Have you ever wanted a powerful pre-workout supplement which brings the noise? Well, it’s a description which fits Redcon1 Total War perfectly, as you’ll find out in this review.
Table of Contents
About Redcon1 Total War
“Train and compete with lights-out intensity and energy. Total War is what every pre-workout wishes it was, packing more firepower per serving than anything in its class. Whether you train before work or school, middle of the day, or later in the evening, Total War has the ability to come through every time out,” per the manufacturer’s official website. Formula notes:
- Impressive ingredients. Should help fire you up for your workouts.
- Powerful. Customers swear it’s one of the most powerful pre-workout supplements on the market.
- Fourteen flavor options. No other pre-workout supplement comes close.
Redcon1 Total War Supplement Facts (Green Apple, 394.89 grams) |
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Serving Size: 1 Scoop (12.9 g) Servings Per Container: 30 |
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Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1 | 6 g | ** |
Beta-Alanine | 3.2 g | ** |
Agmatine Sulfate | 1 g | ** |
Taurine | 1 g | ** |
Caffeine Anhydrous | 250 mg | ** |
†AMPiberry® (Juniperus Communis)(berry) | 150 mg | ** |
Infinergy™ (Di-Caffeine Malate) | 100 mg | ** |
Cocoteanol™ ® (Theobroma cacao & Camelia sinensis Extract) | 50 mg | ** |
Naringin 98% (Citrus Grandis)(Fruit) | 25 mg | ** |
Bioperine™ (Black Pepper Extract)(Fruit) | 10 mg | ** |
Other Ingredients: Silica, Calcium Silicate, Natural and Artificial Flavoring, Sucralose. | ||
Directions: Assess your tolerance by taking 1/2 scoop prior to training. Once your tolerance is assesses mix (1) scoop with 4-6 ounces of water 30 minutes prior to training. Do not exceed (2) scoops in a 24-hour period. |
When You’re Ready To Bring The Noise
We’ve seen our fair share of comprehensive pre-workout supplements here on B5. Simply put, they cover all of the bases – they increase muscle pumps, ramp up energy levels, and stimulate mental prowess. We love pre-workouts like those. They give you the fastest return on your investment.
One such supplement is MusclePharm Wreckage. Its solid five grams of l-citrulline per 14.3-gram scoop is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Throw in key amounts of green tea leaf extract, AstraGin, beta-alanine, taurine, caffeine anhydrous, tyrosine, alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, l-theanine, and coffee arabica, you’re ready to conquer your workouts day in and day out. We firmly believe MusclePharm Wreckage wrecks the competition.
Another pre-workout virtuoso is Dymatize Pre W.O. Believe us, it’s more – much more- than its insane eight grams of citrulline malate per serving. Aside from other key pre-workout components, it has an incredible 417 percent of the daily value for vitamin C and 500 percent of the daily value for vitamin B12 a minimum daily value of 15 percent( is high). Granted, it’s not the perfect product (it has sucralose and a clumpy texture). However, it’s still a great deal overall.
Let’s see if Redcon1 Total War has what it takes to blow the competition out of the water. When we sized up its supplement facts, we got the impression this new player seems to pull out all the stops.
“Train and compete with lights-out intensity and energy. Total War is what every pre-workout wishes it was, packing more firepower per serving than anything in its class. Whether you train before work or school, middle of the day, or later in the evening, Total War has the ability to come through every time out,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
“The powerful combination of stimulants and focus factors along with N.O. compounds makes Total War an all-in-one pre-workout supplement. Enjoy the most energy, focus, and skin-splitting pumps you’ve ever felt during a workout. You won’t want to go home 30 or 40 minutes, but instead somebody will need to pull you out of the gym. Total War is not for the faint of heart, but for the serious athlete or gym goer who expects to perform at the highest level of readiness when called upon,” per the same source.
