AEN IntrAbolic

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 supplements 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 Athletic 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 three different Intrabolic flavours and I can say that though the Green Apple became bearable after a while (its been discontinued) but their Citrus Ice and Wild Berry Punch taste very good. I have not tried the Blue Raspberry, which is supposed to also be quite good.