Nootropic pre-workouts are becoming more popular as companies differentiate themselves from the competition. Nootropic is a fancy word for brain supplements to enhance mental capacity.
Pre Lab Pro is developed by a nootropic company and includes the classic nootropic stack with ingredients to boost strength and endurance. How does it stack up?
Pros
Cons
Quality
Flavor
Mixability
Cost
Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout
Table of Contents
Who Is Pre Lab Pro?
Pre Lab Pro is a nootropic pre-workout from the Performance Lab company, which manufactures a range of supplements. They are most well-known for Mind Lab Pro.
Pre Lab Pro is their foray into pre-workout supplements and has done a reasonable job based on the ingredients included.
Pre Lab Pro Ingredients
Ingredient | Dose |
|---|---|
L-Citrulline/L-Glutathione | 2000 mg L-Citrulline + 200 mg L-Glutathione |
Red Beet Powder | 1500 mg |
Himalayan Pink Salt | 500 mg |
L-Tyrosine | 400 mg |
L-Theanine | 160 mg |
Natural Caffeine | 80mg |
L-Citrulline/L-Glutathione Blend (2200 mg)
The L-citrulline and L-glutathione combination is a newly researched supplement for enhancing performance.
One of the first studies in rodents found combining L-citrulline and L-glutathione increased nitric oxide levels to a greater extent than L-citrulline alone [1].
This was then replicated in human trials with 7 days of L-citrulline and L-glutathione ingestion, resulting in greater blood flow after high-intensity exercise compared to placebo [2].
Whether this leads to greater long-term performance increases is yet to be determined.
Finally, an 8-week resistance training study taking L-citrulline and L-glutathione daily found the intervention group increased lean mass more than the placebo group after 4 weeks [3].
However, after 8 weeks, there was no significant difference between groups, suggesting it may not provide long-term benefits.
Red Beet Powder (1500 mg)
The unique addition of red beet powder may improve recovery after strength training. According to research, eating 600 mg of red beet powder improves heart rate recovery [4].
Furthermore, the nitric oxide content of red beets reduces the cost of oxygen during exercise, resulting in greater endurance [5][6].
Himalayan Pink Salt (500 mg)
Currently, there is minimal evidence sodium ingestion during exercise improves endurance performance [7]. However, one study found 500 mg of sodium per hour enhanced half ironman performance by 7.8% [8].
It’d be erroneous to suggest salt can improve ultra-endurance performance by that margin alone and it’s likely due to many other confounding factors not controlled for.
Further, the little evidence we have of pre-exercise consumption shows sodium before exercise retains more fluid than a placebo or water alone [9].
Whether this enhances performance in the gym or gives you better pumps is anecdotal at best.
L-Tyrosine (400 mg)
L-tyrosine is not a physical performance enhancer, even at the massive doses used in the research [10][11][12].
However, it has some cognitive benefits and has been shown to improve cognitive regulation, especially in mentally demanding situations [13].
It is particularly beneficial in boosting cognitive flexibility, which is influenced by dopamine.
While L-Tyrosine has limited promise for treating clinical disorders and enhancing physical activity, it can be effective in stressful or cognitively challenging conditions.
When neurotransmitter activity is intact, but dopamine and norepinephrine levels are temporarily lowered, it produces the greatest cognitive advantages [14].
Effective doses for cognitive improvement start at 2 grams, well above Pre Lab Pro’s dose.
L-Theanine (160 mg) & Natural Caffeine (80 mg)
Pre Lab Pro was created primarily as a pre-workout for focus. It's one of the first nootropic pre-workout supplements to hit the market - the fancy word for brain supplements is nootropic. What makes it so effective for concentration?
It builds on the caffeine L-theanine nootropic stack. Caffeine is well-known as a substance that boosts performance by improving focus and alertness.
However, L-theanine has the opposite effect, lowering stress and anxiety and resulting in relaxation [15].
This does not sound like an ingredient for a good pre-workout. When paired with caffeine, however, there is a synergistic effect in which caffeine promotes alertness and focus without causing jitteriness or anxiety [16].
