Cellucor Alpha Amino: New 2016 Formula Unveiled

Published on October 26, 2016 by Mike Roberto | No Comments
Cellucor Alpha Amino G4

Cellucor Alpha Amino has upgraded its best selling amino supplement for 2016; HydroMax and Nitrates are gone, Betaine is IN, and the BCAAs are transparently dosed!

A while back, Cellucor initiated a massive overhaul of their best selling supplements when they unveiled the G4 Series. In the past 18 months, we’ve seen Cellucor’s best sellers get a facelift, and some newer “Xtreme” version of previous fan favorites added to the growing lineup. This of course also includes the new version of C4.

However, one of the brand’s most popular products is due up for another upgrade, and this time it’s going to include an ingredient that helps build muscle. Alpha Amino.

So the time has come for Cellucor’s flagship intra workout supplement to get the 2016 upgrade it’s been overdue for. But we hope they haven’t touched the flavor system, because Alpha Amino’s taste is downright awesome.

The full breakdown is just ahead, but before we get to it, take a moment to check the best deal and sign up for PricePlow alerts:

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Disclaimer: The price comparisons above will show both old and new formulas until the old formulas are sold from stock. See each store’s label or contact them if you want the new formula.

Alpha Amino G4 2016 Version Ingredients

Below, you’ll be able to see the major upgrades from the previous incarnation of Alpha Amino with the differences discussed below:

Cellucor Alpha Amino 2014 Ingredients

The previous 2014 formula ingredients

The New 2016 Alpha Amino Ingredients

The new 2016 Formula. Note the changes between the previous version of Alpha Amino which contained HydroMax and Nitrates, and this new version, which has replaced it with a solid dose of Betaine.

The biggest change you’ll notice is that the hydration blend has been increased to 1.75g and the Nitrates and HydroMax have been swapped out for a 1.25g dose of BetaPower betaine anhydrous. Additionally, the BCAA Matrix has now been opened up as it now discloses the exact ratio of BCAAs.

You also get more essential aminos now!

Note: For those of you who *really* care, you can also see the original first formula here

  • Instantized BCAA 2:1:1 Matrix (5g)

    Cellucor has kept the same 5g dose from the previous versions of Alpha Amino; however, the 3x Leucine Matrix has been removed and we now have a fully disclosed 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs. Doing the math for those of you who struggle in this department, that means each scoop of the new 2016 G4 Alpha Amino contains 2.5g Leucine and 1.25g each of Isoleucine and Valine.

    BCAAs are definitely something to consider during your pre, intra, or post workout nutrition if it’s been sometime since you’ve had a full meal as BCAAs stimulate muscle protein synthesis.[1,2] Furthermore, consuming a solid dose of BCAAs will help speed recovery and prevent muscle soreness, a better known as DOMS.[3,4]

  • Essential Performance Amino Acid Complex (3.75g)

    Cellucor Alpha Amino C4 Stack

    Get energized for your workout with C4, and stay strong throughout your workout with Alpha Amino, a might 1-2 punch.

    The Essential Performance Amino Complex consists of a number of amino acids: Glutamine, Taurine, Alanine, Citrulline, Arginine, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Methionine, Tyrosine, and Histidine.

    To spotlight a few of the bigger names in the blend, we’ll start with Glutamine, which most know as an excellent recovery amino that also assists with glycogen replenishment in skeletal muscle.[5] Up next is Taurine which acts as a cell volumizer and subsequently helps maintain adequate hydration.

    A little further down the list, we have the arginine booster Citrulline included to reduce soreness and fatigue while enhancing your training threshold.[6,7] The last major amino worth highlighting is the focus booster Tyrosine that’s included to combat stress, improve recovery and improve cognition.[8]

  • Alpha Amino Hydration Blend (1.75g)

    Now we’ve arrived at perhaps the most significant / dramatic change to the Alpha Amino formula, the hydration blend. Previous iterations of Alpha Amino included the potent cell sweller HydroMax high-yield glycerol; however, the newly revamped 2016 edition of Alpha Amino has inserted a solid 1.25g dose of BetaPower betaine anhydrous in its place.

    Betaine is a proven commodity in the workout arena, as highlighted in our mega-post titled Betaine: A Safe, Natural Muscle Builder. It works synergistically with creatine to support creatine production in the body as well as boost overall ATP production.[9,10] Additionally, betaine has been shown to improve hydration, power, strength, and endurance.[11,12,13] Simply put, the inclusion of betaine will produce better all-around workouts which ultimately yield more muscle!

