Is Pre-Workout Bad For You?
Short answer
Different pre-workout supplements have different ingredients. Several of those supplements, however, have ingredients that seem to be dangerous.
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More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The content of pre-workout supplements varies widely. There's reason for concern, however - what evidence we do have shows that supplements like Jack3d may be unsafe. It's important to keep in mind that supplements are not evaluated for safety or for effectiveness by the FDA.
Pre-workouts generally blend caffeine, creatine, and branch chain amino acids, or BCAAs. They're designed to give you energy and focus and to promote faster growth of muscle mass from working out.
Creatine is safe. Caffeine is likely safe in moderation. Pre-workouts, however, often come with some other ingredients that may not be safe. 1,3 dimethylamine, or DMAA - an ingredient previously in Jack3d - is one of those ingredients. It induces a laser-like state of focus that allows people to lift more and lift longer. It's also been linked on an anecdotal basis to a terrifying range of symptoms including insomnia, adrenal gland damage, and lockjaw. It's also been linked to the death of a marathon runner in Australia.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned DMAA. In April 2016, the FDA sent a series of warning letters to pre-workout manufacturers to pull DMAA from their products. It's still available in some supplements, however, and should be avoided.
Another worrisome ingredient in pre-workouts is BMPEA. It's found in Jacked Power and has been linked to serious heart problems. It's also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and it's also triggered a round of warning letters from the FDA. A 53-year-old Swedish woman suffered a stroke after making a single change to the workout she'd practiced for years, according to Forbes. The change? Adding a spoonful of BMPEA.
The point here isn't just to avoid pre-workouts with these specific ingredients. It's to maintain a skepticism towards pre-workout supplements in general. As stated above, they aren't evaluated by the FDA for their safety or their efficacy. If you're taking a supplement that has stimulating ingredients which have not been vetted and evaluated at length, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Possible short-term side effects
- itching
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flushing
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nausea
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diarrhea
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nervousness
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dizziness
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insomnia
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dehydration
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cramps
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headaches
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increased blood pressure
Possible long-term side effects
- varies depending on the ingredients
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- boosts energy
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boosts focus
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boosts endurance
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boosts strength
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promotes faster muscle growth
Our Wellness Pick
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Vega Sport Pre-Workout
- Boosts energy & focus
- Electrolyte replenishment
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Keto & Gluten Free
- Non-GMO ingredients
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