Times change, and sometimes, our formulas have to change too.
Due to ongoing regulatory difficulties, we’ve removed l-dopa from our pre-workout supplement. L-dopa is banned in many countries, which makes it difficult to distribute the pre-workout internationally. In addition, we were recently contacted by Shopify, letting us know they will no longer process orders on our website for products that contain l-dopa.
While this came as a surprise, we’re committed to providing high-quality supplements at the highest standard, so we had no choice but to update our pre-workout formula.
The good news, is that these changes have resulted in an even better formulation. We’re so pleased with the results, that we want to share the details and discuss the research that guided these changes.
Let’s look at:
- What changed in the formula
- The science behind taurine and exercise performance
- Understanding citrulline labeling and what may look different
- Side-by-side comparison of the previous and updated formulas
- The benefits of using a pre-workout supplement
How We Improved the Pre-Workout Formula
We made 3 updates to the Pre-workout formula:
- Removed l-dopa
- Added the amino acid taurine
- Increased the amount of citrulline
Removing l-dopa was the simple part. But we knew we wanted to replace it with something that provided clear benefits to boost workout performance.
After doing our research, we landed on something even better: taurine.
The Performance Benefits of Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid involved in normal body function, including the immune and nervous systems. In general, your body is able to produce the taurine it needs. However, supplementing with taurine is beneficial for athletic performance and cardiovascular health.
Here’s why.
Functions of Taurine
The highest concentrations of taurine in the body are found in the brain, heart, and muscle tissues.[1] As opposed to many other amino acids, taurine is not incorporated into proteins but instead regulates many physiological processes.
- Protects the mitochondria from oxidative damage.[2]
- Regulates cell volume and integrity[3]
- Acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain[4]
- Provides antioxidant protection to heart and brain tissues[5]
- May support insulin sensitivity[5]
- Supports heart contractions, cardiac output, and stroke volume[6]
As humans age, taurine levels decline, leading researchers to suspect this decrease may be a driver of aging.[7] More studies are needed in humans to explore this theory.
Taurine In Pre-Workout Formula
The more we’ve studied taurine, the more we feel we’ve stumbled on an unexpected improvement to our Pre-Workout powder.
The research on taurine has accumulated in the years since our original Pre-Workout formula was designed, and the scientific backing for taurine’s benefits is now more robust than l-dopa.
Works synergistically with caffeine to boost performance
A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of taurine, caffeine, or a combination of both versus placebo on the balance, agility, and cognitive performance of boxers. The group that received the combination of taurine and caffeine performed significantly better in all three areas.[8]
Adding taurine to our PreWorkout formula, which already contains caffeine, creates an additional punch of performance enhancement.
Increases endurance exercise capacity
A meta-analysis examined the impact of taurine supplementation on endurance exercise performance. The analysis included 10 studies examining this effect, 7 of which specifically analyzed time-to-exhaustion trials.[9]
Athletes who supplemented with taurine had significantly better endurance capacity, regardless of whether they supplemented regularly or had a one-time-dose. The amount of taurine that produced the improvement ranged from 1-6 grams.
Enhances vasodilation
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assigned 120 prehypertensive individuals to supplement with either 1.6 g of taurine for 12 weeks or a placebo.[10] The group who received taurine experienced significantly reduced blood pressure compared to placebo.
Researchers examined the mechanism by which taurine improves blood pressure and found improved blood vessel function in those supplementing with taurine. This provides cardiovascular benefits that extend beyond the gym.[11]
Supports exercise recovery
A recent review examined 10 studies that evaluated the effect of taurine supplementation on exercise parameters such as lactate production, oxidative stress, and muscular strength.[12]
They found that taurine supplementation protects against DNA damage from exercise, decreases muscular fatigue, and reduces lactate acid levels. Effective doses ranged from 0.05 g to 6 g per day.
Taurine Safety
Any ingredient we use in our formulas must meet the highest safety standards. Taurine supplementation is known to be incredibly safe, even at high doses over long periods of time.[13]
No adverse effects have been reported in the range of 3-6 g per day.[13]
Our Pre-Workout formula now contains 4g of taurine, a dose that is both safe and effective.
Changes to Citrulline
Another change you may notice on the Pre-Workout supplement label is the citrulline content.
We include citrulline in our formula for its ability to reduce fatigue, improve ATP production, and support post-exercise recovery.[14]
Our Pre-Workout contains citrulline malate, which is a form of citrulline that is combined with malic acid. The combo of citrulline and malic acid is like a double punch of performance enhancing benefits.
Malic acid may enhance ATP production and is known for its fatigue reducing benefits.[15] Supplementing with citrulline and malic acid together has been shown to boost strength performance and reduce perceived exertion.[16]
As part of the formula update, we increased the amount of citrulline per serving. In order to make it more clear on the label, we revised how we these ingredients are listed on the label. We moved from listing citrulline malate as one ingredient with a ratio, to listing l-citrulline and malic acid separately.
- Previous Formula: 6g Citrulline Malate (5:1) - which means 5g citrulline + 1g malic acid
- New Formula: 6g L-Citrulline, 1g Malic Acid - this could also be written as 7g Citrulline Malate (6:1)
So in total, the new formula contains an additional 1g of citrulline per serving.
