Core Performance Ingredients
Total War is formulated with a transparent label, meaning all active ingredients and their dosages are clearly listed. The primary components are selected for their roles in enhancing energy, focus, pumps, and endurance during intense workouts.
Citrulline Malate
This amino acid compound is included at a dose of 6 grams in both the powder and ready-to-drink (RTD) versions. Citrulline malate is highly regarded for its ability to boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, which in turn increases blood flow to muscles. This enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients, creating the desirable 'pump' effect and improving muscular endurance.
Beta-Alanine
Included at a clinically effective dose of 3.2 grams, Beta-Alanine is an amino acid that helps increase muscular endurance and reduces fatigue. The compound works by buffering hydrogen ions in muscle cells, delaying the onset of muscle fatigue. A common side effect of Beta-Alanine is paresthesia, a harmless tingling sensation on the skin, which is a typical and expected reaction.
The Caffeine Blend
Total War features a blend of caffeine sources to provide energy and focus. The total caffeine content differs by format: the powder contains approximately 350 mg, while the RTD version has approximately 400 mg.
Taurine
Both powder and RTD versions include 1 gram of Taurine, an amino acid associated with potential improvements in metabolic function, nerve growth, and reduced muscular fatigue during exercise.
Agmatine Sulfate
Present in some Total War versions, like the RTDs, Agmatine Sulfate may support nitric oxide production, contributing to muscle pumps and focus.
Supporting and Inactive Ingredients
Total War also contains other ingredients to enhance performance and palatability.
Other Performance Enhancers
Supporting ingredients can include Juniper berry extract, BioPerine for absorption, Naringin for antioxidant support, Theobroma cocoa extract for additional stimulant effects, and Green tea extract.
Flavor and Preservation Ingredients
Flavoring and preservation components include water (in RTD), natural and artificial flavors, sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, citric acid, disodium phosphate, and preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate (in RTD). These ingredients can vary by flavor.
Total War Powder vs. Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Comparison
The key difference between the powder and RTD formats lies primarily in the total caffeine content and some supporting ingredients. For a detailed breakdown of ingredients in both versions, you can refer to {Link: Barbend.com https://barbend.com/total-war-pre-workout-review/}.
Conclusion
Total War pre-workout provides a potent formula with ingredients aimed at boosting energy, endurance, and muscle pumps. Its transparent label details compounds like Citrulline Malate and Beta-Alanine, along with a significant caffeine dose. Users should be mindful of the high caffeine content, especially in the RTD formula, and assess their tolerance. Due to its potency, Total War is generally recommended for experienced pre-workout users; beginners or those sensitive to stimulants might consider starting with a lower dose to manage potential side effects like jitters or tingling. More information is available on the official Redcon1 website.
Key Takeaways
- High Caffeine Content: Total War contains a substantial dose of caffeine for a potent energy boost.
- Enhances Endurance: Beta-Alanine helps increase muscular endurance and reduces fatigue.
- Improves Muscle Pumps: Citrulline Malate enhances blood flow for muscle pumps.
- Boosts Focus: Ingredients like caffeine and juniper extract support mental focus.
- Varies by Format: Ingredients and dosages, particularly total caffeine, differ between powder and RTD versions. For a full list, see {Link: Barbend.com https://barbend.com/total-war-pre-workout-review/}
- Potential Tingling Sensation: Beta-Alanine may cause harmless tingling.
- No Creatine in Standard Formula: The standard formula does not contain creatine.
FAQs
Question: How much caffeine is in a Total War drink? Answer: The total caffeine depends on the format. A single scoop of the Total War powder contains 350 mg of active caffeine, while the ready-to-drink (RTD) bottle contains 400 mg.
Question: What is beta-alanine and why does it cause tingling? Answer: Beta-alanine is an amino acid that boosts muscular endurance by buffering hydrogen ions in muscles. The tingling sensation, known as paresthesia, is a common and harmless side effect caused by its activation of nerve endings under the skin.
Question: Are there different ingredient lists for Total War powder and RTD drinks? Answer: Yes, there are slight variations, particularly in total caffeine content and inactive ingredients like preservatives. For a comparison, visit {Link: Barbend.com https://barbend.com/total-war-pre-workout-review/}.
Question: Is Total War drink safe? Answer: While generally considered safe for healthy adults, the product is not FDA-regulated, and safety is not guaranteed. The high stimulant dose may not be suitable for everyone and can cause side effects in those sensitive to caffeine. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use.
Question: Can Total War be taken by beginners? Answer: Due to high stimulant levels, Total War is better suited for experienced pre-workout users. Beginners should start with a smaller dose or consider other products.
Question: What are the potential side effects of Total War? Answer: Potential side effects include jitters, anxiety, rapid heart rate, sleep disturbances, harmless tingling from Beta-Alanine, and potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For more information on side effects, see {Link: Nutripeak.com.au https://nutripeak.com.au/blog/total-war-pre-workout-side-effects/}.
Question: Does the Total War drink contain creatine? Answer: No, the standard Total War pre-workout does not contain creatine.
Question: How long does it take for Total War to kick in? Answer: Redcon1 advises taking Total War about 30 minutes before training to allow the ingredients to become effective.