For example, ingesting a caffeine L-theanine stack has been shown to boost visual processing speed, working memory, and computer-based reaction time [17]. Surprisingly, L-theanine alone reduced reaction time.
There were also increases in attentiveness and decreases in sleepiness and mental exhaustion.
Even small doses of 100 mg L-theanine and 50 mg caffeine have been proven to improve reaction times and accuracy [18].
This enhancement was greater than that shown in the caffeine-only group. Finally, even lower doses of 97 mg L-Theanine and 40 mg caffeine improved task-switching accuracy, alertness, and decreased weariness [19].
This dose is comparable to Pre Lab Pro, which contains 160 mg of L-Theanine and 80 mg of caffeine. This 2:1 ratio appears to be the sweet spot for concentration.
It's why we ranked Pre Lab Pro the best pre-workout for focus.
Pre Lab Pro Price
Pre Lab Pro is one of the more expensive pre-workouts. It is even more expensive than Transparent Labs Bulk, which is $1.67 per serving. I'll break down the various Pre Lab Pro packages below:
1-Month Supply (20 Servings | 2-Month Supply (40 Servings | 4-Month Supply (80 Servings |
|---|---|---|
$59.99 ($2.95/serving) + free shaker bottle | $118.00 ($2.95/serving) + free shaker bottle | $177.00 ($2.21/serving) + free shaker bottle |
Pre Lab Pro Features
Taste And Mixability
Like most pre-workouts, Pre Lab Pro mixes well and doesn’t leave any clumps. This is regardless of being in a shaker bottle or using a milk frother to mix. However, the taste is something to be desired.
It’s not sweet even though it’s sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, and swerve. It’s more tart than sweet.
It tastes like the beet extract exclusively flavors it. Some people may enjoy this, but if you're used to a "typical" pre-workout flavor, you won't like this.
Third-Party Testing
If you’re a competitive athlete subject to random drug tests, you must look for the informed sport-banned substance tick. It means the supplement is tested for banned substances on the World Anti-Doping list.
It ensures your supplement is free from contaminants, and you won't pop in a random drug test.
Who Is Pre Lab Pro For?
Caffeine Sensitive People
Most pre-workouts have at least 150-200 mg of caffeine per serving. Some have gone to the extreme and decided lifters need 300-400 mg in a single dose, which is insane.
I don't believe anyone needs a dose so high, and it is typically a sign something else is lacking—for example, lack of nutrition, sleep, or increased stress.
Professionals Needing A Pick Me Up
Have an important morning meeting or presentation? Pre Lab Pro gives you the pick-me-up for increased alertness, focus, and energy without the increased anxiety you’re already experiencing.
Athletes After A Minimal Pre-Workout
Athletes must be careful choosing their pre-workouts. Always go for the informed sport tick to ensure it's a banned substance tested, as supplements can be contaminated.
Further, ingredients like the L-citrulline/l-glutathione combination and red beet powder can potentially enhance strength and endurance performance.
Coffee Haters
My hand is raised. I can't stand coffee, so when I want morning caffeine but not boatloads of it, Pre Lab Pro makes an excellent option to sip on while working.
My Experience With Pre Lab Pro
I covered the "acquired" taste above (it really is an acquired taste), which is not so pleasant compared to other pre-workouts. However, I use Pre Lab Pro when I don't want to be kicked in the d*ck by a boatload of caffeine.
Energy drinks and higher caffeine pre-workouts can turn me into a jittery, anxious prick. So, 80 mg of caffeine is welcome.
To mask the taste, I'd often mix it with a stim-free pump pre-workout for enhanced flavor and additional pre-workout ingredients.
When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll drink it straight. You get used to it.
User Reviews & Testimonials
Pre Lab Pro has some raving reviews averaging 4.4/5 stars on the Performance Lab website. Here’s a sample:
“I have tried numerous pre-workouts and this is by far my favorite. I am caffeine-sensitive, but want the energy to complete a workout, which this does and has the sodium needed to prevent cramping. Highly recommend!” - Zaira R
"I've used Pre Lab Pro for over a year now and love it. It helps me be more alert, focused and intense in my workouts without any crash or negative feelings. I also like that it's a safe product. It's the only pre workout I use." - Eric F.
