DEFCON1 is a pre-workout supplement made by Platinum Labs.
It’s a high-stimulant formula, designed to improve all aspects of your workouts.
Platinum Labs is an American supplement brand, which is based in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Ingredients Label
Active Ingredients
Beta Alanine
Beta alanine is an endurance-boosting compound.
It counteracts the build-up of particular by-products of intense exercise, allowing you to perform extra reps and sets (1).
An effective dose is 2-5g.
Betaine
Betaine is a naturally-occurring compound which is found in sugar beets.
Research shows that it can improve power output, as well as muscle mass (2).
A dose of 2.5g has proven effective.
Creatine Hydrochloride
Creatine is an organic acid which has been shown to improve physical performance, both in terms of power output and endurance (3, 4).
The hydrochloride form is touted by some as more effective than the more common monohydrate version.
Agmatine
Agmatine is a compound which increases nitric oxide levels (5).
It’s also being researched for its benefits on stress reduction and mood improvement.
Choline Bitartrate
Choline is a nutrient with close ties to brain health.
Studies show that a higher dietary intake of choline is linked to improved cognitive performance (6).
The bitartrate form is not quite as effective as others.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a stress-reducing amino acid.
Studies show that it significantly reduces stress hormone production, and can improve performance under fatigue or stressed conditions (7).
The effective dose is 500-2,000mg.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and energy levels.
At higher doses, it may also increase athletic performance (8).
Theobromine
Theobromine is an alkaloid found in cocoa.
Studies have found it to have a bunch of positive effects, including improved mental performance and mood (9, 10).
Juglans Regia
The English walnut tree, also known as Juglans Regia, is a natural source of DMHA.
DMHA is a strong stimulant and mood-booster, which is similar in effects and structure to the now-banned DMAA.
More research is required to assess its complete effects and safety.
Higenamine HCl
Higenamine is a compound which has similar effects to ephedrine, another banned ingredient.
These include stimulant and fat-burning benefits (11).
Who Takes It?
Athletes wanting to improve their energy levels and all aspects of their workouts may enjoy using DEFCON1.
How to Take
Mix 1 scoop (8.2g) with 250mL water, and consume 30 minutes before working out.
Side Effects
Beta alanine can cause a harmless tingling sensation in the hands and skin.
Creatine may cause a minor increase in water weight, in the muscles.
The stimulants in this formula may trigger rapid or irregular heartbeat.
There may be some unknown side effects from the lesser-researched ingredients.
Pros
- Multiple stimulants included to improve energy and mood
- Improves all aspects of your workouts
- Open-label formula.
Cons
- Doses of performance-boosting ingredients are on the low side
- Some ingredients are not well-studied, and may have unknown side-effects.
Conclusion
DEFCON1 is a high-stimulant pre-workout which is designed to improve your workouts across the board – especially in terms of energy and mood.
It contains two ingredeints which have similar effects to now-banned ingredients, which is exciting but should also be treated with caution.
The rest of the formula should also be decent for pumps and performance, however the doses of some performance-boosting ingredients are on the low side.
