Primeval Labs is known for its great-tasting, ultra-premium supplements. Perhaps none is greater than our elite pre workout Mega Pre Black.

Used by thousands and thousands of hard-training individuals, Mega Pre Black has made a name for itself by delivering on the five pillars of pre workout perfection:

• Energy 
• Performance
• Pump
• Focus
• Taste

Today, we take a deep dive into Mega Pre Black, explaining what makes this one of the best pre workout supplements on the market and answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the product.

Let’s go!

Frequently Added Questions

“I feel like I need a lot of energy from my pre workout. Is Mega Pre Black a good fit?”

Absolutely!

 

Mega Pre Black delivers rapid-acting energy that is also long lasting. By combining two forms of caffeine alongside Dynamine and TeaCrine, Mega Pre Black delivers ample energy to power you through your workouts and to help you get work done afterwards.

“I hate pre workouts that make me crash after my workout. Does Mega Pre Black do that?” 

No.

 

Mega Pre Black was meticulously formulated to avoid the dreaded jitters and crash of typical pre workout supplements.

 

To help prevent crashing, we’ve included TeaCrine, which has a half-life 4x greater than caffeine!

 

This helps keep energy levels higher for longer, compared to caffeine only pre workout supplements which may only boost energy levels for 1-2 hours.

“Does Mega Pre Black show me how much of each ingredient is in the pre workout on the label?”

Yes!

 

Mega Pre Black is transparently-dosed, so you know exactly how much of each ingredient you get in every scoop.

“Should I start with two scoops of Mega Pre Black the first time I try it?”

Due to the intensity of Mega Pre Black, we suggest individuals begin with one scoop and assess their reaction to it.

 

If tolerated well and looking for added energy, focus, and pump, individuals may take two scoops.

“What is Dynamine & Teacrine?”

Dynamine and TeaCrine are “chemical cousins” that support increased energy, mental clarity, mood, and focus without increasing heart rate or blood pressure.

 

Dynamine (methyliberine) is faster acting and shorter lasting, while TeaCrine is slower-acting, but longer-lasting.

 

Combining the two makes for an ideal energy-boosting combination that is both rapid-acting and sustained, helping you feel energized quickly and for several hours afterwards. These compounds are ideal non-stimulant compounds that complement the effects of caffeine without the jitters or crash.

“Can I Stack Mega Pre Black with other Primeval Labs products?”

Mega Pre Black can be stacked with other non-stimulant supplements, such as Vasogorge Black or Mega Pre White.

 

Mega Pre Black should not be stacked with other stimulant-containing supplements.

 

 

What’s in Mega Pre Black?

L-Citrulline (6g)

Leading off the charge is a robust 6 full grams of L-Citrulline.

Citrulline is an amino acid found in a number of foods, watermelon in particular, that supports nitric oxide production and blood flow by increasing plasma levels of arginine -- the amino acid that acts as the “fuel” for NO production.

Now, you might wonder why not supplement with pure L-arginine since it is a more direct means to NO production.

Well, the reason that Mega Pre Black doesn’t include L-arginine is that it has terrible bioavailability, which means our bodies do not use it efficiently. And, in order to get any meaningful effect from the amino acid, you’d have to take a rather large dose (10-20), but that also comes with the possibility of GI distress.[1]

L-Citrulline, however, is highly bioavailable and well tolerated, even when dosed as high as 10 grams!

Plus, research even shows that Citrulline is superior to L-arginine for boosting plasma arginine levels.

Beyond nitric oxide support, L-Citrulline has also been noted to enhance Vo2 kinetics and ATP production, promoting greater endurance and athletic performance as well as lean body mass![2,3,4,5]*

This is likely due to Citrulline’s role in ammonia buffering via the urea cycle, which may help reduce fatigue, thereby allowing individuals to perform a greater amount of work.

Beta Alanine (3.2g)

Beta alanine is an amino acid that binds to histidine to form the potent intracellular buffer carnosine.

Carnosine buffers acidic (H+) ions that accumulate during the course of exercise training, which helps prevent muscle pH from dropping too low. When muscle pH gets too low, it is unable to continue to contract, which means performance drops off and your set is over.