We get the feeling serious bodybuilders and bodybuilding enthusiasts will love Redcon1 Total War. It seems it can jack you up physically and mentally for the toughest workouts. We’re crossing our fingers it holds up until the end.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1, 6 grams
Leading the charge for Redcon1 Total War are six grams of l-citrulline dl-malate 2:1 (two parts l-citrulline and one part malic acid) per 12.9-gram scoop. This ingredient has gained serious traction over the years (no wonder you can find it in solid pre-workouts such as eFlow Nutrition ENFLATE and Nutrex OUTLIFT AMPED). The reason: it helps increase your nitric oxide levels. When that happens, expect increased vasodilation and more muscle pumps – two impressive bodybuilding benefits.
L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid and natural ingredient one can find in watermelon. It’s also a precursor to l-arginine (an alpha amino acid which is also a powerful vasodilator). Long story short, when you supplement with l-citrulline, you will experience the best muscle pumps of your life.
Bodybuilding supplement manufacturers sometimes combine it with malic acid. The end result: l-citrulline malate. Experts believe malic acid helps increase one’s endurance. This should help one train harder and longer.
“The use of CM (citrulline malate) might be useful to increase athletic performance in high-intensity anaerobic exercises with short rest times and to relieve post-exercise muscle soreness. Thus, athletes undergoing intensive preparation involving a high level of training or in competitive events might profit from CM,” per the May 2010 issue of Journal of Strength Conditioning Research (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).
We’ve sung l-citrulline dl malate’s praises for quite some time. We’re not going to stop now. It’s an effective ingredient which should give you great results at the gym. Six grams per serving may not be the most we’ve seen in a pre-workout (the aforementioned Nutrex OUTLIFT AMPED has an insane eight grams per scoop), but it’s still a high amount. We’re confident this much will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Beta-Alanine, 3.2 grams
Redcon1 Total War’s second key ingredient is beta-alanine, which takes up 3.2 grams per scoop. This is a naturally-occurring amino acid which helps synthesize muscle carnosine levels. Carnosine is a peptide which helps maintain ideal pH levels in muscle cells (a drop-off in pH levels results in fatigue). Ramped-up carnosine levels results in increased work capacity and the ability to keep fatigue at bay.
Fitness experts have given beta-alanine mixed reviews. “Some studies show that ß-ALA (beta-alanine) supplementation can improve high-intensity exercise capacity, delay VT (ventilatory threshold) and/or neuromuscular fatigue, promoted greater gains in lean body mass during training, and increase VO2 peak or time-to exhaustion. On the other hand, some studies show limited effects of ß-ALA supplementation on exercise performance,” per the January 25, 2010 issue of Nutrients (via MDPI.com).
Think about it: if beta-alanine were a dud, it wouldn’t be in many pre-workout supplements. Well, it’s a staple pre-workout ingredient. That has to tell you something about its efficacy. We’re confident Redcon1 Total War’s 3.2 grams of beta-alanine per serving should exceed your lofty expectations.
Agamatine Sulfate, 1 gram
Redcon1 Total War has one gram of agmatine sulfate per 12.9-gram scoop. This is a natural metabolite of the alpha amino acid l-arginine, a known vasodilator. The manufacturer claims taking agmatine sulfate helps increase muscle pumps. Some experts also believe it helps give you the mental edge you need for your workouts.
As early as 1997, scientific studies concluded agmatine sulfate has the potential to synthesize nitric oxide. “Agmatine appears to act directly on endothelial cells to increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilatory substance,” per the January 1997 issue of the Proceedings of the Association of American Physicians (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).
Two decades later, the promise is still there. However, there’s no disputing the fact agmatine sulfate cannot compare to l-citrulline in terms of boosting nitric oxide levels. It’s simply a mismatch of epic proportions. Nonetheless, agmatine sulfate should help complement Redcon1 Total War’s six grams of l-citrulline dl malate per serving.
Taurine, 1 g
Redcon1 Total War’s fourth key ingredient is the versatile amino acid l-taurine, which takes up one gram per serving. This component seems to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The takeaway: it may help ward off oxidative stress and shorten exercise recovery time.
Limited scientific studies also reveal taurine helps boost exercise (particularly aerobic exercise) performance. In a study the journal Amino Acids published in February 2013 (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov), eight male distance runners improved their finish times by 1.7 percent (an average of 646.6 seconds compared to 658.5 seconds for placebo) when they took taurine capsules two hours prior to a three-kilometer time trial run.
Taurine also has other important fitness benefits:
- Increases fat loss
- Improves insulin sensitivity and sleep quality
- Increases testosterone levels
- Boosts cardiovascular function
- Enhances cognitive function
Taurine may not be the primary go-to pre-workout supplement ingredient, but it should still help boost your overall health. That’s a good consolation, if you ask us.
Caffeine Anhydrous, 250 milligrams
Redcon1 Total War also has 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous (the pure, powdered form of caffeine) per serving. Caffeine is arguably the most popular stimulant on the market. Many top-notch pre-workouts (such as Controlled Labs White Flash) contain caffeine, which gives you the extra kick you need for your workouts.
“Caffeine, classified and recognized as a mild stimulant, is considered by many athletes for the purpose of boosting athleticism. Results of numerous studies (predominantly in trained male athletes) have consistently suggested that caffeine is an ergogenic aid for cardiovascular activities (∼30-60 minutes), and its effects are less impressive in the performance of short-term, high-intensity exercises (Graham, 2001, Armstrong, 2002),” per a 2007 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (via UNC.edu).
In terms of strength benefits, neither coffee nor caffeine make a significant difference. However, both helped keep sprint training power reductions in check. Let’s not forget caffeine also helps increase fat loss, keep free radicals at bay, boost kidney function, regulate blood sugar levels, and enhance cognitive function. It’s also a bona fide Jack of all trades like taurine.
Unfortunately, too much caffeine may result in a spike-crash effect, jitters, nervousness, and sleeplessness in some individuals. Redcon1 Total War’s 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous per 12.9-gram scoop is the equivalent of around two cups of brewed coffee. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, better steer clear of this pre-workout.
AMPiberry (Juniperus communis)(Berry), 150 milligrams
Redcon1 Total War’s sixth key ingredient is AMPiberry (Juniperus communis)(berry), which takes up 150 milligrams per serving.
AMPiberry is a product of Lecheek Nutrition. Experts hail AMPiberry as the new DMHA (dimethylhexylamine), a stimulant of the central nervous system (CNS) which helps increase energy levels and enhance mood. Manufacturers derive AMPiberry from a female seed cone from juniper plants.
There are few – if any – scientific studies linking AMPiberry to exercise performance. However, some experts believe it helps ramp up energy levels (especially when paired up with caffeine and other stimulants), increase fat loss, and decrease water weight.
Honestly, we’re not sold on AMPiberry as a pre-workout ingredient. Not only is it an unproven commodity, but this ingredient’s manufacturer (Lecheek Nutrition) got in trouble with the FDA several years ago for including dimethylbutylamine (DMBA) in several of its products (AMPilean and AMPitropin). This is about as shady as it gets. For its part, the manufacturer should’ve left it out of Redcon1 Total War.
Infinergy (Di-Caffeine Malate), 100 milligrams
Redcon1 Total War’s next key ingredient is Infinergy (di-caffeine malate), which takes up 100 milligrams per scoop. This is simply a combination of caffeine and malic acid. This product is one of the few pre-workouts which has it.
Creative Compounds is the manufacturer of Infinergy. “The latest addition to our Malate Series, Infinergy represents a precise combination of caffeine and malic acid into an ionic bonded compound. By combining the well-established properties of caffeine and malic acid, Infinergy offers a multi-dimensional ingredient that not only represents energy levels, but also stimulates thermogenesis while promoting mental focus,” per its official website.
Fitness experts maintain Infinergy’s stimulatory effects are milder than caffeine anhydrous’. The good news: the former helps keep you on your toes without the unwanted side effects. Combining both ingredients in the same formula should give you the physical and mental edge you need at the gym. Caffeine anhydrous gives you a strong first kick while Infinergy helps maintain the stimulatory effect without the crash.
