Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) are increasingly popular for enhancing athletic performance.
• These supplements combine ingredients like caffeine, creatine, and amino acids, potentially offering synergistic benefits over single-ingredient products.
• The scientific literature on MIPS efficacy and safety is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific evidence on the ergogenic value of MIPS for acute and chronic exercise.
• To address safety concerns associated with MIPS supplementation.
• To identify areas for future research in MIPS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing scientific literature on MIPS.
• Analysis of studies examining acute and chronic effects of MIPS on exercise performance and body composition.
• Evaluation of safety data and potential risks associated with MIPS.

Main Results:

• Acute MIPS consumption may improve muscular endurance and mood, with mixed results for force and power.
• Chronic MIPS use with resistance training may enhance lean mass accretion.
• MIPS appear relatively safe in short-term studies (under eight weeks), but long-term data is limited.

Conclusions:

• MIPS show potential as ergogenic aids for active individuals, particularly for lean mass gains.
• Further research is needed on long-term efficacy, safety across diverse populations, and potential contamination with banned substances.
• Athletes should carefully review MIPS ingredients due to potential inclusion of banned substances.