Beta alanine has been shown to effectively increase carnosine concentrations in skeletal muscle as well as attenuate neuromuscular fatigue and improve performance in physical activities lasting 60 to 240 s.[6]

Betaine (3g)

Betaine (trimethylglycine) is a naturally occurring compound found in a number of plant foods, namely beets, from which betaine derives its name.

It is composed of a molecule of glycine surrounded by three methyl groups and has been a subject of intense research by those in the exercise and sports performance communities.

The reason for this is that a number of human studies indicate that betaine supplementation may boost muscle endurance, increase strength, enhance work capacity and improve body composition.[7,8,9]

Researchers believe that the benefits of betaine can be attributed to three different activities:

• Betaine supports endogenous creatine production, via methylation of the amino acid homocysteine to methionine (a building block of creatine)
• Betaine serves a powerful osmolyte in skeletal muscle, which enhances cellular hydration, thereby improving hydration and stamina.
• Betaine may also increase muscle oxygen consumption

Basically, for individuals looking for increased work output, less fatigue, and greater muscle fullness, betaine is an incredibly appealing option!

Choline Bitartrate (2g)

Choline is an essential nutrient required for the synthesis of cell membranes and optimal development of the nervous system.[10,11]

It also serves as an important building block for the “learning” neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.

As you might expect, acetylcholine is heavily involved in learning as well as memory and cognition.

Acetylcholine is even involved in muscular contractions and the mind-muscle connection.

Caffeine Anhydrous (325mg)

What can be said about caffeine that you likely already don’t know?

It is the consummate pre workout stimulant, included to boost energy, ignite the nervous system, and amplify athletic performance.

Caffeine works primarily by blocking adenosine -- a neurotransmitter that builds up in extracellular space as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) breaks down.

Blocking adenosine helps alleviate feelings of central fatigue, which boosts energy levels and helps increase time to exhaustion.

But caffeine’s benefits extend beyond enhancing feelings of energy, mood, and motivation.

Research notes caffeine supplementation can increase energy expenditure as well as strength, endurance, and anaerobic performance (i.e. resistance training).[12,13,14,15]

Dynamine™ 40% (260mg)

Mega Pre Black is known for delivering intense, long-lasting energy.

Caffeine certainly helps in that department, but it is only one part of the energy-boosting matrix in Mega Pre Black.

Dynamine is a next-generation ingredient that can best be described as a “neuro-activating compound” that boosts energy and focus without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. 

Dynamine is the brand name for methylliberine, a purine alkaloid found in the kucha tea leaf that has a molecular structure similar to theacrine -- another ingredient found in Mega Pre Black.

Essentially, Dynamine™ (methyliberine) can stimulate the CNS, without affecting the cardiovascular system, thereby amplifying feelings of energy, mood and focus via activation of dopamine receptors.

Perhaps more impressive is the fact that Dynamine does not cause vasoconstriction or result in tolerance and habituation like so many other stimulants used in pre workout supplements.

Pine Bark Extract (200mg)

Pine bark extract is a rich source of powerful antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which may possess cardiovascular benefits.[16,17]

Research notes that the proanthocyanidins contained in pine bark extract may combat vasoconstriction via increasing the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) -- the enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide.

Pine bark extract has also been reported to lower blood concentrations of endothelin, an endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor.[18,19]

Combining Pine Bark Extract with L-Citrulline makes for a powerful 1-2 punch that helps support greater nitric oxide production along various steps on the NO-generating pathway for greater blood flow, energy production, and muscle pumps.

TeaCrine (150mg)

TeaCrine® (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is a purine alkaloid that is structurally similar to caffeine and Dynamine that delivers long-lasting energy without the jitters or crash commonly experienced with pre workout stimulants.

TeaCrine functions similar to caffeine is some ways, namely adenosine antagonism and dopamine release.

