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What does Pure Nutrition Black Jack do?
Made by Pure Nutrition, this is an all natural pre Workout claimed to promote:
- Lean Muscle
- Muscle Pump
- Energy
- Focus and Concentration
But how well does it really work?
In this review we look closer at Black Jack 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 in Black Jack – doubling up would take you to 600mg.
Our recommended safe limit is 300mg – going over this range could cause side effects.
To avoid problems we recommend sticking to the servings as directed by Black Jack.
What about the ingredients in Black Jack?
Not that great.
Although there are some good ingredients in this product – there are several drawbacks.
The first problem is that some of the core ingredients used are under dosed, while others have been linked to side effects.
From the main ingredients, here’s what you need to know:
L-Citrulline
One of the better amino acids for pre workouts.
After being absorbed, this nutrient is converted into L-Arginine, which in turn promotes nitric oxide – a vasodilator which gives incredible muscle pumps.
The only thing we would say about it in Black Jack is that there may not be enough.
Studies have shown when it comes to L-Citrulline the best results are in the the 5,500 – 8000mg range.
At only 2500mg overall – there isn’t enough here for the full effects. It may not give you that much benefit.
Beta Alanine
BA is an amino acid that has both good and bad points.
On the good side, it has been known to help with both endurance and power output.
Studies have shown Beta Alanine can help to buffer the acid in your muscles which can help to promote athletic ability – however it has been confirmed to cause numerous side effects in users.
More on these side effects later.
Creatine
A better option.
Creatine is great for both energy and power.
It works by fuelling ATP levels in your body – ATP is essentially what your muscles use for energy, and the more you have of it the better you’ll perform.
Tyrosine
An anti-stressor amino acid.
Having been seen to lower your body’s supply of cortisol, this amino acid may help you to concentrate more in the gym.
It promotes calmness and relaxation, which can help to clear your mind and allow you to train with a more focused approach.
L-Arginine
A poorer option.
L-Arginine’s main function is to increase nitric oxide in your body. This helps to improve blood flow and increases overall muscle pumps.
Sounds good, right?
Although it does work in the body – it’s getting it in there that’s the problem.
Studies have shown that oral supplementation is ineffective as L-Arginine isn’t well absorbed via the mouth.
It won’t have much of an effect in this pre workout.
Caffeine
One of the best natural stimulants on the market without question.
Caffeine has been seen in various studies to promote both energy and power output.
It has also been seen in some studies to help promote metabolism for fat loss.
And with a grand total of 300mg, this amount is right on the limit of what we consider safe.
You should be fine using it, just approach it with caution.
Choline
A cognitive enhancer, that may help with focus.
Choline is converted by your body into Citicholine which helps to promote focus and general cognition.
This can help with concentration in the gym and may help to reduce overall distractions.
Phenylethylamine
A poorer choice.
Phenylethylamine is believed to help promote the ‘feel good’ hormones dopamine and serotonin – they can help promote mood and overall motivation.
However, studies have shown that this nutrient is broken too quickly when supplemented orally. Meaning it won’t effectively activate.
It’s not a good option.
L-Theanine
One of the better amino acids – and works surprisingly well with caffeine.
L-Theanine promotes calmness and helps to manage the ‘rush’ you get with caffeine.
It helps you to focus your higher energy levels for a more calm and concentrated approach.
Allowing you to enjoy the stimulating effects of caffeine without feeling ‘on edge’.
Bitter Orange
Another bad choice.
Bitter Orange Extract, also known as Synephrine is one of the worst options you can have in any supplement.
Thought to promote energy and fat loss – but in reality, studies have shown that it does very little.
Not only does it lack any positive effects – Bitter Orange Extract has been reported to have numerous side effects.
More on what these are later.
Theobromine
Found usually in dark chocolate and cocoa.
Theobromine may help improve circulation to a mild extent.
It may help to speed up nutrient flow – but won’t make too much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.
Ingredients Rundown: As you can see, this isn’t the best nutrient profile on the market for a pre workout. The first problem is that some of the core ingredients like the L-Citrulline are significantly under dosed (2.5g when it should be 6 – 8g), and the second issue are the potential side effects from the Beta Alanine and the Synephrine. Despite there being some good ingredients in this product – it’s a real shame some of these mistakes were made.
Side Effects
There are two main risks here – the Beta Alanine and the Synephrine.
Beta Alanine has been seen in numerous studies to cause paresthesia. This is an itching of the hands and face, and although not harmful – it is incredibly distracting and can throw your session.
Whereas Synephrine has been reported to cause far worse side effects. Users have claimed this nutrient has caused:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Light Headedness
- High Blood Pressure
- Jitters
It’s not your best option – especially with 300mg of caffeine in the mix.
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
Pure Nutrition Black Jack Review Conclusion
On the whole, this isn’t the best pre workout on the market and there are several reasons why.
From this review, here’s what you need to know about Black Jack;
- Can’t double scoop – With such a high caffeine dose, taking 2 servings could cause side effects.
- Potential Side Effects – Beta Alanine and Synephrine have been linked to causing side effects.
- Ineffective Ingredients – Not all the ingredients used promote workout performance.
As you can see, it’s not 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 our 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!