Unfortunately, there have been limited studies linking Infinergy to exercise performance. If it can help sustain caffeine’s stimulatory effects, it bodes well for your workouts.
Cocoteanol (Theobroma cacao & Camelia sinensis Extract), 50 milligrams
Redcon1 Total War has another relatively rare pre-workout ingredient: Cocoteanol (Theobroma cacao and Camelia sinensis extract). It represents a combination of cocoa and an herbal green tea ingredient. This supplement has 50 milligrams per 12.9-gram scoop.
“Cocoa contains theobromine, an alkaloid that stimulates the heart and the nervous system and acts as a vasodilator (widens blood vessels) and diuretic (urine aid). Cocoa also lowers systolic blood pressure, while the antioxidants in green tea protect your heart from stress of intense workout,” per Cocoteanol’s official website.
Contemporary studies back up the manufacturer’s claim. According to Food & Function’s September 14, 2016 issue (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov), dark chocolate consumption helps increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels for improved cardiovascular function. Plus, dark chocolate also helps improve exercise performance.
On the other hand, Brazilian researchers say green tea consumption helps regulate blood pressure levels for exercise purposes. When you put everything together, it seems Cocoteanol supplementation is a win-win proposition. However, it’s also an unproven commodity like Infinergy. There’s no denying we like Cocoteanol’s upside, though.
Naringin 98 Percent (Citrus grandis)(fruit), 25 milligrams
Redcon1 Total War’s ninth key ingredient is naringin 98 percent (Citrus grandis)(fruit), the major flavonoid one can find in grapefruit. This supplement gives you 25 milligrams per serving.
“Naringin modulates signalling pathways and interacts with signalling molecules and thus has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities, as well as effects on bone regeneration, metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, genetic damage, and central nervous system (CNS) diseases,” per Pharmaceutical Biology’s December 2016 issue (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).
If naringin’s ability to hold off oxidative stress is legitimate, it should complement Redcon1 Total War’s taurine component perfectly. We like naringin’s versatility – it should help boost your long-term health. We’re glad it’s in Redcon1 Total War.
BioPerine (Black Pepper Extract)(Fruit), 10 milligrams
Redcon1 Total War’s final key ingredient is BioPerine (black pepper fruit extract)(fruit), which takes up 10 milligrams per serving. Simply put, this component helps improve nutrient absorption for better overall results. Any time a bodybuilding supplement has this, it’s a great bonus.
You can also find BioPerine in other bodybuilding products:
We’re pleased Redcon1 Total War has 10 milligrams of BioPerine (black pepper extract)(fruit) per serving. We believe this much will go a long way.
Let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- L-citrulline dl-malate 2:1, 6 g: This ingredient combines two parts l-citrulline and one part malic acid. L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid and powerful vasodilator which helps increase nitric oxide (N.O.) levels and muscle pumps. It also helps improve nutrient uptake and regulate blood pressure levels. As for malic acid, it helps increase exercise endurance (particularly aerobic endurance). Six grams of l-citrulline dl-malate 2:1 per scoop should exceed your expectations.
- Beta-alanine, 3.2 g: This is a naturally-occurring beta amino acid which helps synthesize muscle carnosine levels for increased work capacity and resistance against fatigue. Beta-alanine enables one to work out longer and harder. This much should help you bust through your fitness plateaus at the gym.
- Agmatine sulfate, 1 g: This is a natural metabolite of l-arginine, an alpha amino acid and known vasodilator. While the manufacturer claims agmatine sulfate helps ramp up nitric oxide levels, don’t expect epic results. Instead, expect agmatine sulfate to complement Redcon1 Total War’s l-citrulline dl-malate 2:1 in that regard.
- Taurine, 1 g: Taurine is a versatile amino acid which helps ward off oxidative stress and shorten exercise recovery time. It also helps ramp up fat loss, increase testosterone levels, improve insulin sensitivity, boost heart health, and enhance cognitive function.
