Inspired Nutraceuticals EMBER Returns to Bring a New Level of Heat!

Since 2014, Inspired has been coming out with some of the most innovative products on the market to ‘fuel what inspire’s you’.

2019 was a massive year for Inspired Nutraceuticals – they launched several innovative new supplements while also making updates to existing ones. At times it was hard to keep up, but some of their most notable releases were: FSU, a comprehensive non stim pump product, Protein+, a whey based protein powder with added probiotics, collagen, and digestive enzymes, and Greens, a nutrient dense powerhouse. And that’s really just a snapshot of all the things Inspired was up to.

Inspired has been around since 2014, and right from the start, they’ve been known for not following industry trends, creating unique and powerful formulas, and carving their own path. You can tell those values have really paid off, because Inspired is one of the most well-respected brands in the industry, and their founder Chris Waldrum is one of the most respected CEOs. Last year was all about expanding their line and reach even further by offering more products geared towards health and wellness.

In addition, Inspired has a newer high-powered pre workout called DVST8 Global, which features a globally compliant formula for everyone to enjoy! Their line has grown into a well-rounded machine that includes products geared towards optimizing health and performance. PricePlow is excited to see them take a different direction, because with what they’ve released so far, it’s quite impressive.

The Rebirth of Ember: Inspired’s Flagship Thermogenic

Ember has finally returned and it’s better than ever!

One highly anticipated product that was meant to get updated last year was Ember, their potent fat burner. But with so much happening in such a short span of time, it got left on the back burner. Now that 2019 has come and gone, Inspired is finally ready to bring Ember back to life. And believe us, after you see the formula, you know it was worth the wait!

Inspired claims, Ember will bring a new level of fat loss to the market by delivering extreme energy, fat loss, and leave you with an euphoric feeling. Although Ember was already an incredibly effective product, with a few changes, it will take your progress to new heights.

Achieving a lean and muscular physique is what drives the majority of people to workout in the first place. Getting your diet, exercise, recovery, sleep, and stress levels dialed in is a lot to handle. No matter what, achieving your desired body composition takes time, but with the help of Ember, it may speed up the process. Inspired is known for creating supplements that seem to surpass their label claims. The return of Ember is about to light up the industry — get ready to experience just how powerful a thermogenic can be!

2019 may have been a huge year for Inspired, but that does not mean they are slowing down anytime soon. Before breaking down the formula, sign up for our Inspired Nutraceuticals news alerts on PricePlow!

Note: In the above price comparisons, you may see the old formula still out there. Check the label and design on the retailer’s site to confirm.

Update: Ember Non-Stim is now also out!

Ember Ingredient Analysis

The new Ember features some different ingredients and a fully transparent label!

Inspired is known for loading their products with some of the most effective ingredients on the market and Ember is a perfect example of this. The formula is lengthy, but it has everything you need to maximize your fat burning potential. When PricePlow got word that Inspired was reformulating Ember, we knew it was going to get some big improvements.

Since it’s so stacked, Inspired split up the supplement facts panel to include dosages for both a one (5.6g) and two scoop (11.2g) serving, which is quite a bit for a fat-loss supplement. They recommend mixing one scoop with 4-6 ounces of water and drinking it 30-45 minutes before exercise.

Ember was specifically formulated to increase energy, focus, and turn up the heat by acting as a potent thermogenic. The old version was extremely popular before, but let’s see how Inspired was able to make it even better!

Here’s what two scoops (11.2g) of Ember provides:

• L-Carnitine L-Tartrate – 3g

  Ember is starting out strong with 3g of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, which is by far one of the most popular additions to fat burners, and a monster beyond-clinical dose at that.

  

  Just a few highlights from the new formula!

  Having sufficient levels of L-carnitine within your body is crucial for facilitating fatty acid oxidation. There are several ingredients, such as caffeine, that can help free up fatty acids from stored adipose tissue. However, without enough L-Carnitine available, then they will just float around aimlessly and never be used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

  That’s the last thing you want when trying to burn the most amount of fat. Supplements that boost thermogenesis are all about making your body work more efficiently, they are not magic, but can speed up the process. Therefore, L-carnitine acts as a shuttle to move fatty acids into the cells’ mitochondria, then they are able to undergo beta-oxidation, resulting in the production of ATP and carbon dioxide.^[1]

  It’s also important to note that there are various forms of L-carnitine that exist, but Inspired decided to use this specific form since it may be faster-acting and have slightly better absorption.^[2]

  Furthermore, L-carnitine supplementation has been shown to decrease muscle damage from weight training and enhance insulin sensitivity.^[3,4] This is why you also see L-carnitine in several pre workout formulas, because it’s benefits go beyond fat loss!

