Myprotein Pulse V4 Review

Myprotein Pulse V4 pre workout supplement contains Citrulline Malate, Creapure and Taurine to improve focus and produce a big muscle pump

Introduction

Myprotein Pulse V4 is a new and improved pre workout supplement from Myprotein.com following Pulse 4 which was one of the top sellers. I received five sample packs to try that allowed me to thoroughly test the supplement and provide you with a review. At the time I was taking OneOn Hades which is an excellent pre workout supplement so it was good to test Pulse V4 in parallel with this to see how it compared.

The difference between Myprotein Pulse and Pulse V4

Added ingredients: Citrulline Malate, Taurine, Caffeine, Creapure
Removed ingredients: Chocamine, Glucuronolactone, CEE

Pulse V4 contains beta alanine which has been shown in many research studies to reduce lactic acid, reduce fatigue and, in a study conducted at Katholieke University Leuven in Belgium, 'significantly enhance sprint performance at the end of an exhaustive endurance exercise bout'. Beta alanine can do this by working together with l-histidine to form the dipeptide carnosine which is believed to reduce the build up of lactic acid in the muscles and as a result increase anaerobic capacity. This is backed up by a report in the Journal of Japanese physiology which stated 'it has been shown that people whose muscle carnosine was high could exhibit high power during the latter half of the 30 second maximal cycle ergometer sprinting. These results suggested that the muscle carnosine concentration could be one of the important factors determining high-intensity exercise performance.' (Y Suzuki et al 2002.)

Each serving of Pulse V4 contains Myprotein's unique 'Focus and Energise Matrix', a combination of Tyrosine, Taurine, Guarana and Caffeine to produce sharp mental focus. This unique blend can boost energy levels whilst the Tyrosine increases production of key neurotransmitters that allow for the focus and concentration needed to perform at your best.

The amount of carbohydrates has also reduced from 3.8g to 2g per serving and there is only 8 calories per serving making Pulse V4 a low carb and low calorie pre workout supplement.

Myprotein worked alongside UKBFF Heavyweight Daz Ball to develop Pulse V4, designed by bodybuilders for bodybuilders. Product Development Specialist Jon Langton said 'We set out to make a formula that contains absolutely everything a bodybuilder would need to fuel their workouts. The best quality creatine (Creapure) to improve strength, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate for increased Nitric Oxide production and muscular pump, plus beta alanine and citrulline malate to buffer lactic acid and tyrosine, taurine, guarana extract and caffeine to enhance focus and positively affect certain neurotransmitters allowing you to maintain a higher intensity throughout your workouts.'

According to Daz Ball, 'everything from the ingredients to the generous doses shows that Myprotein.com wanted to create the ultimate pre-workout bodybuilding supplement, and for me they've got it 100% right! It was great to be involved in the making of it and I'm now religiously using Pulse V4 as I plan to gain my pro card later this year.'

Marketing Director Mark Coxhead said 'Our roots are in bodybuilding and we will never forget that. That's why we insist on involving elite bodybuilders, like Daz, in the R&D; process. They are the most demanding and knowledgeable customers we have and the latest result is Pulse V4, probably the most potent pre-workout supplement on the market today.'

Myprotein Pulse V4 taste and side effects

Pulse V4 tastes a lot like Hades, Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy, Reflex Performance Matrix and many other pre workout supplements on the market. It has a berry taste (Berry Blast flavour) which ensures it isn't too overpowering yet sweet enough to actually enjoy the taste. The taste isn't too strong but for a pre workout supplement I don't think this particularly matters, it is pleasant and easy to drink.

Gym weights black and white

In terms of how well it mixes with water, there are no criticisms here. After 3-5 seconds of shaking Pulse V4 easily mixes to ensure there are no lumps or dry grains remaining. Like all pre workout supplements it produces a slight froth due to the ingredients used but this does not stop you from being able to drink it all from a shaker.

The most important question, does it work to give you focus and a pump? After one sample pack I must admit I was unsure. I went to the gym feeling slightly more focused but didn't get any sweats or much of a pump. However after taking a second sample pack, then third and forth over the week I changed my opinion. After the second sample pack I got a sweat immediately and felt really focused to hit the gym hard. When in the gym I got a great pump that enabled me to do a great arm workout and was able to repeat this over the course of the week.

I did not feel any sickness whatsoever (which some pre workout supplements can give you) and so, based on my experience, there were no side effects other than a slight sweat, increased focus and pump.

The only criticism I can think of is that you may want to use this before 7pm, otherwise you might not be sleeping until 2am! However, unless you get a caffeine free pre workout supplement, this is the case for any that you buy due to the caffeine content (essentially 1 strong cup of coffee). One 17g scoop of Pulse V4 contains 168.4mg of caffeine, to put that into context a tall Americano from Starbucks contains 150mg.

So if you're looking for a supplement that can pick you up and get you motivated and focused for an intense gym session whilst also giving you a big pump then Pulse V4 is definitely worth trying. In my opinion this is one of Myprotein's best supplements alongside their Coconpure, Almond Butter, Creapure and True Whey protein formula. Myprotein sell Pulse V4 in a 500g bag for £19.99 (approximately 29 servings). Given the small recommended dose per serving, this should keep you going for around 2 months (if going to the gym around 3 times a week) so is very good value.

Ben Coomber's view

Ben is a performance nutritionist at The Training Lab in West Sussex and owner of Body Type Nutrition. Here is his opinion about Pulse V4:

Pulse V4 is much improved on the last Pulse formula. It is not as sweet and has less sugar per serving with more active ingredients. It is not ideal to take late at night as caffeine has a half life of 6 hours (half life is the time a substance remains in the blood after ingestion). Therefore I would not recommend taking a serving any later than 5-6pm. People have different sensitivities to caffeine which, when sensitive, will affect sleep which of course is essential for recovery. Even if you take it late and can still sleep it is important to remember that it will not be ideal for long term health because of the stress it will place on the adrenal glands.

Additional information about Pulse V4

Myprotein recommend that you do not use any other caffeine or Creatine products at the same time as Pulse V4 so you do not need to take Creatine as well as Pulse V4 before your workout because it is already in the Pulse V4 formula.

It is also recommended that you do not take Pulse V4 if you are pregnant, nursing, prone to dehydration, or exposed to excessive heat and should only be taken by people aged 18-50.

For optimum results, add 17g of Pulse (approximately 3 teaspoons or 6 small MP scoops) to 200-250ml of water, shake and consume 30 minutes before you exercise.

Pulse V4 ingredients

Creatine monohydrate (Creapure®), Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate (AAKG), L Tyrosine, Dextrose, Beta Alanine, Citrulline Malate, Flavouring, Citric Acid, Taurine, Guarana Extract, Caffeine, Sweetener (Sucralose), Colour (Carmoisine)

Pulse V4 Nutritional Information (per 17g serving)