salt, this electrolyte performs a number of crucial roles in athletic efficiency and hydration.
Sodium is crucial for correct muscle contraction and nerve sign transmission, making it a vital mineral for athletes and gym-goers alike.[54] Throughout intense coaching classes, we lose sodium by way of sweat, and failing to exchange it will possibly result in decreased efficiency and, in excessive instances, muscle cramping.[55]
The selection of sodium citrate particularly is attention-grabbing – analysis has proven that this type of sodium might present efficiency advantages past fundamental electrolyte alternative. In a single research, high-dose sodium citrate supplementation improved 3000-meter operating efficiency in elite athletes in comparison with placebo.[56]
Moreover, the average sodium dose works synergistically with the method’s greater potassium content material, supporting a extra balanced electrolyte ratio that higher aligns with optimum well being outcomes.[52]
Whereas some might surprise if this sodium content material is sufficient, it’s vital to keep in mind that most individuals consuming pre-workout dietary supplements are doubtless getting satisfactory sodium by way of their common weight-reduction plan. The typical American consumes roughly double the really useful each day sodium consumption,[57] so AN Efficiency PRE’s average strategy helps present extra electrolyte assist with out extreme sodium for many who might not want it.
Now that’s a pre-workout complement!
AN Efficiency PRE represents one other robust addition to Utilized Diet USA’s premium complement lineup. The excellent method hits all the foremost factors we search for in a pre-workout: sustained power, enhanced blood circulate, improved focus, and elevated efficiency – all whereas sustaining the best requirements of high quality by way of Knowledgeable Sport certification.
This launch additional cements AN USA’s dedication to excellence, which we first realized about in our podcast with US CEO Aaron Heidebreicht. As a part of the rising AN Efficiency Collection, this pre-workout demonstrates that Utilized Diet isn’t simply getting into the American market – they’re right here to compete on the highest stage with meticulously-formulated dietary supplements that cater to critical athletes and health fanatics.
Between the scientific dosing of key elements, banned substance testing, and the model’s demonstrated dedication to high quality, AN Efficiency PRE is positioned to change into a go-to choice for athletes in search of a premium pre-workout expertise. When stacked with AN Efficiency Hydration for enhanced endurance or AN Efficiency Creatine + Peptide for improved restoration and muscle progress, you’ve gotten a strong mixture for attaining your coaching targets.
You will discover your entire AN Efficiency Collection, together with AN Efficiency PRE, by way of the AN Supps web site or at The Vitamin Shoppe. Join our AN USA information alerts to remain up to date on future releases and complement improvements: