General4 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Pre-Workout

If you are using a pre-workout product, or considering trying one, you may want to peek at the ingredients list if you haven’t already.

While pre-workout products can be a great boost to your exercise performance, many brands have been guilty of including unnecessary additives that could negatively impact your health.

Below are 4 ingredients to look out for in your pre-workout products.

1. Excessive Sugar

Added sugars are commonly included in many processed foods and supplements to help improve flavor. While a sugar rush can help give you energy, it always ends with a crash. Not to mention, excessive sugar intake can lead to health problems.

According to the American Heart Association, women should consume less than 25 grams of added sugars per day and men should consume less than 36 grams [1].

A good rule of thumb to follow for any product, including pre-workout supplements is to choose items that contain less than 5 grams of added sugars per serving but no added sugars is always ideal.

2. High Amounts of Caffeine

Another common additive in pre-workout supplements is caffeine. While caffeine has been proven to help provide a good source of energy to boost your exercise performance, it’s important to check the amount, especially if you also drink caffeinated beverages throughout the day such as coffee, dark sodas, energy drinks, and teas [2].

The Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting daily caffeine intake to no more than 400mg, which is about 4-5 cups of coffee. A good rule for pre-workout products is to steer clear of those that contain over 200mg of caffeine per serving, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine [3].

3. Artificial Colors, Sweeteners, and Flavors

Many dietary supplements, especially powders, contain added artificial colors and flavors to boost the appearance and taste of the product. These contain little to no dietary value and may even pose a potential health risk [4].

Examples of these ingredients include Red Dye No. 3 & 40, Yellow Dye No. 5 & 6, artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, Sucralose, and Acesulfame Potassium, and artificial flavors such as vanillin.

4. Proprietary Blends

Proprietary blends are a unique combination of ingredients that can be found in various supplement products that are typically formulated for a specific purpose. For example, a product may contain a proprietary blend aimed at increasing energy or boosting immunity [5].

The problem with proprietary blends is that the quantity and ratio of ingredients are not shared as this is considered a trade secret to the brand. This lack of transparency also creates a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness or claims made about these blends [6].

As a consumer, it’s always best to be aware of exactly what you are getting in your food and supplements to protect your health. If you see a proprietary blend listed on a supplement label, it’s best to put it back on the shelf.

What to Look For in Your Pre-Workout

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s dive into what to look for.

A good pre-workout product provides research-backed ingredients at clinically proven doses with full transparency and no added fluff.

For example, Naked Nutrition’s clean pre workout formula is free of additives, artificial sweeteners, and fillers. It contains Beta-Alanine, Creatine Monohydrate, L-arginine, and 200mg of caffeine from coffee beans to provide an effective boost of clean energy with several research studies available supporting the benefits of those ingredients on exercise performance.

Naked Nutrition also provides third-party testing of their products for heavy metals and is non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan-friendly, and made right here in the USA.

Another great thing to look for in exercise performance products to ensure you are getting a high-quality supplement is the NSF Certified for Sport seal to confirm that the product does not contain substances that are banned by major athletic organizations [7].

Pre-workout products are not for everyone but for those who like taking them or who are considering adding them to their routine, it’s good to be informed. Always know what to look for in your dietary supplements so that you can get the most out of your money and your health.

Don’t choose products just because they are a cheaper price point or because it was the first thing you saw on the shelf. Always dive deeper to make sure you are making an informed choice.