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What are the Ingredients in BSN N.O.-Xplode?

3 min read

Since its debut in 2004, BSN N.O.-Xplode has been a significant pre-workout supplement in sports nutrition, formulated to enhance athletic performance. The ingredients in BSN N.O.-Xplode have undergone various updates, with the current iteration featuring proprietary blends aimed at boosting energy, focus, and endurance.

Quick Summary

The current BSN N.O.-Xplode pre-workout formula utilizes proprietary blends containing ingredients such as creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine, L-citrulline malate, and essential vitamins and plant extracts.

Key Points

  • Creatine Blend: Includes Creatine Monohydrate and Anhydrous to boost muscle strength and high-intensity performance.

  • Beta-Alanine: Helps buffer lactic acid in muscles, leading to delayed fatigue and improved muscular endurance.

  • L-Citrulline Malate: Increases nitric oxide levels, promoting enhanced blood flow, better muscle pumps, and improved oxygen delivery.

  • Caffeine Anhydrous: Provides a significant energy boost, enhances focus, and increases alertness during workouts.

  • Amino Acids and Vitamins: Contains Taurine, L-Tyrosine, and B vitamins to support energy metabolism, hydration, and cognitive function.

  • Proprietary Blends: Ingredients are organized into specific blends like Endura Shot and N.O. Alpha Fusion to target different performance goals.

  • Flavor and Mixability Aids: Includes natural/artificial flavors, sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium), and anti-caking agents for palatability and ease of use.

In This Article

BSN N.O.-Xplode Ingredient Breakdown

BSN N.O.-Xplode's formula is designed to deliver a multi-faceted approach to pre-workout supplementation. The ingredients are typically organized into proprietary matrixes, with specific blends targeting different aspects of physical and mental performance during exercise. While minor variations may exist between regions and product versions, the core components and their intended effects remain largely consistent.

Proprietary Blends and Key Components

BSN N.O.-Xplode's effectiveness is attributed to its carefully crafted proprietary blends. These blends combine various ingredients to achieve synergistic effects.

Myogenic Matrix

This blend focuses on supporting strength and power. It typically includes a Creatine Blend (often Creatine Monohydrate and Creatine Anhydrous) which is essential for ATP production, crucial for high-intensity, short-duration activities. Taurine, an amino acid, is also present and acts as an osmolyte, helping to draw water into muscle cells. An AstraGIN® Proprietary Blend is often incorporated to potentially enhance the absorption of other nutrients.

Endura Shot

Targeting endurance and buffering, this blend features Beta-Alanine (as CarnoSyn®). Beta-alanine helps buffer lactic acid in muscles, which can delay the onset of fatigue and improve the capacity for sustained exercise. The tingling sensation some users experience is a common side effect of beta-alanine. Betaine Anhydrous (BetaPower®), an amino acid derivative, is included for its potential role in boosting power output. Electrolytes such as Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, and Magnesium Oxide are added to support hydration and muscle function during intense activity.

N.O. Alpha Fusion

This blend is centered around promoting muscle pumps and improving performance through enhanced blood flow. L-Citrulline Malate is a key ingredient that increases nitric oxide production, leading to vasodilation and improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles. Other components like Danshen Extract (Salvia miltiorrhiza), known for circulatory benefits, and Grape Skin Extract and Grapefruit Bioflavonoids, which provide antioxidants and may support nitric oxide levels, are also part of this blend.

Thermic Energy

Designed for focus and energy, this blend prominently features Caffeine Anhydrous, a potent stimulant that increases alertness, concentration, and energy levels. N-Acetyl-Tyrosine and L-Tyrosine, amino acids, are included as precursors to neurotransmitters that can support cognitive function and mood during strenuous exercise.

Shock Composite

This blend focuses on mental performance. It often includes DMAE Bitartrate, a compound believed to support brain function, and Huperzine A, derived from Toothed Clubmoss, which may contribute to enhanced focus.

Supporting Nutrients and Other Ingredients

Beyond the proprietary blends, BSN N.O.-Xplode incorporates a range of vitamins and minerals. A comprehensive profile of B vitamins, along with vitamin C and zinc, is typically included to help combat fatigue and support energy metabolism. To improve taste and mixability, the formula uses natural and artificial flavors, sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and anti-caking agents such as calcium silicate and silicon dioxide.

Comparison of Key Ingredients: Current N.O.-Xplode vs. Previous Versions

Over the years, BSN has refined the N.O.-Xplode formula. The transition from version 2.0 to 3.0, and subsequent updates, highlight some key ingredient changes. The table below illustrates some notable differences.

Ingredient Category Older N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Formula Current (e.g., 3.0) Formula Key Change
Energy & Stimulants Approximately 225mg Caffeine Ranges from 200-275mg Caffeine depending on version and region Varied Caffeine Content
Creatine Complex Proprietary blend including Creatine Ethyl Ester and Creatine-Sodium Phosphate Primarily Creatine Monohydrate and Creatine Anhydrous Shift to Standardized Creatine Forms
Nitric Oxide Precursors Featured L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Malic Acid Interfusion Emphasizes L-Citrulline Malate as the primary NO precursor, often replacing Arginine Increased Focus on L-Citrulline
Focus/Cognitive Support Included Vinpocetine Features DMAE and Huperzine A Updated Cognitive Enhancement Blend
Beta-Alanine Present within a blend called 'Endura Composite' Highlighted as CarnoSyn® with a dose often between 1.8g and 3.2g per serving More Defined and Higher Dosing

Conclusion

The ingredients in BSN N.O.-Xplode are strategically combined within proprietary blends to offer a comprehensive pre-workout supplement aimed at enhancing multiple aspects of training, including energy, endurance, focus, and strength. The formula leverages well-researched ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and caffeine, supplemented by compounds such as L-citrulline malate and various plant extracts to support overall performance. While the specific composition has evolved through different versions, the core objective of providing a robust training experience remains constant. Users should always refer to the product label for the precise ingredients and dosages and consider their personal tolerance to stimulants before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary ingredient responsible for the energy boost in BSN N.O.-Xplode is Caffeine Anhydrous, a concentrated form of caffeine known for its stimulating effects on energy, focus, and alertness.

No, the tingling sensation often felt after taking N.O.-Xplode is a harmless side effect called paresthesia, caused by Beta-Alanine. It is temporary and usually decreases with regular use.

Creatine, present as Monohydrate and Anhydrous, helps regenerate ATP, the body's main energy currency, which is crucial for power and strength during short bursts of high-intensity exercise.

L-Citrulline Malate is included to boost nitric oxide production, which leads to vasodilation. This improves blood flow to muscles, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery, resulting in better pumps and endurance.

Formulas can vary by region due to different regulatory requirements. It is important to check the label of the specific product you purchase, as ingredients or dosages may differ between, for example, US and European versions.

Beginners can use N.O.-Xplode, but it's advisable to start with a lower dose (such as half a scoop) to assess tolerance, especially regarding stimulant sensitivity. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement is also recommended.

Yes, BSN has updated the N.O.-Xplode formula since its original release. Notable changes include modifications to the creatine complex and the focus on L-Citrulline Malate as a key NO precursor in newer versions compared to earlier iterations like 2.0.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.