Here’s Reloaded – the new 5% pre-workout! Many of you might remember Kill It Reloaded, probably 5% Nutrition’s impressive and well-balanced pre-workout. Since that product first came out, the pre-workout category has changed. What changed about it? Gorilla Mind and their very impressive dosing, that’s what! Their Gorilla Mode was dosed so much higher than pretty much every other pre-workout, everyone had to scramble to effectively compete. In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we look at 5%’s answer, Reloaded Pre-Workout. Ready? Let’s check it out!
What is 5% Nutrition Reloaded?
5% Nutrition Reloaded is a brand new pre-workout that has a very impressive ingredient profile, flexible dosing, and amazing taste. As noted, with the advent of higher dosing of ingredients such as citrulline, most companies have improved their pre-workouts to compete with this new trend.
Ingredient Breakdown
One of the great things about 5% Nutrition is that they have always been one of the few companies that put creatine in their pre-workouts. I think that’s a great move on their part, I have never understood the “creatine-free” mindset.
Not only does Reloaded feature 5 grams of 3 types of creatine, it has an impressive combination of energy, focus, endurance, pump, and performance ingredients. It also features full disclosure labeling – which I am happy to see. As many of you know, I do not support the use of misleading prop blends.
With all that in mind, let’s break down the ingredients! This breakdown features the max 2-scoop dosing. Be aware that you can also use 1 scoop if desired.
Pump/Power Blend
L-Citrulline – 8,000 mg
L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid known for its effect on nitric oxide production – pumps! It works by converting into l-arginine once it’s in the body. As it happens, arginine is what the body uses to stimulate the natural production of nitric oxide (NO). The thing is, citrulline is far better absorbing than arginine because it bypasses digestion. Instead citrulline goes right into the bloodstream. What is the result? Simply put, it outperforms arginine at arginine’s own game.(1, 2)
HydroPrime® Glycerol Powder – 2,000 mg
Regular readers know how much I support the use of glycerol. It is without a doubt the most effective supplement I have ever used. Glycerol is a somewhat newer ingredient that is, rightfully so, taking the supplement market by storm. So what is it? It is a powerful (in the proper doses) osmolyte that hyper-hydrates your muscles, promotes massive water-based pumps, and supports extreme endurance. Finally, glycerol works synergistically with other osmolytes in this formula. In Reloaded, it’s there but not dosed as high as it should be. But that’s not a problem, because I have the answer – and I will reveal that in the “Stack It!” section. (3)
Nitrosigine® – 1,000 mg
This ingredient is a patented complex consisting of arginine, potassium silicate, and inositol. I’m a big supporter of using branded ingredients, and glad to see it here. Nitrosigine promotes production of nitric oxide and it’s very fast-acting (typically going to work within 30 minutes of consuming it). In addition, it extends the pump for up to an amazing 6 hours! (4)
Power Blend
Beta-Alanine – 2,000 mg
Nowadays, most pre-workouts contain beta-alanine. For those that may not know, beta-alanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is an amino not involved in protein creation. It combines with histidine, another amino acid, to form the dipeptide carnosine. Beta alanine works indirectly by inhibiting lactic acid buildup, it does this by increasing carnosine levels in the body. This will in turn improve your endurance.
However, the problem (to some) with beta-alanine is that it causes a harmless, temporary tingling and itching sensation that some lifters have a hard time with. For that reason, many companies will use a lower dose – and that’s the case here. The lower 2 gram dose (the optimal dose is 3.2 grams) gives lifters less tingles while still doing a decent job of blocking acid buildup and improving endurance. (5)
L-Taurine – 2,000 mg
To be technical, taurine is a non-proteinogenic amino-sulfonic acid. That simply means it has a different structure than other amino acids. Also, like beta-alanine, it is not involved in the creation of protein. So what does taurine do? It enhances cognitive function and functions as an osmolyte (or promotes water-based pumps).
L-Ornithine Hydrochloride – 400 mg
This ingredient is an amino acid used in the Urea cycle. As part of this cycle, it removes excess ammonia from your body. It’s a non-essential amino acid, which means it is made by the body. The liver makes ornithine from the amino acid arginine. As you recall, arginine stimulates nitric oxide production. In addition, arginine supports the body’s natural creatine production. Not to mention it helps lower levels of fatigue by eliminating excess ammonia. Finally, it may also stimulate growth hormone production, and in fact it was known for this back in the day. (6)
Creatine Blend
Creatine Monohydrate – 4,500 mg
Of course, creatine monohydrate is the original cell volumizer. Plus, among many other benefits, it extends endurance, supports protein synthesis, and improves strength. As I mentioned earlier, 5% Nutrition is one of the handful of companies that use creatine in some of their pre-workouts, and new Reloaded is no exception. Many companies don’t include it in their pre-workouts when the reality is creatine is one of the most effective supplement ingredients available. It’s actually amazing to me that these companies miss the benefits of creatine in their pre-workout products. (7)
Creatine Citrate – 250 mg
This form of creatine combines creatine monohydrate with citric acid. What does that do? Citric acid has a role in the Krebs Cycle energy system, which is involved in ATP production. This combination promotes more endurance from ATP. As we know, the body converts food into ATP, the energy your muscles use. (8)
Creatine Pyruvate – 250 mg
This version blends creatine and pyruvate, which supports endurance, improves power, and enhances exercise velocity. This form of creatine also helps lower fatigue. (9)
Nootropic Blend
Choline Bitartrate – 1,000 mg
Choline is one of the most common forms used in both nootropic and pre-workout supplements. It is included in pretty much all B complex vitamins even though technically it is not a member of the B vitamin family. Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which supports learning and focus. (10)
Organic Lion’s Mane Extract – 600 mg
Lion’s mane is a mushroom that enhances cognitive function. It also acts as a neuroprotectant, enhances motivation and improves memory.