  Normally, we see 2g as the clinical dose in several studies. Inspired went above and beyond that.

• Ashwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera)(KSM-66) – 600mg

  Inspired is using one of the best forms of withania somnifera, more commonly known as ashwagandha, that’s available. KSM-66 was developed by Ixoreal Biomed, and it’s known for being the strongest full-spectrum ashwagandha extract! So you know the quality, potency, and purity are unrivaled!

  

  We will let you figure out what FSU stands for, but this is a phenomenal non-stim pre workout.

  Now, what are the benefits of ashwagandha? It has a long list of benefits, but in the context of fat loss, it’s ability to help you adapt to stress by managing cortisol levels is phenomenal.^[5,6] Being in a caloric deficit, while increasing your activity levels in an effort to lose weight puts a huge stress on the body. And that’s in addition to everything else you already have to deal with on a daily basis. This can lead to a steady increase in cortisol levels, and will negatively impact your ability to lose weight.

  Luckily, several studies conclude that ashwagandha can significantly lower cortisol and stress levels.^[5,6] Which are both crucial to keep under control when trying to burn fat. Furthermore, ashwagandha’s other benefits include: decreased anxiety and depression,^[5,7] and increased strength, muscle mass, and recovery.^[8] Some research also suggests that it may boost testosterone levels in males and have a positive effect on cognition.^[8,9] Ashwagandha is an incredible ingredient and you’re getting the clinically studied dose with Ember!

• Dandelion Extract (Taraxacum officinale)(whole plant) – 500mg

  Dandelion extract, also known as taraxacrum officinale, is a fairly popular weight loss supplement due to its diuretic properties. Dandelion has been used as a medicinal herb for nearly 2000 years in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine.^[10] Today, dandelion is used to increase urinary frequency,^[10] resulting in removal of excess water. Therefore, you’ll likely see a significant decrease in weight after using this ingredient.

  

  Ember is here to bring a new level of heat to the supplement industry!

  Although there are other naturally occurring diuretics, dandelion is more optimal for health and performance since it’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and supplies a large amount of potassium.^[10] This can help prevent an electrolyte imbalance from occurring that’s accompanied with other popular diuretics. Furthermore, dandelion contains several bioactive compounds that offer additional benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antioxidant, antiaggregant, and cardioprotective effects.^[10]

  Again, this is a comparatively large dosage, and you may really see some “water sucked out”, so make sure you stay hydrated!

• Cocoa Extract (standardized to 50% cocoa alkaloids) (Theobroma cacao L. (seed) (Cocoabuterol) – 100mg

  

  This is possibly our favorite patented ingredient thanks to the N-coumaroyldopamine and N-caffeoyldopamine.

  Typically when you see cocoa extract, the last thing that’s on your mind is fat loss. However, cocoa has some potent health benefits, especially when you get a high quality extract such as Cocoabuterol. Theobroma cacao, also known as theobromine, has been shown to enhance fat loss due to its ability to suppress appetite, boost energy, thermogenesis, and mood.^[11-14]

  Research shows that theobromine mainly expresses its effects by blocking adenosine receptors and serving as an antagonist of phosphodiesterase.^[11-13] Theobroma cacao also contains high amounts of polyphenols and alkaloids that offer other health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and antitumoral.^[11-13]

  There are several extracts of cocoa that exist in the supplement industry, however Cocoabuterol is more ideal since it’s standardized to contain at least 50% alkaloids. And it was specifically formulated to have an extended half-life and increased bioavailability.^[14]

• Grains of Paradise Extract (Aframomum melegueta) (seed)) (Paradoxine) – 40mg

  Ember is ready to bring the heat and spice with 40mg of Grains of Paradise (GP), also called aframomum melegueta, in the trademarked form of Paradoxine.

  

  Paradoxine is the premier choice for Grains of Paradise extracts.

  If you’re drinking Ember and notice a little spicy aftertaste, then you can blame it on GP, however this ingredient is too powerful to not have in a fat burner! GP is a spice closely related to ginger and they both belong to the same family of plants called Zingiberaceae.^[15] GP has historically been used as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and to improve body composition and digestion.^[15]

  GP’s fat burning effects stem from its seeds, which contain: 6-paradol, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 6-gingerdione. These four main molecules are what give GP it’s potent smell and taste, but also have been shown to increase energy expenditure, promote the conversion of white adipose tissue (fat storage) to brown adipose tissue (more metabolically active), and ultimately, burn more fat!^[15,16] Having greater levels of brown adipose tissue will help you lose weight, but also keep it off since you’ll have less fat storing cells.^[17]

  You can read more about this incredible spice in our article titled Grains of Paradise: Fat Fighting Spice of the Goddesses.