A Look at the New Label
Pre-Workout Supplement Facts v1
Pre-Workout Supplement Facts v2
New Formula, More Benefits
The label may look slightly different, but you’ll still get all the performance benefits, and then some. Overall, this is a significant improvement over the previous formula.
Our Pre-Workout helps you get the most out of your time in the gym:
- Energy boost to fuel your workout
- Improved mental focus
- Reduced fatigue so you can power through your routine
- Boost strength and performance
- Support lean body mass
In addition to taurine, l-citrulline, and malic acid, our Pre-Workout also contains:
Beta-Alanine to improve the quality and power of your lifts while reducing fatigue.[17]
Caffeine for energy and focus.[18] Or try our Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout for many of the performance benefits without the caffeine.
Rhodiola Rosea to reduce fatigue.[19]
Taking a pre-workout supplement isn’t a substitute for poor diet, bad sleep habits, or inconsistent training. But it can be an effective tool to support the hard work you’re already doing.
Final Thoughts On The Pre-Workout Formula Update
We’re excited to bring you this new and improved Pre-Workout formula.
Just as you adapt and improve your workouts over time, Outwork Nutrition is committed to adapting and improving our formulas as regulations change and new information reveals better ingredient options.
We’ll always be transparent with changes and you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting and the science behind it. We’re very excited about the new formulation and we're confident you’ll love the performance benefits!
➡️ SHOP NOW
References
1. Ripps, Harris, and Wen Shen. “Review: taurine: a "very essential" amino acid.” Molecular vision vol. 18 (2012): 2673-86.
2. Jong CJ, Sandal P, Schaffer SW. The Role of Taurine in Mitochondria Health: More Than Just an Antioxidant. Molecules. 2021;26(16):4913. Published 2021 Aug 13. doi:10.3390/molecules26164913
3. Zhou J, Du X, Li J, Yamagata N, Xu B. Taurine Boosts Cellular Uptake of Small D-Peptides for Enzyme-Instructed Intracellular Molecular Self-Assembly. J Am Chem Soc. 2015;137(32):10040-10043. doi:10.1021/jacs.5b06181
4. Rafiee Z, García-Serrano AM, Duarte JMN. Taurine Supplementation as a Neuroprotective Strategy upon Brain Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1292. Published 2022 Mar 18. doi:10.3390/nu14061292
5. Santulli G, Kansakar U, Varzideh F, Mone P, Jankauskas SS, Lombardi A. Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview. Nutrients. 2023;15(19):4236. Published 2023 Sep 30. doi:10.3390/nu15194236
6. Ahmadian M, Dabidi Roshan V, Ashourpore E. Taurine Supplementation Improves Functional Capacity, Myocardial Oxygen Consumption, and Electrical Activity in Heart Failure. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(4):422-432. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1267059
7. Singh P, Gollapalli K, Mangiola S, et al. Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging. Science. 2023;380(6649):eabn9257. doi:10.1126/science.abn9257
8. Ozan M, Buzdagli Y, Eyipinar CD, et al. Does Single or Combined Caffeine and Taurine Supplementation Improve Athletic and Cognitive Performance without Affecting Fatigue Level in Elite Boxers? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022;14(20):4399. Published 2022 Oct 20. doi:10.3390/nu14204399
9. Waldron M, Patterson SD, Tallent J, Jeffries O. The Effects of an Oral Taurine Dose and Supplementation Period on Endurance Exercise Performance in Humans: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2018;48(5):1247-1253. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0896-2
10. Sun Q, Wang B, Li Y, et al. Taurine Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Vascular Function in Prehypertension: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Hypertension. 2016;67(3):541-549. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.06624
11. Qaradakhi T, Gadanec LK, McSweeney KR, Abraham JR, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A. The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taurine on Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2847. Published 2020 Sep 17. doi:10.3390/nu12092847
12. Chen Q, Li Z, Pinho RA, et al. The Dose Response of Taurine on Aerobic and Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol. 2021;12:700352. Published 2021 Aug 18. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.700352
13. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/1123#section=Human-Toxicity-Excerpts
14. Bendahan D, Mattei JP, Ghattas B, Confort-Gouny S, Le Guern ME, Cozzone PJ. Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle. Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(4):282-289. doi:10.1136/bjsm.36.4.282
15. Baráth A, Annár D, Györe I, Szmodis M. The Effects of L-Citrulline and Malic Acid on Substrate Utilisation and Lactate Elimination. Applied Sciences. 2024; 14(17):8055. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14178055
16. Glenn JM, Gray M, Wethington LN, Stone MS, Stewart RW Jr, Moyen NE. Acute citrulline malate supplementation improves upper- and lower-body submaximal weightlifting exercise performance in resistance-trained females. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(2):775-784. doi:10.1007/s00394-015-1124-6
17. Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids. 2012;43(1):25-37. doi:10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z
18. Goldstein, E.R., Ziegenfuss, T., Kalman, D. et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 7, 5 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-7-5
19. Ishaque, S., Shamseer, L., Bukutu, C. et al. Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med 12, 70 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-70
