Nitraflex is a popular pre-workout supplement claimed to boost strength, endurance, and muscle pumps in the gym. One of the key ingredients in Nitraflex is testofen, an extract of the herb Fenugreek that is standardized for a minimum of 50% fenuside.
The makers of Nitraflex claim that Testofen can help support healthy testosterone levels. However, the current research on Testofen and testosterone is mixed. Several small studies show that Testofen may help support testosterone levels, while other research shows no effect.
- A 2016 double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 50 resistance-trained men found that 600 mg of Testofen per day led to a significant increase in testosterone levels, from baseline to post-supplementation.
- A 2012 study in 35 men found that 6 weeks of 600 mg Testofen daily significantly increased free testosterone levels, with testosterone showing an increase of over 40%. However, total testosterone levels did not change.
- In contrast, an 8-week study in 43 men did not find any significant increases in total or free testosterone with 600 mg/day of Testofen.
So while there is some initial evidence that Testofen
may help support testosterone production, the effects are inconsistent across studies. More research is still needed on larger sample sizes.
Factors that may influence Testofen's effects include:
- Dosage - Some studies use 600 mg/day while Nitraflex only contains 325 mg. Higher dosages may be needed.
- Duration - Many studies lasted 6-8 weeks. Longer supplementation may be required.
- Population - Most studies are in young, resistance-trained men. Effects may differ in other groups.
It's also worth noting that most of the current research has been sponsored by manufacturers of Testofen or products containing Testofen. Independent research is still limited at this time.
In summary, while Testofen shows early potential, there is not yet convincing evidence that it reliably and significantly raises testosterone levels for most people. The current research is very limited and somewhat conflicting. Longer, larger scale independent studies in diverse populations are still needed.
What about other ingredients in Nitraflex?
Aside from Testofen, Nitraflex contains several other ingredients purported to enhance workout performance and body composition:
- Citrulline malate - May help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. Some evidence it may modestly enhance endurance and strength training capacity.
- Beta-alanine - May help delay fatigue during intense anaerobic exercise like weight training. Limited evidence for increasing muscle mass and strength.
- Creatine HCL - Well-researched supplement improves high-intensity exercise performance and may increase muscle mass/strength with consistent training.
So while the other ingredients in Nitraflex are supported for enhancing various aspects of exercise performance, Testofen itself has questionable effects on testosterone levels specifically.
If you're looking for a pre-workout boost, Nitraflex seems reasonably formulated to provide workout energy, pumps, strength and endurance. But claims of boosted testosterone or muscle gains from Testofen alone are likely overstated. Supporting research is still very limited and mixed at this time.
Recommendations from Butterfly Hormone Center
As hormone optimization specialists, we get many questions about pre-workout supplements and testosterone levels.
While products like Nitraflex may provide an extra boost in the gym, we don't recommend relying on them as testosterone "boosters". The research is still inconclusive despite what clever marketing claims suggest.
For those seeking lasting improvements in strength, vitality and muscle gains, we advise:
- Adopting a proper resistance training program that promotes muscle protein synthesis and progressive overload over time
- Ensuring adequate protein intake daily - about 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight
- Prioritizing proper recovery - getting enough sleep, managing stress levels, avoiding excess alcohol intake
- Having your testosterone levels tested to determine if optimization therapy is warranted
The above four pillars form the foundation of any muscle building and masculinity optimization protocol.
From there, adjuncts like pre-workout supplements, herbal supplements, and bioidentical testosterone therapy (when clinically appropriate) may provide additional benefits.
Here at Butterfly Hormone Center, we offer complete hormone testing and optimization plans tailored for your needs and goals. Contact us today for a consultation to discover your true hormonal potential!