- Caffeine anhydrous, 250 mg: This is the pure powdered form of caffeine which helps improve exercise performance and boost athleticism. Caffeine also helps increase fat loss, ward off free radicals, improve renal function, regulate blood sugar levels, and enhance cognitive function. However, overconsumption may result in a spike-crash effect, jitters, nervousness, palpitations, and sleeplessness.
- AMPiberry (Juniperus communis)(berry), 150 mg: This is a by-product of a female seed cone from juniper plants which supposedly helps increase energy levels and fat loss and decrease water weight. Unfortunately, few (if any) scientific studies have backed up AMPiberry as a bodybuilding supplement ingredient.
- Infinergy (di-caffeine malate), 100 mg: When you harness the powers of caffeine and malic acid, expect increased energy levels and fat loss. Moreover, it helps sustain caffeine anhydrous’ stimulatory effects once it wears out.
- Cocoteanol (Theobroma cacao & Camelia sinensis extract), 50 mg: This component combines cacao (a natural ingredient of dark chocolate) and Camelia sinensis (a natural ingredient of green tea). Cocoteanol’s manufacturer claims cacao helps increase vasodilation and promote healthy blood pressure levels. On the other hand, Camelia sinensis also helps regulate blood pressure levels for exercise purposes.
- Naringin 98 percent (Citrus grandis)(fruit), 25 mg: This refers to the major flavonoid in grapefruit. In terms of exercise benefits, fitness experts maintain naringin helps keep oxidative stress at bay. It also helps ward off inflammation and free radicals and boost the central nervous system (CNS).
- BioPerine (black pepper extract)(fruit), 10 mg: This component helps improve the bioavailability of Redcon1 Total War’s ingredients for better overall results. Ten milligrams per serving should do the trick.
Formula Analysis
The manufacturer says Redcon1 Total War is the pre-workout which suits those who are “ready to bring the noise,” per its official website. After a thorough analysis, we agree. We said this pre-workout seems to cover all the bases. We were right. It’s one of the more carefully thought-out pre-workout supplements on the market today.
Six grams of l-citrulline dl-malate 2:1 per 12.9-gram serving is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Like we said, this much isn’t the most in the industry (the likes of Nutrex OUTLIFT AMPED, which has eight grams per scoop, have more). However, it should be more than enough for increased vasodilation and muscle pumps – two benefits many bodybuilding enthusiasts crave. For its part, agmatine sulfate (a natural metabolite of l-arginine) doesn’t have the stellar track record of l-citrulline dl malate, but it has the potential to complement the latter’s vasodilatory effects. One gram per scoop should help.
Throw in 50 milligrams of Cocoteanol (Theobroma cacao & Camelia sinensis extract) per scoop, expect to see more muscle pumps (experts say cocoa also acts as a vasodilator). Its combination of Theobroma cacao and Camelia sinensis should also help regulate blood pressure levels.
On the other hand, Redcon1 Total War’s other ingredients should work synergistically to give you the best possible workout. This product’s 3.2 grams of beta-alanine per serving should help increase work capacity – you’ll be able to work out longer and harder. Redcon1 Total War’s one gram of taurine per scoop and 25 milligrams of Naringin 98 percent (Citrus grandis)(fruit) may not have glowing credentials in terms of exercise performance, but they can potentially keep oxidative stress at bay.
We also love the inclusion of Infinergy (100 milligrams per serving). If you take a hint from its name, it helps give you infinite energy. More specifically, experts believe it helps maintain the stimulatory effects of caffeine. The good news: Infinergy won’t produce the unwanted side effects and crash. That’s a great deal, if you ask us. Bear in mind Redcon1 Total War is also one of the rare pre-workout supplements which have Infinergy. Better take advantage of the opportunity.
The addition of 10 milligrams of BioPerine (black pepper extract)(fruit) per scoop is your proverbial icing on the cake. It helps improve nutrient bioavailability for better overall results.
We also give props to the manufacturer for excellent transparency – it breaks down all of the ingredient amounts. You won’t find any shady proprietary blends in Redcon1 Total War.
It also may be a brand new pre-workout, but it’s already made a big splash with customers – they say Redcon1 Total War has exceeded their expectations. In fact, they say it’s a powerful pre-workout supplement. Take at your own risk.
