Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements: Synergistic Effects, Potential Risks, and Athletic Benefits
Date
2-19-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
2:45-2:55 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) have gained popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and researchers. These supplements are used before a workout to enhance performance, provide higher energy levels, and increase muscle growth. MIPS products contain caffeine, amino acids, nitrates, nitric oxide, and other ingredients that work together to improve performance. Caffeine appeared to be the primary ingredient responsible for several effects of MIPS. It peaks the bloodstream within sixty minutes of ingestion, allowing the body to provide more energy during activities. Nitric oxide is a molecule that increases blood flow to active muscles, increasing exercise performance. Acute MIPS ingestion improves focus, alertness, and self-reported energy levels. Studies have shown that MIPS has little effect on soreness, inflammation, and biomarkers of muscle damage resulting from exercise. Creatine is a compound in the body that supplies energy to the muscles. It also enhances performance and promotes brain health. Studies suggest that proprietary MIPS formulations may enhance performance beyond that of creatine alone in certain contexts. Safety assessments have been a key focus in studies on MIPS. It has been found that the consumption of MIPS for acute (less than 8 weeks) is relatively safe. During the research on acute MIPS ingestion, very few findings have been made for long-term or chronic ingestion of MIPS. Some MIPS may contain contaminants such as heavy metals or various banned ingredients. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of MIPS use.
Athletes who take supplements should discuss specific products with a health professional or a sports dietician to ensure their product is safe. No products will show during a drug test, which may cause disqualification depending on the organization. A few studies provide information about different genders and how MIPS may affect them. One study, which Collins and colleagues investigated, tested females. Different variables were recorded, such as height, body composition, and absolute upper and lower body strength. The researchers did not find any evidence that MIPS affected the participants.
In conclusion, studies have shown that MIPS has many benefits to athletes. Several studies have examined MIPS ingredients, contributing to a growing body of research in this area. Short-term use appears safe, but more research is needed to assess long-term effects.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
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Disciplines
Kinesiology
Recommended Citation
Rhodes, Cianni, "Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements: Synergistic Effects, Potential Risks, and Athletic Benefits" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 65.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/65
