Supplement Reviews

VPX NO Shotgun

msr — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:58:02 +0000

VPX NO Shotgun has been a popular pre-workout supplement for the last few years. Vital Pharmaceuticals has not disappointed with the most recent (version 3) of Shotgun. Unlike many other pre-workout supplements, VPX NO Shotgun combines easily digestible protein and free form amino acids with various forms of creatine, glutamine, arginine, beta alanine and a potent stimulant blend. This supplement has a lot of ingredients and I will briefly look at a few of the important sub-blends.

One of the most important aspects of NO Shotgun is the healthy serving of free form amino acids and hydrolyzed protein. These are often overlooked in the pre-workout window and can benefit athletes, espcially when combined intra-workout with a supplement like Intrabolic. The NO Shotgun amino blend consists of:

Protein Hydrolysate Matrix Yielding 22% Glutamine Peptide, 21% BCAA Peptide, & 41% EAA’s
Casein Protein Hydrolysate
Whey Protein Hydrolysate
Ionic Whey Protein

Proprietary Branched Chain Ethyl Ester Amino Acid Matrix
L-Leucine, L-Valine, Isoleucine, L-Arginine, L-Valine Ethyl Ester, L-2-Aminopentanoic Acid (L-Nor Valine), L-Alanyl Glutamine, L-Arginine Ehtyl Ester Di-HCL, L-Isoleucine Ethyl Ester HCL, L-Leucine Ethyl Ester HCL

Along with the creatine and nitric oxide pre-cursors, NO Shotgun also has a version of the famous Redline stimulant blend. VPX does not provide an exact amount of caffeine in a serving, but I did not feel that it was an overly large amount. The combination of products in the Redline blend along with the creatine and aminos do a good job of maintaining energy throughout a workout.

Redline Energy & Meltdown Fat Burning Technology
L-Tyrosine
Caffeine Anhydrous
Beta Phenylethylamine HCL
Hordenine HCL
Folate(as Folic Acid)-100%
R-Beta-Methylphenylethylamine

With so many ingredients, many of which taste aweful, it is not a surprise that VPX NO Shotgun is not the most pleasant supplement to drink. I tried the “Exotic Fruit” flavour and found it passable. I am willing to suffer a bit for the benefits in the gym.

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AEN IntrAbolic

msr — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:18:41 +0000

When it comes to workout nutrition, pre and post workout supplements tend to get the most attention. What many atheletes tend to ignore is how nutrition and supplementes can help during a weight training workout. For the last couple of years, I had been a regular user of Purple Wraath from Controlled Labs that combined essential amino acids (EAA), beta alanine and citrulline malate. I have also used a couple of tubs of SizeOn. For the last six week or so, I have been using a product that has been making waves in the intra-workout supplement category - Intrabolic from Atheletic Edge Nutrition.

Intrabolic has been designed from the ground up to prevent muscle breakdown, delay muscle fatigue and increase protein synthesis. It does this by combining hydrolyzed whey protein (providing 70-80% rapidly absorbed, low-molecular weight di and tripeptides), free form L-Leucine, essential amino acids, beta alanine and electrolytes.

Intrabolic contains:

Peptobolic Response Blend™ 8,028mg
30% Hydrolyzed Whey Protein [IntrAbolic-Peptides], L-Leucine [2.5g], Arginine, L-Valine, L-Lysine HCL, L-Phenylalanine, L-Threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Methionine

Power/Strength/Endurance Blend™ 1,870mg
Beta-Alanine [1.6g], Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride

I have noticed a marked increase in endurance along since starting Intrabolic. This is likely due to the carnosine buildup, thanks to the beta alanine. I will mention that with beta alanine, you need to take approximately 3 to 4 grams every day. A serving of Intrabolic provides 1.6 grams, so I supplement with additional bulk beta alanine from NOW Foods. The second big benefit I have noticed with Intrabolic is the lack of post workout muscle soreness and enhanced recovery.

The one downside of using whey hydrolysate and free form amino acids is that they are much harder to flavour. I have tried two different Intrabolic flavours and I can say that though the Green Apple became bearable after a while, their new Wild Berry Punch tastes absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend getting a free sample of Intrabolic.