Alpha Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline 50% – 200 mg
Also known as Alpha GPC, this is a type of fat that contains high amounts of choline. Alpha GPC is used to make acetylcholine, the “learning neurotransmitter”. Plus, it plays a large role in controlling muscle control and brain function. (11)
Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzia serrata) (1% Huperzine A) – 400 mcg
Huperzine A elevates focus and indirectly increases levels of acetylcholine. By now it’s clear that this entire blend works directly with this neurotransmitter to dramatically enhance cognitive function. (12)
Caffeine Blend
At 1 scoop, Reloaded provides a 180 mg dose of total caffeine. By using 2 scoops, you get a much more hardcore 360 mg dose.
Caffeine Anhydrous – 300 mg
Of course caffeine is an immensely effective stimulant, and this blend utilizes 3 forms. The first form is caffeine anhydrous, which is simply caffeine with the moisture removed. This creates a more concentrated, faster-acting type of caffeine.
Caffeine Citrate (50% Caffeine) – 50 mg
Here’s a form that helps absorption by combining caffeine with citric acid. This is another form of caffeine that acts quickly. This means you’ll get a quick hit of energy to tackle your workouts
Dicaffeine Malate (Infinergy™ – 50 mg
To balance out the fast acting caffeine sources, 5% uses a branded form that’s combined with malic acid. That results in a slow-release caffeine that helps smooth out the other 2 forms of caffeine and give you extended energy.
How To Use It
If you are new to high caffeine pre-workouts, determine your tolerance by consuming 1 scoop mixed with 6-8 ounces of water. You can even go down to half a scoop if needed. Once your tolerance has been determined, you can go up to a full 2 scoop serving mixed with 12-14 ounces of water.
Stack It!
As I mentioned earlier, Reloaded could use more glycerol. That simple adjustment would take this very impressive pre-workout and take it to the stratosphere! Therefore, here’s what I suggest for a great Stack.
- 5% Nutrition Reloaded
- Panda Supplements Pump Juice – As mentioned, I think this is the most exciting ingredient since creatine first came out back in the early 90’s. This particular product provides a massive 20 grams per serving. To be honest, you will get amazing results using half that amount. Regardless, this supplement will transform your workouts.
- Hi-Tech Precision Protein – Every stack needs a great protein powder, and this is it.
From here, you can add anything. My next suggestion would be a good multi, such as Myogenix Myo Vite. This is a very complete multi, and would be a great choice.
Summary
As you can see, Reloaded is an exciting pre-workout. 5% Nutrition hit a home run with this one, folks. So stop by illpumpyouup.com and get yours today!
References:
- Pérez-Guisado, J., & Jakeman, P. M. (2010). Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 24(5), 1215–1222. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0
- Breuillard, C., Cynober, L. & Moinard, C. Citrulline and nitrogen homeostasis: an overview. Amino Acids 47, 685–691 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-015-1932-2
- https://www.nnbnutrition.com/ingredients/hydro-prime/
- https://nutrition21.com/nitrosigine/#whatisd
- Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
- Demura, S., Yamada, T., Yamaji, S., Komatsu, M., & Morishita, K. (2010). The effect of L-ornithine hydrochloride ingestion on performance during incremental exhaustive ergometer bicycle exercise and ammonia metabolism during and after exercise. European journal of clinical nutrition, 64(10), 1166–1171. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.149
- Lanhers C, Pereira B, Naughton G, Trousselard M, Lesage FX, Dutheil F. Creatine Supplementation and Upper Limb Strength Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2017 Jan;47(1):163-173. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0571-4. PMID: 27328852.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Pathway Summary for Pathway SMP0063477, Citric Acid Cycle, Source: PathBank. Retrieved November 10, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathway/PathBank:SMP0063477.
- Jäger, R., Metzger, J., Lautmann, K. et al. The effects of creatine pyruvate and creatine citrate on performance during high intensity exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 5, 4 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-4
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
- Neurotransmitters: What they are, functions, and psychology (medicalnewstoday.com)
- https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/what-blood-brain-barrier#:~:text=In%20the%20capillaries%20that%20form,wall%20and%20into%20brain%20tissue.