However, TeaCrine’s effects are longer-lasting, and smoother-feeling than caffeine (or Dynamine). Furthermore, TeaCrine does not come with the habituation or tolerance build up that caffeine does. And, TeaCrine also doesn’t impact cardiovascular functions or sleep in the way that caffeine can.*

A number of studies have also found that combining TeaCrine and caffeine may[20,21]:

• Enhance mental and physical performance better than caffeine alone
• Boost mood, focus, and psychometrics greater than just caffeine
• Boost energy levels for longer than taking caffeine alone

New research has also shown that when combining caffeine + Dynamine + TeaCrine (as we have here in Mega Pre Black) results in an exposure THREE TIMES greater than caffeine alone!

Basically, when using Dynamine® and TeaCrine® alongside caffeine, you can get a much longer-lasting energy boost (3x longer!) than you would using the same amount of caffeine alone.[22]

This makes for an unparalleled energy and focus experience that you can only get with Mega Pre Black!

ElevATP® (150mg)

ATP is the currency of energy production in the body, and for years researchers have looked for ways to increase blood ATP levels. Unfortunately, most of these oral ATP supplements have failed due to poor bioavailability.

elevATP® is a patented combination of ancient peat and apple extracts shown in human research trials to significantly enhance ATP production in the body! [23,24,25]

 

Additional research finds that elevATP supplementation may significantly increase strength, power, and performance in resistance-trained individuals.[26,27]

Supplementation with 150mg elevATP® (the same dose included in Mega Pre Black) also has been noted to enhance hypertrophy (muscle growth) and attenuate decrements in performance that sometimes occurs as a result of increased training volume and overreaching.

In other words, supplementation with elevATP may enhance energy production, athletic performance, and muscle growth while reducing feelings of overtraining.

Infinergy™ Dicaffeine Malate (68mg)

To further support long-lasting energy, Mega Pre Black includes 68mg of Infinergy dicaffeine malate.

Dicaffeine malate is a slower-releasing form of caffeine that provides a sustained release of energy to offset any potential crash. This buffered form of caffeine is also easier on the GI system while still delivering the same boost in energy, mood and focus, helping you stay in the zone and get work done.

Huperzine A 1% (100mcg)

Huperzine A is a powerful nootropic that enhances acetylcholine levels by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase -- the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.[28] 

By combiningHuperzine A with a choline donor as we have in Mega Pre Black, it helps support greater acetylcholine levels fostering tighter focus and a stronger mind-muscle connection.*

Huperzine A also possesses neuroprotective activities, and it may also help stimulate the growth of new brain cells.

References

1. George K. Grimble; Adverse Gastrointestinal Effects of Arginine and Related Amino Acids, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 137, Issue 6, 1 June 2007, Pages 1693S–1701S, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/137.6.1693S
2. Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR, Lord T, Vanhatalo A, Winyard PG, Jones AM. l-Citrulline supplementation improves O2 uptake kinetics and high-intensity exercise performance in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015 Aug 15;119(4):385-95
3. Gonzales JU, Raymond A, Ashley J, Kim Y. Does L-citrulline supplementation improve exercise blood flow in older adults? Experimental physiology. 2017;102(12):1661-1671. doi:10.1113/EP086587.
4. Suzuki T, Morita M, Kobayashi Y, Kamimura A. Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 2-way crossover study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2016;13(1):6. doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0117-z.
5. Gonzales JU, Raymond A, Ashley J, Kim Y. Does l-citrulline supplementation improve exercise blood flow in older adults? Exp Physiol. September 2017. doi:10.1113/EP086587.
6. Trexler, E.T., Smith-Ryan, A.E., Stout, J.R. et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 12, 30 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
7. Gao, X., Zhang, H., Guo, X., Li, K., Li, S., & Li, D. (2019). Effect of betaine on reducing body fat—A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 11(10), 2480. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102480
8. Cholewa, J.M., Hudson, A., Cicholski, T. et al. The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on body composition and performance in collegiate females: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 37 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0243-x
9. Cholewa JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Glowacki R, et al. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):39. Published 2013 Aug 22. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-39
10. Wallace JMW, McCormack JM, McNulty H, et al. Choline supplementation and measures of choline and betaine status: a randomised, controlled trial in postmenopausal women. Br J Nutr. 2012;108(7):1264-1271. doi:10.1017/S000711451100674X. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22172554
11. Cohen BM, Renshaw PF, Stoll AL, Wurtman RJ, Yurgelun-Todd D, Babb SM. Decreased brain choline uptake in older adults. An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. JAMA. 1995;274(11):902-907. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7674505
12. Mora-Rodríguez R, Pallarés JG, López-Samanes Á, Ortega JF, Fernández-Elías VE. Caffeine Ingestion Reverses the Circadian Rhythm Effects on Neuromuscular Performance in Highly Resistance-Trained Men. Bacurau RFP, ed. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(4):e33807. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0033807.
13. Astorino, T. A., Rohmann, R. L., & Firth, K. (2008). Effect of caffeine ingestion on one-repetition maximum muscular strength. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 102(2), 127–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0557-x
14. Beck, T. W., Housh, T. J., Schmidt, R. J., Johnson, G. O., Housh, D. J., Coburn, J. W., & Malek, M. H. (2006). The acute effects of a caffeine-containing supplement on strength, muscular endurance, and anaerobic capabilities. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(3), 506–510. https://doi.org/10.1519/18285.1
15. Ganio, M. S., Klau, J. F., Casa, D. J., Armstrong, L. E., & Maresh, C. M. (2009). Effect of caffeine on sport-specific endurance performance: a systematic review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 315–324. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31818b979a
16. Rohdewald  P A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology.  Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;40 (4) 158- 168
17. Liu  XWei  JTan  FZhou  SWürthwein  GRohdewald  P Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, improves endothelial function of hypertensive patients.  Life Sci 2004;74 (7) 855- 862
18. Shand  BStrey  CScott  RMorrison  ZGieseg  S Pilot study on the clinical effects of dietary supplementation with Enzogenol, a flavonoid extract of pine bark and vitamin C.  Phytother Res 2003;17 (5) 490- 494
19. Liu  XZhou  HJRohdewald  P French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients.  Diabetes Care 2004;27 (3) 839
20. He H, Ma D, Crone LB, et al. Assessment of the Drug-Drug Interaction Potential Between Theacrine and Caffeine  in Humans. J Caffeine Res. 2017;7(3):95-102. doi:10.1089/jcr.2017.0006.
21. Kuhman DJ, Joyner KJ, Bloomer RJ. Cognitive Performance and Mood Following Ingestion of a Theacrine-Containing Dietary Supplement, Caffeine, or Placebo by Young Men and Women. Nutrients. 2015;7(11):9618-32. Published 2015 Nov 19. doi:10.3390/nu7115484
22. Yates, C. R.. “Assessment of Pharmacokinetic Interaction Potential Between Caffeine and Methylliberine [Manuscript in Preparation]”
23. Reyes T, Shu C, Argumedo R, Nemzer B, Pietrzkowski Z. The Effect of ElevATPTMon Whole Blood ATP Levels: A Single Dose, Cross over Clinical Study. Vol 1.; 2014.
24. Joy J, Vogel R, Moon J, Falcone P, Mosman M, P. Kim M. Twelve Weeks Supplementation with an Extended-Release Caffeine and ATP-Enhancing Supplement May Improve Body Composition without Affecting Hematology in Resistance-Trained Men. Vol 13.; 2016. doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0136-9.
25. Joy J, Falcone P, Vogel R, Mosman M, P Kim M, Moon J. Supplementation with a Proprietary Blend of Ancient Peat and Apple Extract May Improve Body Composition without Affecting Hematology in Resistance-Trained Men. Vol 40.; 2015. doi:10.1139/apnm-2015-0241.
26. Joy JM et al., “Ancient peat and apple extracts supplementation may improve strength and power adaptations in resistance trained men,” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 16, no. 1 (July 2016): 224; 
27. Reyes-Izquierdo, T., Nemzer, B., Argumedo, R., Cervantes, M., & Pietrzkowski, Z. (2016). The Effect of ElevATP on Exercise Output: A Single Dose, Blinded, Three-Way Cross-Over Study. Current Trends in Nutraceuticals
28. Zhao, Q; Effects of huperzine A on acetylcholinesterase isoforms in vitro: comparison with tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine and physostigmine.; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences; 2002