I love this stuff. Good taste, energy and pump. I take the full 3 scoops. My intensity is great. I didn't think they could improve on the DMAA formula but Muscletech did it.
Here's the details of the new formula:
Beta-Alanine
Beta-Alanine combines with histidine to form carnosine in muscle cells. High levels of carnosine leads to forceful contractions for extended periods. The result is superior strength and endurance. Leading to increased mass gains.
Creatine HCL
Three aminos arginine, glycine, and methionine combine to produce creatine. It leads to greater mass and strength gains by increasing levels of creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate boosts ATP production providing the ultimate energy source for muscles. The increased workload and recovery caused by creatine results in these gains.
L-Citrulline
This amino acid is converted to arginine in the body. Taking citrulline increases arginine and NO levels better than taking arginine by itself. It staves off muscle fatigue by aiding in the removal of ammonia from the body and reabsorbing lactate for increased ATP resynthesis.
Caffeine Anhydrous
No pre-workout would be complete without this stimulant and effective fat burner. Additionally, caffeine boosts strength and power output when taken before workouts.
L-Theanine
Theanine has been shown in clinical research to work synergesticly with caffeine to boost brain function.
Rhodiola Rosea
It blunts levels of the catabolic hormone Cortisol that builds up during intense workouts. Higher cortisol levels results in lower testosterone levels.
Yohimbe extract
Primarily known as a sexual aid and fat burner. Yohimbe also increases blood vessel dilation to enhance energy levels during workouts.
Deanol Bitartrate (DMAE)
DMAE inhibits the breakdown of choline, which should lead to higher acetylcholine levels and, thus, better mental function and focus during workouts.
From the Muscletech website:
| NeuroCore | Competitor #1 | Competitor #2 | What You Should Know | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Amounts Fully Disclosed | YES | NO | NO | Unlike the competitors who do not disclose the ingredient amounts in their formulas, NeuroCore is different. The doses of its clinically validated and scientifically tested ingredients are fully disclosed so you know exactly what you are getting. |
| L-Citrulline | 3000mg | ZERO | ZERO | A recent study on nitric oxide metabolism shows that L-citrulline is scientifically superior to arginine for increasing plasma levels of arginine.1 Other companies may settle for using arginine instead because pure L-citrulline costs significantly more. |
| Beta-Alanine | 3200mg | YES (Amount Not Disclosed) | YES (Amount Not Disclosed) | Research has shown that a 3200mg dose of beta-alanine can help enhance the muscle- and strength-building process.4 Fact is, our tests show other companies use less than the scientifically studied 3200mg dose. |
| Creatine HCl | 3000mg | ZERO | ZERO | NeuroCore contains creatine hydrochloride (HCl), a unique form of creatine. 3000mg daily is the minimum concentrated dose necessary to enhance muscle growth. The companies that do use this compound have added amounts below the scientifically supported amount. |
| Caffeine Anhydrous | YES | YES | WEAKER DOSE | NeuroCore delivers a potent and effective dose of caffeine that has been scientifically shown to increase energy.5 |
| L-Theanine | YES | NO | NO | A clinically studied dose of L-theanine was also added to enhance focus.6 |
| Rhodiola | YES | NO | NO | In a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study on 20 subjects, individuals using rhodiola during a stressful period significantly improved physical and mental fitness compared to subjects using a placebo in only 20 days.7 In a 2005 review article published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, the authors noted that Rhodiola rosea was a superior, more active adaptogen than Schizandra chinensis (found in the formulas of both leading competitors).8 |
| Schizandrol | NO | YES | YES | The competitors choose to use an inferior adaptogen (schizandrol) even when leading research states that Rhodiola rosea is a more active form.8 |
| Yohimbe Extract | YES | NO | NO | A potent yohimbe bark extract has been added to NeuroCore™. This extract supplies rauwolscine and yohimbine, which are categorized as selective alpha-2 receptor antagonists. Human research indicates that blocking alpha-2 receptors may play a significant role in supporting blood flow. |
| Taste | SUPERIOR | GOOD | AVERAGE | The flavor system behind NeuroCore was developed by a world-class flavor house and is second to none. In fact, we did not stop perfecting the flavor system until we blew the competition away in internal head-to-head taste tests. Absolutely NO fillers and aspartame are used to create the amazing and refreshing taste. |
2 Campbell et al., 2006. Pharmacokinetics, safety and effects on exercise performance of L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in trained adult men. Nutrition. Sep;22(9):872-81.
3 Greer et al., 2011. Acute arginine supplementation fails to improve muscle endurance or affect blood pressure response to resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. July;25(7):1789-94.
4 Hoffman et al., 2006. Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metabol. 16:430-46.
5 Goldstein et al., 2010. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 7(1):5.
6 Owen et al., 2008. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 11(4):193-198.
7 Spasov et al., 2000. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 7(2):85-89.
8 Panossian et al, 2005. Stimulating effect of adaptogens: an overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytother Res. 19(10):819-38.
Source:
The Encyclopedia of Supplements A-F Author: Jim Stoppani "Flex" 29.10 (Dec. 2011): p196.
