Bodybuilding Goes Alone
One on hand, True Grit Post is a great post-workout supplement. It’s basically a BCAA powder with creatine and natural muscle-supporting extracts. I’m impressed by the openness of the label and quality.
On the other hand, True Grit Post is still pretty expensive. I highly recommend it, but would wait until you can buy it from a less expensive retailers.
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Value
- Taste
- Mixability
True Grit Post is a brand-new non-proprietary post-workout supplement from BodyBuilding.com, a leader in the supplement world.
BodyBuilding.com claims True Grit Post is one of the most advanced post-workouts on the market, with scientifically-backed ingredients and maximum strength.
Post-workout formulas are notorious for useless fillers and complicated blends, so I decided to take a closer look and see if BodyBuilding.com’s claims stand up to scrutiny.
The Ingredients
A glaring problem in many supplements is the use of proprietary blends. Instead of listing the amount of each ingredient, many companies put all the ingredients into one “Matrix” “Blend,” or “System” and list the amount of all the ingredients combined.
Using proprietary blends allows companies to hide the exact ingredient amounts.
Thankfully, True Grit Post is non-propriety, meaning every ingredient is clearly labeled. BodyBuilding.com is proud of this, making it a key selling point on their website.
BCAAs 6 grams
There are three branched chain amino acids: leucine, valine, and isoleucine. They are the most important amino acids for muscle recovery, making up more than 30% of compounds needed for new growth. [1]
Leucine has long been recognized as the most important BCAA because it stimulates the creation of new muscle tissue. True Grit Post contains 4 grams leucine, 1 gram isoleucine, and 1 gram valine. This 4:1:1 ratio has been shown to be very effective for muscle recovery. [2]
Creatine Monohydrate 3 grams
Creatine is one of the most widely-used supplements in the world. It effectively improved muscle recovery ability, intra-workout energy levels, and growth potential.
Hundreds of studies have been done on creatine’s effectiveness showing it is a safe, powerful compound. [[3]
The standard creatine done is 5 grams. While True Grit Post contains 3 grams, most athletes already take creatine, so the dosage size isn’t a problem.
Betaine 2.5 grams
Betaine is a common compound that has been shown to play a role in muscle protein synthesis. [4]
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate 2 grams
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is a variation of the amino acid carnitine, commonly used to support metabolism. It increases fat breakdown, improving energy, and improves muscle recovery and growth hormone levels. [5]
Tart Cherry Extract 480 mg
Tart cherry extract is a natural compound that has been shown to improve muscle recovery. Several clinical trials show athletes taking tart cherry have less fatigue and pain following workouts. [6]
Ashwagandha Extract 125 mg
Ashwagandha is a staple in traditional Indian medicine for a variety of conditions. Clinical research shows it effectively improved luteinizing hormone production and reduces cell stress from exercise. [7]
Price and Availability
Because it’s a new product, True Grit Post is not yet widely available. It is only sold through the official BodyBuiding.com store for $31.99+shipping.
Each bottle contains 25 servings, so you’re paying more than $1/serving. That’s pretty expensive. I would wait until the product is offered from your preferred retailer for less.
Dosage and Instructions
One scoop of True Grit Post is 16 grams, about 3 teaspoons. Thankfully it’s flavored, and you can choose from fruit punch, strawberry line, or watermelon.
The label instructions are pretty straightforward: Mix 1 serving (1 scoop) with 8 oz. of cold water in a glass or shaker cup. Use after your workout.
The Verdict
One on hand, True Grit Post is a great post-workout supplement. It’s basically a BCAA powder with creatine and natural muscle-supporting extracts. I’m impressed by the openness of the label and quality.
On the other hand, True Grit Post is still pretty expensive. I highly recommend it, but would wait until you can buy it from a less expensive retailer.
References
[1] Shimomura Y, et al. “Effects of squat exercise and branched-chain amino acid supplementation on plasma free amino acid concentrations in young women.” Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 2009 Jun;55(3):288-91.
[2] Layne E. Norton, Donald K. Layman. “Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle after Exercise.”
[3] Odland, L. Maureen et al. “Effect of oral creatine supplementation on muscle PCr and short-term maximum power output.“ Medicine &Science in Sports & Exercise. (1997). 29(2):216-219.
[4] Cholewa JM, et al. “Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013 Aug 22;10(1):39.
[5] “L-carnitine L-tartrate.” National Cancer Institute – National Institutes of Health.
[6] Kuehl KS, et al. “Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2010; 7: 17.
[7] Ahmad MK, et al. “Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males.” Fertil Steril. 2010 Aug;94(3):989-96.
