Some people who exercise take supplements, specifically pre-workout supplements, to ensure that they get the most out of their workouts. There are countless companies that offer these products to consumers, which includes Phase 1 Nutrition. This company offers a product that has recently raised concerns. More specifically, there have been concerns of Phase 1 Nutrition’s Pre Phase KO containing methamphetamine – or a substance that comes dangerously close to it.

The following product description can be found on the company’s website:

“Pre Phase KO is the king of the stimulant and pump game. This pre is formulated for the people looking for high stimulants and crazy pumps to keep them going through their workout. The stimulants in KO combine to deliver a seriously big wave of energy, focus, and mood enhancement which is next level. It’ll keep you at peak performance for hours. KO is one of the most comprehensive well rounded pre workouts on the market.”

Without a doubt, the product is appealing to those that are looking for an extra boost during their workouts, but is it worth the risk?

This is not the first pre-workout that has raised concerns. A few years ago, another pre-workout supplement made headlines after a group of researchers found the N-alpha DEPEA compound in the supplement. Why was this concerning? The compound is very similar to methamphetamine; because of their similarities, the body processes it the same way (because it cannot tell the difference). How is this possible? Unfortunately, the FDA does not regulate supplements like pre-workouts; therefore, product manufacturers are free to keep some questionable ingredients secret.

About Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a classified as a stimulant; it affects the central nervous system. It essentially increases levels of dopamine in the brain (with is associated with body movement, reinforcement of rewarding/positive behavior, and motivation, for instance). Some of the physical effects of methamphetamine – even in small doses – include the following: increased blood pressure; increased body temperature; rapid heartbeat (which can also become irregular heartbeat); rapid breathing; increased wakefulness; increased physical activity; decreased appetite.

Methamphetamine is addictive. When people stop taking methamphetamine, they are likely to experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, which can potentially include the following: intense cravings; anxiety; fatigue; depression; and psychosis.

The substances in some pre-workout supplements act just like methamphetamine. Because of that, it is possible for anyone who takes pre-workout supplements to get hooked on them and “need” them before even thinking of their workouts.