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Fusion Bodybuilding FUBAR

msr — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:13:21 +0000

Pre-workout energy supplements can be a great help when you need that extra push to get through a workout or when you are just feeling too sluggish to get through a tough day at work. One of my favourite such supplements is FUBAR by Fusion Bodybuilding. This Canadian company has put together a no-nonsense energy supplement that is available in convenient capsule form. FUBAR utilizes caffeine from multiple sources, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and theobromine extract to provide a nice even energy and focus without a significant crash.

The active ingredients found in each capsule of FUBAR include:

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Standardized To 50% Caffeine 175mg
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 100mg
Caffeine Anhydrous 100mg
Llex Paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) Standardized To 20% Caffeine 50mg
Theobramba Cacao (Cacao) Bean Standardized To 6% Theobromine 25mg

I have had good results taking 1 capsule about 20-30 minutes before my workout. This dose gave me a nice even feeling of higher energy and focus and I felt that way for a couple of hours after taking the dose. There was no stomach discomfort and no noticeable crash. Each capsule contains about 197.5mg of caffeine so I don’t think a larger dose should be necessary for most people. The addition of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine which helps maintain a healthy adrenal system is a welcome addition, as is the Theobromine extracted from Theobramba Cacao (Theobromine is found in cocoa and chocolate).

As is the case with all stimulants, I would recommend limiting use to workouts or when absolutely needed. Additionally, this type of product should be cycled to ensure continued efficacy and so that you are not stressing your central nervous system (CNS). I have found FUBAR to be an effective and well priced option when it comes to stimulant based pre-workout supplements.

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Natrol FeelAnew Joint Support

msr — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:44:53 +0000

An active lifestyle that involves working out or sports (and getting older) often leads to sore joints. Its a trade off that many people live with - better overall health and the enjoyment of physical activity for some pain and discomfort. But this does not have to be the case - it is possible to alleviate the pain while continuing to work out and be active. My joints have started giving me problems over the last few years - gym workouts, softball, biking and some hockey are the likely culprits. So I started trying out many of the joint support supplements before finding Natrol’s FeelAnew, which has worked very well for me.

FeelAnew contains three basic ingredients that help rebuild cartilage and reduce inflamation.

2 tablets of Natrol FeedAnew provide:
Glucosamine Sulfate 750mg
Chondroitin Sulfate 300mg
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract 250mg

Glucosamine sulphate has been shown to stimulate the manufacture of glycosaminolycans which are a key component of human cartilage. Chontroitin sulphate enhances joint lubrication and inhibits the formation of enzymes that break down joint tissue. These two supplements work synergistically to rebuild cartilage, reduce joint pain and slow down osteoarthritis. The third patent pending ingredient in FeelAnew is Nexrutine, a natural COX-2 enzyme inhibitor from the Phellodendron amurense plant.

I have found the combination of Natrol FeelAnew and omega-3 fish oil to be very helpful in relieving both my knee and shoulder pain. My knees are no longer sore after squat days and I have eliminated a lot of the “clicking” of my knees and other joints. I take 4 tablets of FeelAnew a day (split in two doses) with food and now consider this a staple supplement. Natrol is also a highly regarded company with top notch quality controls and raw materials.

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CMI Chia Pro (Chia Seeds)

msr — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:18:08 +0000

Chia, the tiny seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant, originated in Central Mexico. The ancient Aztecs prized the chia seed as a complete high endurance food, and there are numerous stories of Aztec armies surviving on nothing but chia seeds and water during many of their campaigns. Chia seeds are probably best known to North Americans from “Chia pets” but the seeds are now realizing the numerous health benefits of this “super food”. They are one of nature’s most nutrient rich whole food. The chia product that I have been using for the past couple of months is CMI’s Chia Pro.

CMI Chia Pro is a high quality chia seed product, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium and with a high ORAC antioxidant content. CMI Chia Pro is produced using a Cold Fracture Process™ (CFP™) that splits the seed into 4 or more parts with no loss in yield or nutrients. My favourite way to use Chia Pro is to take one serving with my pre-bed protein shake/pudding. One serving of Chia Pro with a scoop of CNP Propeptide makes for an excellent shake. One of the most noticeable benefits of Chia products is that thanks to the high amount of fiber, it keeps you regular!

