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What does Cellucor C4 Ultimate do?
Made by Cellucor, this is an all natural pre workout that is claimed to promote:
- Energy
- Strength
- Focus
- Pump
But how well does it really work?
In this review; we look closer at C4 Ultimate to see how effective it really is.
This is what you need to know:
Can I double scoop it?
We wouldn’t recommend it.
With 300mg of caffeine per serving – this pre workout is right on our limit as the highest amount of caffeine you should take in one serving.
It’s pushing it here. Assess your tolerance with this product before taking more than one serving – you’ll be risking some serious stimulant side effects.
What about the ingredients in C4 Ultimate?
They’re good – but there are some issues.
The problem is that some of the nutrients used fall under a proprietary blend.
This means their individual dosages have been hidden under one larger value. Essentially, you now don’t know how much of each ingredient you’re getting, or how effective it will be overall.
Not only that, some of the nutrients may cause side effects.
Here’s what you need to know about the main ingredients.
Citrulline Malate
One of the better amino acids for muscle pumps.
Citrulline Malate is an all natural component extracted from watermelon. It’s a vasodilator that helps increase blood flow and muscle pumps.
It works by promoting nitric oxide in your body, which improves overall blood flow.
It can also help to increase endurance.
Studies have shown you need 6000 – 8000mg per serving of Citrulline for it to be effective, so C4 Ultimate has a good amount here with 6000mg.
Beta Alanine
Another effective amino acid – but it’s effects come at a cost.
Beta Alanine helps to buffer the acid in your muscles, which improves both endurance and power output.
The drawback to this however is that it can cause side effects – namely Paresthesia. More on this in the side effects section later on.
Creatine
A better option for strength.
Creatine helps to improve power output by fuelling ATP.
ATP is essentially what your muscles use for energy – with more of it, you have a stronger endurance and higher power output.
Betaine
Another good option.
Betaine is extracted from Beetroot, and has been seen to promote plasma nitrate.
This can promote overall endurance and stamina.
Arginine
A poorer option.
Arginine is supposed to help increase nitric oxide levels and promote muscle pumps.
However, studies have shown that it isn’t absorbed well when supplemented orally and has very little effect.
Caffeine
Arguably the best natural stimulants.
Caffeine is a great addition to any pre workout. It’s good for both energy and power output.
At 300mg, we would say C4 Ultimate has hit the limit of what we would recommend in a Pre workout.
1 serving of this product is more than enough.
Theacrine
Structurally similar to caffeine – but can help build less of a tolerance.
This may promote energy levels – however the 300mg of caffeine may be too much as it is. Be careful.
Rauwolfia Vomitoria
May help with appetite suppression in a similar way to Yohimbine – but little evidence is out there to support this theory.
Huperzine A
A cognitive enhancer that may not have much of an effect.
Studies have shown that it is easy to build up a tolerance to Huperzine A, and that it may also cause side effects long term.
However more research needs to be done to know for sure.
Ingredients Rundown: On the whole, this isn’t the best nutrient profile for a pre workout. A lot of the ingredients used are part of a propriety blend – you don’t know how much you’re getting of each ingredient, or how effective it will be overall. Not only that several of the ingredients used are ineffective – and some have been even linked to causing side effects. It’s definitely not your best option.
Side Effects
The main issue here is the Beta Alanine and its ability to cause paresthesia.
This is an itching of both the hands and face – it’s not harmful but it can distract you from your session.
It’s also worth noting that there’s 300mg of caffeine in this product and it’s also combined with Theacrine.
With both of these stimulants you could face an energy crash afterwards, or heart palpitations or headaches during.
It’s worth making sure you asses your tolerance.
Are there better Pre Workouts out there?
Yes – there definitely are!
We’ve done the research, and found the best pre workouts on the market that promote:
- High Energy Levels
- Maximum Power Output
- Enhanced Focus
- Amazing Pumps
And we’ve finally got it down to 3.
To our recommendations for the best pre workouts on the market, check out our Top 3 page below:
Top 3 Pre Workouts
Cellucor C4 Ultimate Review Conclusion
On the whole, this isn’t the best pre workout on the market.
From this review, here’s what you need to know about C4 Ultimate;
- Can’t double scoop – Taking more than the recommended serving of this product could cause stimulant overload.
- Potential Side Effects – The Beta Alanine in this product may cause side effects.
- Proprietary Blends – Many of the nutrients used have their dosages hidden, it’s unclear whether they are properly dosed.
As you can see, this isn’t your best option.
To see what our readers, and our editor, have voted as the most effective pre workout – check out our full official review of the current #1 in the link below:
As voted by you, and tested by us - 4 Gauge is the current #1 Pre Workout on the market.
It is the best option for:
- Endurance
- Strength
- Energy
- Muscle Pumps
- Focus
And it's the best we've seen on the market - and you can read the full story in our review below:
Read the FULL official 4 Gauge Review!