• Choline Bitartrate – 1g

  Choline is considered an essential nutrient for brain and muscle function, but it’s also beneficial for increasing exercise performance and mind-to-muscle connection.^[18] But what most people are unaware of is choline and L-carnitine’s synergistic effects for increasing fat oxidation!^[19]

  

  Inspired fuels you to perform.

  We already discussed above how crucial it is to have sufficient levels of carnitine available for fatty acid transportation into the cell’s mitochondria. Although supplementing with an exogenous form of carnitine can be effective to top off carnitine stores, studies show that with the addition of choline, it can further help preserve intramuscular carnitine levels,^[19] which means greater fat burning potential!

  There are several supplemental forms of choline, but Choline Bitartrate is made up of choline bound to two tartaric acids. It was specifically developed to help increase bioavailability and absorption. After you ingest choline bitartrate, the two molecules will seperate and the choline can directly be used for acetylcholine synthesis.

  This is how choline supplementation is able to increase focus, mental energy, and mind-to-muscle connection, because acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter involved in cell communication.^[18] So the two main benefits you can expect from choline bitartrate are attributed to its ability to boost acetylcholine levels and preserve intramuscular carnitine levels.

• Caffeine Anhydrous – 400mg

  It’s very rare to see a powerful thermogenic that doesn’t have a solid dose of caffeine included. Not only is caffeine a well accepted ergogenic aid, since it can increase strength, work capacity, endurance, power, mental energy and focus, and reduce pain perception.^[20-22]

  

  Ember will be your new go-to thermogenic.

  It also has unique mechanisms that directly enhance thermogenesis via increased fatty acid oxidation. Studies show caffeine expresses the capability to inhibit phosphodiesterase-induced breakdown of an important secondary messenger called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).^[23,24] This messenger is heavily involved in the metabolism of lipids and glucose, therefore it’s important to have a sufficient amount to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  If there’s not enough cAMP present, then several biochemical processes will be slowed down, and especially your ability to turn fatty acids into energy. Since caffeine has the ability to prevent the breakdown of cAMP, then you will be in the optimal environment to burn fat more efficiently! Also, some people notice an appetite suppressing effect from stimulants, so that could be another benefit for boosting weight loss!

  For Ember, Inspired decided to use caffeine anhydrous, which means it will hit fast and hard, but it’s not the only thing providing a boost in energy in this formula!

• Methylliberine 40% (as Dynamine) – 250mg

  

  Dynamine is now Generally Recognized as Safe and can be sold into more stores!

  Methylliberine (trademarked as Dynamine) is another ingredient that can significantly boost physical and mental energy, as well as alertness, motivation, and productivity.^[25] Dynamine is closely related to caffeine and even expresses similar mechanisms of action.^[26] However, it’s also a methylurate, which gives it the unique ability to stimulate neural activation without affecting the cardiovascular system.^[25-27]

  So instead of just megadosing caffeine, Inspired decided to use multiple ingredients to boost energy to prevent any unwanted side effects from occurring. High caffeine consumption can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, and jitters.

  Although more research is needed, Dynamine seems to promote weight loss by reducing food consumption.^[27] Which makes sense, because compounds with a stimulatory effect seem to suppress appetite. Lastly, Dyamine is self-affirmed GRAS (generally regarded as safe), which is always great to see.^[25,26]

• Bitter Orange Extract (Citrus aurantium L.) (fruit) (Advantra Z 20%) – 200mg

  Advantra Z is yet another effective fat burning ingredient and it’s composed of bitter orange extract, also called citrus aurantium. Research shows that due to containing a high amount of synephrine, it can increase your basal metabolic rate, lipolysis, total energy expenditure, and reduce your appetite.^[28,29]

  

  Greens from Inspired is one of the most comprehensive greens powders on the market.

  Advantra Z is standardized to contain at least 20% synephrine, which is an alkaloid that naturally occurs in several plants. Synephrine carries out its effects by activating β-3 adrenoceptors and since it has low binding affinity for α-1, α-2, and β-1, β-2 adrenergic receptors, it has little to no effect on the cardiovascular system.^[29]

  Also, a study published in 2015 assessed the effects of synephrine in combination with caffeine on VO2 max, fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and lipolysis. They found that both the combination and syphrenine on its own, increased all main outcome measures.^[29]

  With a 20% standardization, this means you’ll be getting 40mg active synephrine, which is a solid dose.

