C4 Sport Pre-Workout

FD&C Red #40 is a synthetic petroleum-derived food dye that has been linked to hyperactivity in children, potential carcinogenicity, and allergic reactions. It is banned or restricted in several European countries and serves no nutritional or functional purpose — it exists solely for cosmetic color. This is one of the most concerning additives found in any supplement.

Artificial flavors are entirely synthetic chemical compounds created in laboratories to mimic natural tastes. They provide zero nutritional value and lack any transparency regarding their specific chemical composition.

Sucralose is a chlorinated artificial sweetener linked to disruption of the gut microbiome, potential insulin response issues, and generation of harmful compounds during metabolism. It is a heavily processed sugar derivative.

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is an artificial sweetener that has been flagged for potential carcinogenicity concerns in some studies. Stacking two artificial sweeteners (with sucralose) compounds the negative impact on gut health and metabolic signaling.

L-Arginine is a nitric oxide precursor, but it has poor oral bioavailability compared to L-Citrulline. It is largely considered an inferior and outdated ingredient in modern pre-workout formulation. Dose is unknown within the proprietary blend.

Synthetic dehydrated caffeine at 135mg per serving. Functional for energy but not plant-derived. A moderate dose that provides alertness without excessive stimulation.

Standard form of vitamin B6 at 200% daily value. Supports energy metabolism but the excessive dose provides no additional benefit as the body excretes the surplus.

Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic, least bioavailable form of vitamin B12 at an excessive 2500% daily value. The body cannot utilize this amount and excretes the vast majority. Methylcobalamin would be a superior choice.

Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid used for flavor enhancement. Generally recognized as safe.

Common acidulant for taste. Generally recognized as safe and occurs naturally in citrus fruits.

Anti-caking agent commonly used in powdered supplements. Inert and generally recognized as safe.

Anti-caking agent used to maintain powder consistency. Inert and generally recognized as safe.

CarnoSyn is a patented, clinically studied form of beta-alanine that buffers lactic acid to support muscular endurance. However, it is contained within a 3.18g proprietary blend shared with five other ingredients, making the actual dose unknown and likely well below the clinically validated 3.2g.

CON-CRET is a patented creatine hydrochloride form with decent absorption characteristics. However, sharing a 3.18g proprietary blend with five other ingredients means the actual creatine dose is almost certainly sub-clinical, as effective creatine dosing requires 3-5g.

Taurine is an amino acid that supports cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, and cellular hydration. Its dose is unknown within the 1.138g energy blend shared with three other ingredients.

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.