Most of the bad reviews center around the taste, which I completely understand.
“Very disappointed 59 years old working out since teenage years. For the cost thought it would be better and taste is not that good. Sorry just my experience.” - John B
Pre Lab Pro Alternatives
Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs Bulk is unique due to its effective dosing of ingredients based on scientific research, which sets it apart from other pre-workouts that mainly rely on caffeine.
The pre-workout includes a blend of performance-enhancing and nootropic ingredients, offering benefits like muscle endurance, fatigue resistance, and improved cognitive functions. It also comes in multiple flavors and is tested for banned substances.
Key ingredients in Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout include Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, L-Tyrosine, Alpha-GPC, Organic Caffeine, L-Theanine, Theobromine, Panax Ginseng, Bioperine, and Boron.
These ingredients are carefully selected for their proven benefits in enhancing workout performance, from increasing nitric oxide production for better blood flow to boosting energy levels and cognitive functions.
You can read my full breakdown in my Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout review.
Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
Crazy Nutrition's Intensive Pre-Train differentiates itself by its well-dosed ingredients, which sets it apart from many other pre-workouts that underdose or conceal doses in proprietary blends.
Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Caffeine, and Ashwagandha are the main ingredients and are dosed effectively based on scientific studies.
The flavors are nicely balanced, and the mixability is excellent, even without a blender. The price is cheap, particularly when combined with a subscription, and the device comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
However, there are a few drawbacks, such as limited flavor options and a limited number of servings in each container, which may not be enough for individuals who workout more than five times per week.
My Crazy Nutrition Pre-Workout review contains an in-depth breakdown.
Frequently Asked Pre Lab Pro Questions
Does Pre Lab Pro Contain Creatine?
Pre Lab Pro does not contain creatine. Taking creatine separately is better since there are no acute performance-enhancing effects. It takes approximately 28 days to fully saturate the muscles with creatine to see strength, power, and muscle mass benefits.
Summary
If you’re after a low caffeine dose pre-workout, Pre Lab Pro is one of the only designed this way. It’s perfect for caffeine-sensitive individuals and includes performance-enhancing ingredients.
Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout
References
- McKinley-Barnard, S., Andre, T., Morita, M., & Willoughby, D. S. (2015). Combined L-citrulline and glutathione supplementation increases the concentration of markers indicative of nitric oxide synthesis. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 27.
- Cabre, H. E., Greenwalt, C. E., Gould, L. M., & Smith-Ryan, A. E. (2023). The effects of L-Citrulline and Glutathione on Endurance performance in young adult trained males. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1), 2206386.
- Hwang, P., Morales Marroquín, F. E., Gann, J., Andre, T., McKinley-Barnard, S., Kim, C., ... & Willoughby, D. S. (2018). Eight weeks of resistance training in conjunction with glutathione and L-Citrulline supplementation increases lean mass and has no adverse effects on blood clinical safety markers in resistance-trained males. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1), 30.
- Benjamim, C. J. R., S. Júnior, F. W., de Figueirêdo, M. Í. L., Benjamim, C. J. R., Cavalcante, T. C. F., da Silva, A. A. M., ... & Valenti, V. E. (2021). Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris L.) extract acutely improves heart rate variability recovery following strength exercise: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial-pilot study. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 40(4), 307-316.
- Bailey, S. J., Winyard, P., Vanhatalo, A., Blackwell, J. R., DiMenna, F. J., Wilkerson, D. P., ... & Jones, A. M. (2009). Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. Journal of applied physiology.
- Babarykin, D., Smirnova, G., Pundinsh, I., Vasiljeva, S., Krumina, G., & Agejchenko, V. (2019). Red beet (Beta vulgaris) impact on human health. Journal of biosciences and medicines, 7(3), 61-79.
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- Del Coso, J., González‐Millán, C., Salinero, J. J., Abián‐Vicén, J., Areces, F., Lledó, M., ... & Ruiz‐Vicente, D. (2016). Effects of oral salt supplementation on physical performance during a half‐ironman: A randomized controlled trial. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 26(2), 156-164.
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