• Theobromine – 60mg

  We already discussed theobromine’s positive effects in the Cocoabuterol section. We’re not sure why they have two forms, but it’s a great ingredient, so we’re not complaining. Let’s just do a quick recap on how theobromine works and its benefits for both performance and fat loss!

  

  A protein that includes whey, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and collagen is very unique.

  Many people will refer to theobromine as caffeine’s younger brother since they both have similar effects and chemical structures. Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid derived from cocoa that has psychoactive properties. Studies show it can readily cross the blood brain barrier and block adenosine receptors, which will result in a boost in energy.^[30,31] Furthermore, it has a longer half-life than caffeine, so while the 200mg of caffeine anhydrous begins to fade, theobromine will make sure you sustained energy.

  In regards to fat loss, its appetite suppressing effects seem to be the biggest benefit.^[32] In addition to all of that, theobromine expresses antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects,^[31] so it’s very beneficial for health as well.

• KannaEase – 50mg

  We first were introduced to KannaEase when Inspired launched DVST8 Worldwide just last year, and now it’s making another appearance in Ember.

  

  You can also find KannaEase in DVST8 Worldwide!

  KannaEase is another ingredient that can help decrease stress and anxiety. Which as we mentioned previously, it’s always important to keep stress under control, but especially when dieting. High levels of cortisol will make it extremely difficult to burn body fat and your progress will quickly come to a stop. It will also help take the edge off from all of the stimulants in this formula, without making you drowsy.

  Kanna is an extract derived from a herb called Sceletium tortuosum, and in the early days, people would chew the plant prior to entering high-stress situations.^[33] KannaEase carries out its effects by inhibiting phosphodiesterase-4, resulting in an increase cAMP.^[33] And as discussed in the caffeine section, more cAMP is not only good for fat loss, it also leads to better mood and ability to deal with stress.

  That pretty much wraps up the main ingredients in Ember, but there’s a few key vitamins and minerals that deserve an honorable mention!

• Added Vitamins and Minerals

  In addition to all the ingredients we just talked about, Ember also includes the following vitamins and minerals for added benefits: B6, B12, Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), and Chromium Picolinate (as Chromax from Nutrition21).

  In general, B vitamins take on several crucial roles in energy metabolism. Although they do not directly give you energy, B vitamins act as coenzymes in a variety of biological processes involved in the breakdown of energy substrates (carbs, fats, proteins). So they definitely help increase energy, just in an indirect way.

  B vitamins are very important for health, but in regards to fat loss, the main star of the show here has to be Chromium Picolinate (as Chromax). Chromax comes from a premier ingredient supplier, Nutrition21, who has introduced several phenomenal ingredients to the supplement industry over the years. Chromax is GRAS (generally recognized as safe), at clinically studied dosages and has at least 35 human clinical trials supporting its efficacy.^[34]

  From the literature, it’s clear that Chromax can help improve insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, appetite control, weight management, energy, and support brain and heart health.^[34,35]

Watch This Video To Learn More About Chromax From Nutrition21!

Available Flavors

Ember is a powdered based fat burner so the main question is: can Inspired mask the spice that often accompanies Grains of Paradise? They do use a mix of natural and artificial flavor and sweeteners too add flavor to this product, but they never use any artificial coloring. Historically, Inspired has done a great job flavoring their supplements and when they can, always opt for natural ingredients.

But some of the ingredients in this fat burner may have been too difficult to mask with just stevia. Since this is a powder based product, it can easily be stacked with a non-stim pump product like FSU, to create a comprehensive pre workout drink.

Here’s an updated list of all Inspired Ember’s available flavors:

The Return of Ember Was Worth The Wait!

Coming off a huge year in 2019, Inspired knew they had some big shoes to fill. Ever since they announced that Ember was getting some upgrades, their fans were eager to see what they had in store. We think it’s safe to say that the wait was well worth it, because that is quite the formula.

Ember is ready to show you just how powerful a thermogenic can be!

Ember has everything you need to make even the toughest cardio sessions seem like a walk in the park. Not only are we fans of the new formula, but we also like how it now features a fully transparent label, unlike the old version. Ember is ready to dominate the thermogenic market, and with the new formula, it’s definitely capable of doing just that!

From the very beginning Inspired stood out from the rest of the competition, but with the direction they’re heading now, it’s really starting to become apparent. Chris Waldrum, owner of Inspired, is continuing to push the industry forward with every new product they come out with. And that’s something we appreciate and respect. But Inspired is far from being done, so definitely be on the lookout for what’s to come in the future. PricePlow will make sure to keep you updated, all you have to do is subscribe down below!

Note: In the above price comparisons, you may see the old formula still out there. Check the label and design on the retailer’s site to confirm.