Amino + Energy

82%
Decent

Each bottle provides 30 servings and retails for $40. The price is decent, and the ingredients are good. If you are looking for a good intra workout or even a post-workout drink, MusclePharm Amino1 Black is definitely worth looking in to.

As far as treating it as a pre-workout, it is lacking some ingredients and doses. Consequently, I don’t think it would make the best pre-workout option.

  • Ingredients
  • Effectiveness
  • Value
  • Mixability
  • Flavor

Amino1 Black is one of MusclePharm’s latest supplements in their newest Black Label Series release.

Amino1 Black is unique, packed with several different amino acids as well as a mix of additional ingredients. Consequently, its careful formation allows it to be taken before, during, and after working out, all depending on your preference.

Here’s a sneak peak at all the information surrounding MusclePharm Amino1 Black.

What’s Under the Lid?

MusclePharm Amino1 Black features different blends, all with their respective, individual ingredient amounts. Let’s take a look at some main ingredients in Amino1 Black’s formula so we can better understand how it works:

L-Glutamine (3 g)

Glutamine is an amino acid that is used to support a healthy immune system as well as combat muscle wasting during times of stress. Some also supplement with it to enhance exercise performance. [1]

L-Taurine (2 g)

L-Taurine has been studied for its blood-flow increasing capabilities. [2] Consequently, L-taurine is another amino acid supplemented with to improve blood pumps during workouts.

BCAAs (3:2:1)

BCAAs including L-leucine, L-valine, and L-Isoleucine in a studied 3:2:1 ratio. One study reveals that BCAAs improve muscle recovery and combat the delayed onset muscle soreness you may experience after anaerobic exercise, especially compound movements. [3]

Caffeine Anhydrous (100 mg)

Caffeine is added to MusclePharm Amino1 Black to boost energy. Research shows supplementing with caffeine can increase performance by 5-8% when supplemented in 5 mg/kg doses. [4]

Green Tea Leaf Extract (50 mg)

Green tea leaf extract is used for its epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content, a compound proven to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. [5]

How to Optimize Use

MusclePharm Amino1 Black should be taken in conjunction with exercise. Whether you decide to take it before, during, or after working out is up to you.

Regardless of when you decide to use it, the manufacturer indicates you should mix 1 scoop with 12-16 ounces of water. However, because caffeine is relatively low, after you have assessed tolerance, you may be able to up the dose to 1.5-2 scoops. This, however, will depend entirely on your caffeine tolerance.

I mixed 1 scoop 15 minutes before working out and noticed just a little hint of energy boost the first workout. I decided to use it more as a intra workout supplement on legday because the watermelon flavor is good and it gives just a little more kick of energy.

Final Thoughts

Each bottle provides 30 servings and retails for $40. The price is decent, and the ingredients are good. If you are looking for a good intra workout or even a post-workout drink, MusclePharm Amino1 Black is definitely worth looking in to.

As far as treating it as a pre-workout, it is lacking some ingredients and doses. Consequently, I don’t think it would make the best pre-workout option.

References

[1] Glutamine. WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-878-glutamine.aspx?activeingredientid=878&activeingredientname=glutamine

[2] Moloney MA, et al. “Two weeks taurine supplementation reverses endothelial dysfunction in young male type 1 diabetics.” Diab Vasc Dis Res. 2010 Oct;7(4):300-10. doi: 10.1177/1479164110375971. Epub 2010 Jul 28. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20667936

[3] Shimomura Y, et al. “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation before squat exercise and delayed-onset muscle soreness.” Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010 Jun;20(3):236-44. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20601741

[4] Astorino TA, et al. “Effect of two doses of caffeine on muscular function during isokinetic exercise.” Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Dec;42(12):2205-10. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181e3a11d. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20421833