Recent research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research investigated the acute effects of two multi-ingredient preworkout supplements (MIPS) on physical performance, cognitive function, and hormone concentrations in recreationally active men and women (Beckner et al., 2022).

The study found that MIPS containing beta-alanine and caffeine (BAC) and without (NBAC) improved anaerobic power and endurance capacity compared to a placebo (Beckner et al., 2022). Specifically, the results showed that:

- Both BAC and NBAC significantly improved anaerobic power (p = 0.014 and p = 0.022, respectively) (Beckner et al., 2022).

- BAC improved V̇o2peak time to exhaustion (p = 0.006) and increased blood lactate accumulation (p < 0.001) compared to placebo (Beckner et al., 2022).

- Both supplements improved brachial artery diameter after exercise (p = 0.041 and p = 0.005, respectively) (Beckner et al., 2022).

- L-arginine concentrations increased from baseline to postsupplement consumption of BAC (p = 0.017) (Beckner et al., 2022).

Furthermore, reaction time significantly decreased after exercise for all supplements, suggesting improved cognitive function (Beckner et al., 2022). However, there was no significant effect on mood states (Beckner et al., 2022).

This study provides scientific evidence that MIPS can modestly improve physical performance and cognitive function in exercise-trained individuals (Beckner et al., 2022). The combination of ingredients in BAC and NBAC may have a synergistic effect, leading to enhanced anaerobic power and endurance capacity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term effects of MIPS.

Reference:

Beckner, M. E., Pihoker, A. A., Darnell, M. E., Beals, K., Lovalekar, M., Proessl, F., Flanagan, S. D., Arciero, P. J., Nindl, B. C., & Martin, B. J. (2022