Science-Backed
Ingredients
Explore the science-backed compounds that make Aftershock the most effective preworkout on the market
27 of 27 ingredients
AMINO ACID
L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, helping to remove ammonia from the body. It's converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, leading to increased nitric oxide production.
Key Benefits:
Enhanced Blood Flow
Improved Exercise Performance
Faster Recovery
Recommended dose:5-8g per day
NOOTROPIC
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom frequently discussed in nootropic and focus-oriented supplements. Research interest is driven mainly by hericenones and erinacines, but real-world expectations should stay measured.
Key Benefits:
Nerve Growth Factor Support
Memory Enhancement
Enhanced Focus
Recommended dose:250-1000mg per day
STIMULANT
Caffeine
Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. It works primarily by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing fatigue and increasing alertness.
Key Benefits:
- Increased Energy
Enhanced Alertness
Physical Performance
Recommended dose:100-200mg per serving
AMINO ACID
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to important neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It's particularly beneficial during stress.
Key Benefits:
Stress Management
Mood Support- Mental Performance
Recommended dose:500-2000mg per day
AMINO ACID
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements for increasing muscle mass, strength, and exercise performance. It helps regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in muscle cells.
Key Benefits:
- Increased Strength & Power
Muscle Growth- Enhanced Recovery
Recommended dose:3-5g per day
AMINO ACID
Betaine Anhydrous
Betaine anhydrous (trimethylglycine) is an amino acid derivative that supports methylation processes, muscle growth, and exercise performance. It acts as an osmolyte and methyl donor.
Key Benefits:
Power & Strength
Muscle Growth Support
Cellular Hydration
Recommended dose:2.5g per day
ENERGY METABOLITE
Glycerol
Glycerol is a hyperhydrating agent that enhances fluid retention and blood volume. It helps maintain hydration during intense exercise and improves endurance performance.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Hydration
- Improved Endurance
- Enhanced Muscle Pumps
Recommended dose:1-1.5g per kg body weight
ENERGY METABOLITE
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), essential for cellular energy production. It helps reduce muscle fatigue and supports ATP regeneration.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Energy Production
- Reduced Muscle Fatigue
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Recommended dose:1200-2400mg per day
ADAPTOGEN
Ginseng Extract
Ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries to enhance energy, reduce stress, and improve physical and mental performance. It contains active compounds called ginsenosides.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Energy & Vitality
- Stress Adaptation
Immune System Support
Recommended dose:200-400mg per day
ADAPTOGEN
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb commonly discussed in the context of fatigue, stress load, and mental performance. Interest usually focuses on rosavins and salidroside, but practical expectations should still stay realistic.
Key Benefits:
- Fatigue Reduction
- Enhanced Stress Resilience
- Cognitive Enhancement
Recommended dose:200-400mg per day
NOOTROPIC
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found mainly in tea leaves and is popular in supplements built around calmer focus. It is especially common next to caffeine, where users want a smoother stimulation profile.
Key Benefits:
- Calm Alertness
Anxiety Reduction
Caffeine Synergy
Recommended dose:100-200mg per day
ELECTROLYTE
Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan pink salt is a natural source of essential electrolytes including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It supports hydration, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.
Key Benefits:
- Electrolyte Balance
- Muscle Function Support
- Enhanced Hydration
Recommended dose:300-700mg sodium per hour during exercise
VITAMIN
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy metabolism, nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Methylcobalamin is the most bioactive form.
Key Benefits:
- Energy Metabolism
- Nervous System Support
- Red Blood Cell Formation
Recommended dose:2.4-250mcg per day
VITAMIN
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is essential for energy metabolism, cellular repair, and cardiovascular health. It supports over 400 enzymatic reactions in the body.
Key Benefits:
- Energy Production
Cellular Repair
Heart Health
Recommended dose:14-16mg per day (RDA)
VITAMIN
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is involved in amino acid metabolism and many everyday physiological processes. In supplements it often appears as a supportive micronutrient rather than as the main reason to buy the formula.
Key Benefits:
Protein Metabolism- Neurotransmitter Support
- Immune Support
Recommended dose:1.3-1.7mg per day (RDA)
ELECTROLYTE
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is an essential electrolyte that supports muscle function, nerve transmission, and cardiovascular health. It helps maintain proper fluid balance.