Chia seeds/Pro can be used in breakfast cereals, in shakes, in baking and on their own. Chia is a great super food that I highly recommend for overall health.

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NOW Digestive Enzymes

msr — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:23:31 +0000

Our bodies produce numerous enzymes to help properly break down and digest the food we eat. Even though we may be spending a lot of money on food and supplements, we are likely not getting the maximum benefit from them. These enzymes play a critical role to ensure we actually absorb the nutrients from our food. Unfortunately many of us have digestive problems like bloating, gas, indigestion and cramping. These are symptoms that enough digestive enzymes are not being produced by the pancreas and that a plant based digestive enzyme supplement can be helpful. NOW Plant Enzymes, can help break down the various foods better and enhance absorption.

NOW digestive enzymes contain a broad spectrum of enzymes from vegetarian sources. It contains a blend of protease, papain and bromelain to help digest protein. Amylase helps digest carbohydrates, cellulase breaks down fiber while the lipase in NOW Plant Enzymes is key in helping the body digest fats. Lastly, this product also contains lactase which can be helpful in digesting dairy products.

Overall, this is one of the best general health products that is a must have for almost everyone. Undigested food creates a toxic environment in the body and can lead to longer term health problems. NOW Plant Enzymes can help enhance the absorption of nutrients - one of the keys to healthy living.

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NOW Ultra Omega-3

msr — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Omega-3 fatty acids are often neglected in our diets and supplementation, but are extremely important for good health. They have a myriad of benefits that include improving cardiovascular health, helping relieve pain by lowering inflammation, increasing cognitive functions, weight loss, promoting emotional and mental health. Even with all these numerous benefits, the typical North American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acid. Ocean fish oils are gaining popularity with hundreds of these omega-3 supplements available at health food stores. My favourite omega-3 fish oil supplement has to be Ultra Omega-3 by NOW Foods.

NOW Foods is very well known for their high quality products, all of which are produced at cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) certified facilities. Ultra Omega-3 consists of a natural fish oil concentrate which provides an impressive 500 mg of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and 250 mg of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) per soft gel capsule. EPA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic (blood thinning) benefits that can reduce the risk of cardiac problems. DHA can reduce the risk of depression, is good for the eyes/vision and can help support learning/cognitive functions in people of all ages.

NOW Ultra Omega 3 is molecularly distilled and tested to be free of mercury, PCBs and other harmful chemicals that can find their way in other fish oil supplements. I have seen good results from a dose of 2 to 4 NOW Ultra Omega-3 enteric coated capsules per day, taken with meals.

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Erogpharm Clearshot

msr — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:12:19 +0000

There are a lot of pre-workout and energy supplements on the market, but few are as unique and effective as Ergopharm’s Clearshot. This product comes in 4 ounce ready to drink bottles (RTDs) with each bottle yielding two servings. The most unique thing about Clearshot is definitely the taste - in my opinion it tastes good, though its different than any other supplement and may require a bit of getting used to. I felt a nice warm sensation drinking it - a milder version of the burn that one would feel sipping alcohol.

The ingredients are proven to enhance focus and increase energy (Geranamine + Caffeine); increase endurance (Citrulline Malate) and enhance the addictive burn (using the Ginger extract, Zingerone).

I liked everything about Ergopharm’s Clearshot and had some very good workouts when I was using it. Its a very effective product that leaves all the other ready to drink energy drinks in the dust. And being a “shot”, its also a very convenient energy booster.

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Gaspari SizeOn

msr — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:18:15 +0000

Creatine is well established as a very effective ergogenic aid that can help increase muscle mass and strength. Gaspari Nutrition’s SizeOn takes your basic creatine to a new level by combining it with other synergistic ingredients. The inclusion of a carb source makes this the perfect creatine product to be taken while you are working out. My preferred SizeOn regimen was to consume one scoop with 32 ounces of cold water during my workouts.

SizeOn contains three forms of creatine - gluconate, monohydrate and creatine alpha-keto-glutarate. Some of the other scientifically proven ingredients in SizeOn include powdered glycerol monostearate, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), L-Citrulline, L-Taurine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and a low glycemic, complex carbohydrate.

