L-Citrulline Malate (2:1) | 6,000 mg | L-citrulline is an amino acid naturally found in watermelon that plays an important role in kidney function. It's become a popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements due to its ability to boost nitric oxide levels [1]. When nitric oxide production increases, blood flow improves, allowing nutrients and oxygen to replenish muscle tissue more efficiently. Ultimately, this translates to greater muscle pumps and heightened energy levels. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ergogenic effects of L-citrulline malate, the citrulline salt of malic acid, such as: |
Beta-Alanine | 2,000 mg | Beta-alanine is a beta-amino acid that combines with L-histidine to form a dipeptide known as carnosine. Supplementing with beta-alanine has been shown to increase muscle carnosine levels, which are quickly depleted during intense exercise [6]. Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide that functions as a buffer in muscle cells, thereby attenuating the accumulation of acidic byproducts of muscular exertion (e.g. lactate and hydrogen ions) [7].Hence, bolstering muscle carnosine levels—via beta-alanine—allows you to push yourself longer and harder in the gym. Pre-workout supplements almost always contain beta-alanine but in inefficacious doses. We made sure to include an evidence-based dose of beta-alanine (2,000 mg) in every scoop of LEAN Pre-Workout. Relevant evidence-based benefits of beta-alanine include:
*Note that beta-alanine causes a benign tingling sensation known as paresthesia while the body acclimates to higher carnosine levels. This effect is harmless and gradually lessens with consistent use. |
BetaPure™ Betaine Anhydrous | 1,500 mg | Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring metabolite that serves as a methyl donor and osmolyte in the body. Though the mechanisms are not entirely understood, betaine supplementation has shown promise in enhancing power output and, to a lesser extent, endurance capacity in athletes [13, 14, 15]. It is plausible that betaine supplementation promotes athletic performance by maintaining cellular hydration and reducing hom*ocysteine levels, thereby encouraging healthy cardiovascular function and blood flow [ 16]. |
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) | 1,000 mg | Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is a bioavailable form of L-carnitine, an essential molecule for transporting fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes so they can be used for energy. ALCAR is suggested to have diverse ergogenic properties for athletes and gym-goers due to its potent nootropic effects that promote healthy mood and cognitive function and protect against neurodegeneration [ 17, 18].ALCAR may also enhance physical performance and target stubborn fat by facilitating fatty acid oxidation [ 19, 20]. |
Choline Bitartrate | 500 mg | Choline is an essential micronutrient for cholinergic transmission and, by extension, cognitive function. This ingredient can enhance physical and mental performance by increasing acetylcholine and supporting lipid metabolism [21, 22]. |
PurCaf® Organic Caffeine | 180 mg | While most pre-workouts contain synthetic caffeine anhydrous, we formulated LEAN Pre-Workout with organic caffeine derived from green coffee beans (as PurCaf®). On the molecular level, caffeine (chemically known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is an alkaline, organic substance derived from xanthine — a biologically important purine base found in many bodily tissues and fluids. Methylxanthines like caffeine and theobromine stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) and heart to promote wakefulness and motivation. Numerous studies have shown that taking caffeine before exercise can significantly improve overall performance, largely by reducing the rate of perceived exertion [23]. Caffeine may also enhance endurance and strength by increasing fatty acid oxidation and sparing muscle glycogen [24]. |
L-Theanine | 180 mg | L-theanine is an isomer of the amino acids L-glutamate and L-glutamine. It was discovered centuries ago as one of the primary amino acids in green tea leaves and is also found in various mushroom species. L-theanine is highly bioavailable when taken orally and actively traverses the blood-brain barrier to enhance mental acuity and attenuate stress [ 25, 26]. Its nootropic effects are appropriately described as "alert relaxation," which is to say it promotes a sense of calmness while improving focus.L-theanine can also help take the edge off of stimulants, particularly caffeine. In fact, research shows that pairing L-theanine with caffeinecreates a nootropic synergy that bolsters cognitive function and alertness more effectively than taking eithernootropic on its own [ 27]. |
Theobromine | 50 mg | Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa beans and is essentially the “little brother” of caffeine. Its functions in the body are suggested to be complementary to those of caffeine, acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and central nervous system stimulant [28].
|
BioPerine® | 5 mg | BioPerine® is a patented black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit extract standardized for its piperine content. Piperine is a natural alkaloid known for its “bioenhancer” properties, improving the bioavailability of molecules that are typically poorly absorbed or extensively metabolized in the liver [30,31]. Hence, BioPerine® helps your body better absorb and utilize the other active ingredients in LEAN Pre-Workout. |
Huperzine A | 100 mcg | A recent research review contends that huperzine-A, a constituent of the Chinese folk medicine Huperzia serrata, is a good therapeutic candidate for cognitive decline [32]. This natural nootropic may help boost memory and improve cognitive function by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine [33]. |