Key Benefits:
- Muscle Function
- Cardiovascular Support
- Nerve Transmission
Recommended dose:3500-4700mg per day
AMINO ACID
Glycine
Glycine is the smallest amino acid and is usually discussed in relation to collagen, sleep quality, and recovery. It is simple, familiar, and often used in evening-oriented supplement conversations.
Key Benefits:
Collagen Production
Sleep Enhancement- Recovery Support
Recommended dose:3-5g per day
NOOTROPIC
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is a powerful nootropic that supports brain health, memory, and cognitive function. It provides choline and enhances phospholipid synthesis.
Key Benefits:
- Memory Enhancement
- Enhanced Focus
- Brain Protection
Recommended dose:250-500mg per day
NOOTROPIC
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is a natural compound extracted from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata. It acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it slows the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. It has attracted research interest for memory and learning, though most clinical work has been done in specific populations and the broader applicability is still being studied.
Key Benefits:
- Memory Support
- Neuroprotection
Learning Enhancement
Recommended dose:50-200mcg per day
NOOTROPIC
Racetams
Racetams are a family of synthetic compounds sharing a pyrrolidone nucleus structure. They include piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, and others. Piracetam was the first compound in this class, synthesized in the 1960s, and the term "nootropic" was originally coined to describe it. Their mechanisms are not fully understood, and regulatory status varies by country.
Key Benefits:
- Cognitive Modulation
- Neuroprotective Research
Membrane Fluidity
Recommended dose:Varies by compound (piracetam: 1200-4800mg/day)
VITAMIN
B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex refers to the group of eight essential B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). They play interconnected roles in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency in any single B vitamin can disrupt the function of others.
Key Benefits:
- Energy Metabolism
- Nervous System Support
- Red Blood Cell Formation
Recommended dose:Varies by individual B vitamin (see individual entries for B3, B6, B12)
AMINO ACID
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It reduces neuronal excitability and plays a key role in regulating anxiety, muscle tone, and sleep. While the body produces GABA naturally, supplemental GABA is widely sold. The central question around oral GABA supplementation is whether it meaningfully crosses the blood-brain barrier, and this remains debated.
Key Benefits:
- Relaxation & Calm
- Sleep Support
- Stress Response
Recommended dose:100-750mg per day
NOOTROPIC
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Modern research has focused on its bacosides (active compounds) and their effects on memory and cognitive function. It tends to show results over weeks rather than acutely, and the evidence base, while promising, is still developing.
Key Benefits:
- Memory Enhancement
- Attention & Processing Speed
- Adaptogenic Properties
Recommended dose:300-600mg per day (standardized to 50% bacosides)
ELECTROLYTE
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. It is a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle tissue. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly affecting women of reproductive age, athletes, and vegetarians. Supplementation is clearly beneficial for deficiency but should not be taken without reason, as excess iron can be harmful.
Key Benefits:
- Oxygen Transport
- Energy Production
- Immune Function
Recommended dose:8-18mg per day (varies by age and sex)
ELECTROLYTE
Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and antioxidant defense. The body requires only small amounts, and copper deficiency is relatively rare in well-nourished populations. However, it can occur in individuals with malabsorption conditions or excessive zinc supplementation.
Key Benefits:
- Iron Metabolism
Connective Tissue Formation- Antioxidant Defense
Recommended dose:0.9mg per day for adults
ELECTROLYTE
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions. It is involved in energy production, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and bone health. Subclinical magnesium deficiency is thought to be widespread in modern diets, particularly due to soil depletion and processed food consumption. Different forms of magnesium have different bioavailability and clinical applications.
Key Benefits:
- Muscle & Nerve Function
- Sleep Quality
- Energy & ATP Production
Recommended dose:310-420mg per day (varies by age and sex)
ELECTROLYTE
Sodium
Sodium is an essential electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve impulse transmission. While excess sodium intake is a well-known health concern in the general population, adequate sodium is critical during exercise and in hot environments. Athletes and individuals on low-carb diets may actually need more sodium than the general guidelines suggest. The key is context-dependent intake rather than blanket restriction.
Key Benefits:
- Fluid Balance
- Nerve Signal Transmission
- Exercise Performance
Recommended dose:1500-2300mg per day (general population)