Total War: The Standard Formula Ingredients
To understand why creatine is absent from the standard Redcon1 Total War, it's essential to examine the ingredients that are included. The formula is designed to deliver high-intensity energy and focus, relying on a potent blend of other performance boosters. A standard serving contains several key compounds that contribute to its effects:
- Citrulline Malate: At a clinically-dosed 6g per serving, this amino acid compound is included to help increase nitric oxide levels in the body, promoting vasodilation for better blood flow and enhanced muscle pumps.
- Beta-Alanine: A dose of 3.2g is used to help increase muscular endurance and combat fatigue during high-intensity training by buffering lactic acid buildup. This ingredient is also responsible for the harmless 'tingling' sensation known as paresthesia.
- Caffeine: A powerful blend of Caffeine Anhydrous (250mg) and Di-Caffeine Malate (100mg) provides a significant energy boost and heightened focus. The combination provides both rapid and sustained energy to fuel the entire workout.
- Taurine: This amino acid is included at 1g to help improve metabolic function and exercise performance.
- Agmatine Sulfate: Derived from the amino acid arginine, this ingredient is added for enhanced nitric oxide production and improved muscle pumps.
The Reason for Creatine's Exclusion
The absence of creatine in the standard Total War is a deliberate choice by the manufacturer. Creatine's primary function is to increase muscle strength and power output over time by saturating the muscles' energy stores. The key to its effectiveness is daily, consistent use, not just taking it directly before a workout. The standard Total War formula is an immediate-impact stimulant pre-workout. Redcon1's philosophy is that athletes can add creatine separately to their daily routine to reap its full benefits, rather than relying on an inconsistent dose included in a pre-workout.
The Creatine-Containing Counterpart: Total War Reloaded
While the standard Total War does not include creatine, Redcon1 offers a related product called Total War Reloaded, which is formulated differently. This version is explicitly marketed as containing creatine, catering to consumers who prefer a single, all-in-one pre-workout supplement. The ingredients in Total War Reloaded highlight a different focus:
- Creatine Monohydrate: A full clinical dose of 5g is included for muscle energy production and strength gains.
- Beta-Alanine: At 3.2g, this ingredient still supports muscular endurance.
- Caffeine: A higher total dose of 350mg is included for intense energy and focus.
- Citrulline Malate: A smaller dose of 6g is used for nitric oxide support.
This variation demonstrates Redcon1's understanding that different users have different needs, offering a choice between a potent, stimulant-focused formula and a more comprehensive one that includes creatine.
The Strategic Stack: Combining Total War and Creatine
For those who prefer the standard Total War's high-stimulant profile but still want the benefits of creatine, the optimal strategy is to stack them as separate supplements. This approach offers several advantages:
- Consistent Creatine Dosing: You can take creatine monohydrate daily, independent of your workout schedule, ensuring your muscle stores remain saturated for maximum effectiveness.
- Flexible Pre-Workout Use: You can use Total War on the days you need a significant energy boost without worrying about your creatine intake being tied to your pre-workout consumption.
- Dosing Control: Separating the supplements allows you to precisely control the dosage of each. You can adjust your creatine intake (typically 5g daily) and your pre-workout depending on your workout intensity.
Redcon1 even sells a standalone creatine monohydrate product for this exact purpose.
Comparison: Total War vs. Creatine-Containing Pre-Workouts
To help decide the best approach, consider this comparison between the standard Total War formula and a typical all-in-one pre-workout that includes creatine.
| Feature | Redcon1 Total War (Standard) | All-in-One Pre-Workout (with Creatine) |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine Content | None | Typically 3-5g of creatine monohydrate |
| Primary Goal | Intense energy, focus, and muscle pump | Balanced energy, strength, and endurance |
| Energy Level | Very high (320mg caffeine) | Moderate to high (varies by brand) |
| Dosing Schedule | 30 minutes before training | 30 minutes before training |
| Creatine Flexibility | Must be stacked with a separate creatine product | All-in-one convenience, but fixed dose per serving |
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Does Redcon1 Total War have creatine?" is no for its standard, stimulant-heavy formulation. The product is strategically designed for maximum energy and focus, leaving creatine out to be dosed separately for consistent, daily intake. However, Redcon1 does offer a 'Reloaded' version that includes creatine for those who prefer an all-in-one solution. For peak results, the best strategy is to take your creatine monohydrate daily and use the standard Total War on heavy training days when you need that extra boost.
The Scientific Reason for Creatine's Exclusion
The key difference lies in the ergogenic purpose of each ingredient. The high-caffeine and nitric oxide boosters in Total War produce immediate, noticeable effects related to energy and pump. Creatine, on the other hand, builds up in the muscles over a period of days or weeks to be truly effective. Incorporating it daily is more important than timing it specifically for a single workout. By selling the products separately, Redcon1 allows users to follow best practices for both stimulants and creatine supplementation independently.
Making Your Choice
Your decision depends on your workout goals and supplement preferences. If you want maximum stimulant power for intense sessions and are willing to take a separate creatine supplement daily, the standard Total War is a perfect choice. If you prefer the convenience of an all-in-one product and don't mind a slightly different formula, Total War Reloaded might be for you. The best approach is to choose based on your desired effects and lifestyle. An excellent resource for comparative reviews and deeper insights on supplement formulations can be found at Garage Gym Reviews.
Supplementing with Creatine
For those who choose to supplement creatine separately, the process is simple and highly effective. Consistent daily intake is key. You can add a scoop of creatine monohydrate powder to any beverage, like your post-workout protein shake or simply water, at any time of day to maintain saturation. A typical maintenance dose is 3-5 grams per day, though some start with a loading phase for quicker saturation. This method ensures you get the full strength and power benefits of creatine, without sacrificing the powerful focus and energy of Total War.