Redcon1 Total War also enjoys a distinct advantage: it comes in 14 flavors. Other pre-workouts don’t even come close. You’ll satisfy your taste buds, for sure.
This product may be great in many aspects, but it has a few chinks. First off, caffeine anhydrous (250 milligrams per serving) has several great fitness-related benefits (increased energy levels and fat loss, among other things), but it also has a few side effects (spike-crash effect, jitters, nervousness, sleeplessness, etc.). It’s a bona fide double-edged sword.
Second, we’re not too sold on the AMPiberry inclusion (150 milligrams per scoop). It has similar fitness benefits as caffeine (increased energy and fat loss), but there have been few – if any – scientific studies backing it up. Plus, its manufacturer (Lecheek Nutrition) has a shady reputation. Redcon1 Total War would’ve been better off without AMPiberry.
Finally, this pre-workout supplement contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener which has links to obesity and other side effects. Stevia, a natural alternative which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, would’ve been the far better option.
Nonetheless, Redcon1 Total War is a solid pre-workout supplement which should help fire you up at the gym. It’s a worthy addition to any bodybuilding supplement stack.
Redcon1 Total War Benefits
“The powerful combination of stimulants and focus factors along with N.O. compounds makes Total War an all-in-one pre-workout supplement. Enjoy the most energy, focus, and skin-splitting pumps you’ve ever felt during a workout,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
We agree with these claims. Redcon1 Total War is a solid pre-workout supplement which should help take your workouts to the next level.
Who Takes It?
The manufacturer intended Redcon1 Total War for healthy and active individuals who are at least 18 years of age who want to increase energy levels, muscle pumps, focus, and fat loss; achieve their daily fitness goals, and boost their long-term health.
Any Side Effects?
Redcon1 Total War has 3.2 grams of beta-alanine per serving. This ingredient may produce a harmless tingling sensation in the arms, neck, and shoulders (which fitness experts call the “beta-alanine itch”).
This pre-workout supplement also has 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous per scoop (equal to roughly to two cups of brewed coffee). If you’re sensitive to caffeine, please skip Redcon1 Total War.
Finally, Redcon1 Total War has sucralose, an artificial sweetener which has ties to obesity and other side effects.
If these, or any other ingredient, make you feel doubtful, please consult your doctor before buying Redcon1 Total War.
The manufacturer also issues a warning:
Redcon1 Total War Review Summary
Pros
- Impressive ingredients. Should work synergistically to give you the best possible workouts.
- Good formulation. Ingredient amounts are spot on.
- Powerful. This is one of the most powerful pre-workouts on the market. Customers have spoken.
- Proven pre-workout ingredients. L-citrulline dl malate 2:1 and beta-alanine, more specifically.
- Infinergy inclusion. Helps sustain stimulatory effects of caffeine without the unwanted side effects.
- Excellent transparency. You won’t find any shady proprietary blends in this supplement.
- Good reputation. New kid on the block which has made a big splash.
- Fourteen flavor options. Comes in Green Apple, Rainbow Candy, Strawberry Mango, Orange Crush, Raspberry Spyder, Watermelon, Blue Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Sour Gummy Bear, Pineapple Juice, Tiger’s Blood, and Aussie Autumn flavors.
Cons
- 250 milligrams of caffeine per scoop. Equal to two cups of brewed coffee.
- AMPiberry inclusion. Unproven pre-workout commodity from a shady manufacturer (Lecheek Nutrition).
- Sucralose. Artificial sweetener which has links to obesity and the like.
Pricing & Where to Buy
- 1 428.34-gram container (30-Day Supply): $39.99
- Available online and in retail
Final Word on Redcon1 Total War
Can Redcon1 Total War bring the noise? Absolutely. This new player is, without a doubt, one of the well-formulated and powerful pre-workout supplements on the market. Is it perfect? No, it isn’t. Nonetheless, it should still give you a fast return on your investment.
We highly recommend you buy Redcon1 Total War. Get ready to crank out reps like never before at the gym.
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