    The remainder of the Hydration blend consists of Coconut water powder and electrolytes, both of which help support and maintain hydration levels.[14] Remember, copious amounts of electrolytes are lost via sweat during exercise, so it’s paramount to replenish what’s being excreted by the body in order to keep performance strong throughout your gym session.

Flavors Available

Cellucor Alpha Amino Closeup

Don’t hit the gym without Alpha Amino in hand!

If there’s one thing Cellucor is synonymous with aside from producing solid sports supplements, is that their flavoring is some of the best in the business. The previous version of Alpha Amino received rave reviews for its Lemon Lime flavor, and we don’t really expect much to change with the new lineup of flavors, which consist of:

  • Fruit Punch
  • Watermelon
  • Blue Raspberry
  • Mixed Berry
  • Lemon Lime

Takeaway

The 2016 tweaks to Alpha Amino may seem small to a great number of you out there, but the changes are pretty significant in terms of bigger dosed blends along with a touch more transparency. More to the point though, Alpha Amino was already a solid offering and a steady volume product for Cellucor, so there’s no need to muck it up with a huge overhaul.

C4 Neuro

This image taken from @cellucor is of Cellucor ambassador @jordanke holding C4 RIPPED, but we doubt you’ll complain about that

We’re not sure when the new products will ship to stores, although most have started to display the updated labels. Keep your eyes peeled for the new labels, and sign up for price alerts below to know when the new tubs are out!The 2016 tweaks to Alpha Amino may seem small to a great number of you out there, but the changes are pretty significant in terms of bigger dosed blends along with a touch more transparency. More to the point though, Alpha Amino was already a solid offering and a steady volume product for Cellucor, so there’s no need to muck it up with a huge overhaul.

We’re not sure when the new products will ship to stores, although most have started to display the updated labels. Keep your eyes peeled for the new labels, and sign up for price alerts below to know when the new tubs are out!The 2016 tweaks to Alpha Amino may seem small to a great number of you out there, but the changes are pretty significant in terms of bigger dosed blends along with a touch more transparency. More to the point though, Alpha Amino was already a solid offering and a steady volume product for Cellucor, so there’s no need to muck it up with a huge overhaul.

Cellucor Alpha Amino – Deals and Price Drop Alerts

Get Price Alerts

No spam, no scams.

Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.

Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

Disclaimer: The price comparisons above will show both old and new formulas until the old formulas are sold from stock. See each store’s label or contact them if you want the new formula.

About the Author: Mike Roberto

Mike Roberto

Mike Roberto is a research scientist and water sports athlete who founded PricePlow. He is an n=1 diet experimenter with extensive experience in supplementation and dietary modification, whose personal expertise stems from several experiments done on himself while sharing lab tests.

Mike's goal is to bridge the gap between nutritional research scientists and non-academics who seek to better their health in a system that has catastrophically failed the public. Mike is currently experimenting with a low Vitamin A diet.

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References

  1. Norton LE, Layman DK. Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Feb;136(2):533S-537S.
  2. Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R; Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):269S-73S
  3. Howatson G, Hoad M, Goodall S, Tallent J, Bell PG, French DN. Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Jul 12;9:20.
  4. Sharp CP, Pearson DR. Amino acid supplements and recovery from high-intensity resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Apr;24(4):1125-30.
  5. Effect of oral glutamine on whole body carbohydrate storage during recovery from exhaustive exercise
  6. Perez-Guisado; Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness.; Department of Medicine, University of Córdoba; 2010
  7. Hickner, R; L-citrulline reduces time to exhaustion and insulin response to a graded exercise test.; Human Performance Laboratory, East Carolina University; 2006
  8. Neri, D; The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness.; Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory; 1995
  9. Sanchez-Margalet V, Valle M, et al. Elevated plasma total homocysteine levels in hyperinsulinemic obese subjects. J Nutr Biochem 2002;13, 75-79.
  10. Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, et al. Effect of 15 days of betaine ingestion on concentric and eccentric force outputs during isokinetic exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2011;25, 2235-2241.
  11. Courtenay ES, et al. Vapor pressure osmometry studies of osmolyte-protein interactions: implications for the action of osmoprotectants in vivo and for the interpretation of “osmotic stress” experiments in vitro. Biochemistry. (2000)
  12. Cholewa, J; Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone.; Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, Coastal Carolina University; 2013
  13. Lee EC, et al. Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. (2010)
  14. M. Saat, R. Singh, R. Sirisinghe, and M. Nawawi, Rehydration After Exercise With Fresh Coconut Water, Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Beverage and Plain Water, Journal of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Human Science, 21 no. 2 (2002).

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