I have used the “Arctic Lemon Ice” flavour of Gaspari SizeOn and found it to be a little bland but quite acceptable with 32 ounces of water. This product performed well when it came to increases in size and strength without any noticeable side effects. This is one “designer creatine blend” that I would recommend any day as it also does double duty by providing you with important nutrition (carbs) during your workouts.

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Optimum Opti-Men

msr — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:04:57 +0000

A multi-vitamin and mineral supplement should be part of everyone’s daily routine. No matter how hard you try to eat healthy, there will be times when your body will be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. A good multi therefore acts as an insurance policy for your health. I prefer taking Optimum Nutrition’s Opti-Men multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

As the name suggests, Opti-Men is specifically designed for males and provides an array of vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids, anti-oxidants and herbs. The ingredients are high quality, use bio-available forms and the caplets are easy to swallow. ON Opti-Men is also very affordable with a three month supply costing less than $20. Benefits from this type of basic supplement are not just limited to athletes or bodybuilders. One tablet taken with each of the major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) every day is the recommended dosage.

Each 3 tablet serving of ON Opti-Men contains:

Vitamin A (As CaroCare Natural Mixed Carotenoids) 10,000IU 200%*
Vitamin C (As Ascorbic Acid) 300mg 500%*
Vitamin D (As Cholecalciferol) 300IU 75%*
Vitamin E (As D-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate) 200IU 665%*
Vitamin K (As Phytonadione) 75mcg 90%*
Thiamin (As Thiamin Hydrochloride) 75mg 5,000%*
Riboflavin 75mg 4,410%*
Niacin (As Niacinamide) 75mg 375%*
Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 50mg 2,500%*
Folic Acid 600mcg 150%*
Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin) 100mcg 1665%*
Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin) 300mcg 100%*
Pantothenic Acid (As D-Calcium Pantothenate) 75mg 750%*
Calcium (As Calcium Carbonate, Citrate) 200mg 20%*
Iodine (As Kelp) 150mcg 100%*
Magnesium (As Magnesium Oxide, Aspartate) 100mg 25%*
Zinc (As Zinc Citrate) 30mg 200%*
Selenium (As Selenomethionine) 200mcg 285%*
Copper (As Copper Gluconate) 2mg 100%*
Manganese (As Manganese Gluconate) 5mg 250%*
Chromium (As Chromium GTF) 120mcg 100%*
Molybdenum (As Molybdenum A.A. Chelate) 80mcg 110%*
Amino Blend 800mg †
L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Cystine, L-Lysine, L-Threonine
Viri Blend 525mg †
Saw Palmetto, Powdered (Berries), Damiana, Powdered (Leaf), Korean Ginseng, Powdered (Root), Pygeum Africanum, Powdered (Bark), Ginkgo Biloba, Powdered (Leaf), Raw Oyster Concentrate, Nettles, Powdered (Leaf), Pumpkin Seed.
Phyto Blend 240mg †
Citrus Bioflavonoids (Fruit), Deodorized Garlic, Powdered (Bulb), Green Tea Powder, Grape Seed Extract (Vitis Vinifera)(Seed)(Standardized To 95% Polyphenols), Blueberry Powder, Cranberry Powder, Wild Yam Powder, Carrot Powder, Papaya Powder, Orange Fruit Powder, Pineapple Powder, Spinach Powder, Elderberry Powder, Kale Powder, Brussels Sprouts Powder, Broccoli Powder, Apple Fruit Powder, Kiwi Fruit Powder, Grapefruit Powder.
Enzy 50mg †
Papain, Bromelain, Alpha Amylase, Lipase.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid 25mg †
PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) 10mg †
Choline (As Choline Bitartrate) 10mg †
Inositol 10mg †
Silica 5mg †
Boron 2mg †
Lycopene (As Lyc-O-Mato Natura Tomato Lycopene) 500mcg †
Lutein 500mcg †
Alpha Carotene 140mcg †
Vanadium 100mcg †
Cryptoxanthin 34mcg †
Zeaxanthin 28mcg †

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
† Daily Value not established

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