Do you often feel tired throughout the day? Do you feel like you don’t have the energy to get through those daunting tasks? Are you tired of having to turn to energy drinks and caffeine, just to be left with that hard-hitting crash? Do you wish there was another way to gain energy?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. People all around the world are struggling to stay productive and it often boils down to their energy levels — or lack of it. Energy is something we all need to get ourselves through the day, but it seems so difficult to obtain and definitely doesn’t come free.
The good news is there are ways to boost your energy levels without turning to that cup of coffee, espresso, or energy drink — which often contain harmful chemicals the body doesn’t need. Instead, you can turn to an energy-boosting supplement to help you get through the day.
Of course, not all supplements are created equal. Most of them contain caffeine, but some don’t. Even those that don’t contain caffeine aren’t always going to be a healthy option. Today, we’re going to detail one of the most popular and effective non-caffeine energy supplements, Performance Lab Energy. We’ll take a thorough look at this supplement’s ingredients, claims, benefits, and more so you can decide if it is worth the purchase. So without further ado, let’s dive into this complete review of Performance Lab Energy.
What Is Performance Lab Energy?
Performance Lab Energy is an energy-boosting supplement brought to you by Opti-Nutra Ltd. through their secondary company Performance Lab Ltd. They’ve become one of the most popular supplement brands over the past five years and come with a lot of recommendations.
Their Performance Lab supplement line contains 18 highly-researched and very effective supplements that help with just about anything. Let’s take a closer look:
- CORE Range – includes Energy, Stim, MCT, Multi Men’s, Multi Women’s, Omega 3, PL-Immune, Mind, Sleep, Prebiotic, and Flex.
- SPORT Range – includes Protein, Carb, BCAA, Pre, Post, Main, and SPORTMixer.
With their Energy formula, they combine just five ingredients that are all designed to boost your energy levels naturally — without the use of caffeine or any other stimulant. Instead, it targets the mitochondria inside your cells and provides a clean, jitter-free, crash-free boost of daily energy.
Before we get to the ingredients, we’re going to explain a little bit more about the Performance Lab Energy formula — including what the mitochondria do for the body, why you don’t need stimulants to boost energy, what NutriCaps are, and what formulas you can stack with Energy.
What’s the role of the mitochondria?
The mitochondria are tiny organelles found inside each and every one of the cells in your body. They’re membrane-bound and contain two different membranes — an inner and outer membrane — which is unique among intercellular organelle. They’re known as the powerhouse of the cell.
A majority of all energy needed for cell function is produced in the mitochondria of the cell, which is essential to just about every function and process that happens inside the human body. It produces energy by converting chemicals into adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP.
ATP is known as the energy currency of the cell because it is stored energy that’s used when needed — much like the money you get from the ATM. Without a healthy, effective, and efficient mitochondria, your cells wouldn’t be getting the necessary amount of energy it needs to function.
Do you need stimulants for a boost of energy?
The short answer to this question is no, you don’t need stimulants for a boost of energy. The reason so many people turn to stimulants is because it provides a fast-acting boost of energy that makes you feel more awake by speeding up the messages between the brain and body.
Caffeine is one of the most common stimulants taken for this reason. It’s found in a wide variety of drinks that we consume often, including coffee, espresso, tea, soda, and energy drinks. It can also be found in most energy supplements, including Fuel EZ and 4D Premium. In fact, caffeine can even found in chocolate — that delicious and tasty treat most of us can’t get enough of.
The problem with caffeine, and most other stimulants, is that they’re unhealthy for the body — especially when taken in large amounts. With caffeine, you should never consume more than 400mg of it per day. Since most of us come close to that, you should avoid it in a supplement.
What are NutriCaps?
NutriCaps are a specially-formulated capsule that are unique and exclusive to Performance Lab supplements. They’re designed to be cleaner, safer, easier to swallow, easier to digest, and vegan-friendly. It’s one of the many ways Performance Lab goes above and beyond for you.
The capsules are made of pullulan, which is fermented tapioca. They’re also prebiotic-infused to ensure easy digestion and superior nutrient absorption when consumed. They come in a size 00, which is smaller than most capsules and ensures a supplement that’s filled to the brim.
Can you trust Performance Lab?
When it comes to quality standards, not many supplements on the market today compare to what Performance Lab provides. Their NutriCaps® are only part of what makes them such a trustworthy brand. They’re also transparent with their labeling and ensure the right dosages.
Their manufacturing facilities are registered with the FDA, NSF cGMP compliant, NPA-certified, UL-certified, 21 CFR Part 111 compliant, Prop 65 compliant, USDA Organic certified, meet USP standards, HACCP-certified, STR-certified, ESC compliant, and US Pharmacopeia certified.
Not only that, but their Energy supplement is validated by a third party, eco-friendly, non-GMO, prebiotic-infused, vegan-friendly, GMP-certified, caffeine-free, soy-free, synthetic additive-free, soy-free, gluten-free, allergen-free, free of banned substances, and non-irradiated.
Performance Lab Energy Ingredients
Now that we understand a little more about the Performance Lab Energy supplement and why it’s so trusted among consumers today, let’s start to break down the formula that makes it so effective. This is where we get to see the true power behind the formula with its ingredients.
The formula contains five research-backed ingredients that help ensure a healthy and efficient mitochondria — the powerhouse of the cell. These ingredients include Acetyl-L-Carnitine, R-Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, BioPQQ, and BioPerine. Let’s take a closer look at each one below!
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Benefits: transports fat into the mitochondria (metabolized for energy), boosts acetylcholine production (memory, cognitive function), has antioxidant properties, boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, increases cerebral blood circulation, and protects brain cells
Source: a synthesized version of the amino acid L-Carnitine, which is derived from two other amino acids (lysine and methionine). It’s more bioavailable than L-Carnitine, crosses the blood brain barrier, and is delivered across all cell membranes.
Recommended Dosage: 1,000-4,000mg per day
Actual Dosage: 750mg per day
Side Effects: generally well-tolerated since it’s produced naturally in the body, but some side effects are present when taken in high doses (nausea, vomiting, increased agitation, weight loss, and restlessness)
R-Lipoic Acid
Benefits: has antioxidant properties, reduces oxidative stress, crosses the blood-brain barrier, protects brain cells, boost acetylcholine production in the brain (memory, cognitive function), increases glucose uptake, works well with CoQ10, regenerates Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione (antioxidants)
Source: the form of lipoic acid that’s found naturally in the body, it’s also the form that’s a co-factor in energy production in the mitochondria, most supplements contain alpha-lipoic acid (which is a combination of R-ALA and S-ALA), R-ALA is much more effective than S-ALA
Recommended Dosage: 100-250mg per day
Actual Dosage: 150mg per day
Side Effects: generally well-tolerated, but can include diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, skin rashes, lowered blood sugar levels, lowered thyroid hormone levels, and lowered levels of Vitamin B1 when taken in high doses
Coenzyme Q10
Benefits: natural antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress, converts fat into energy in the mitochondria, protects brain cells, increases ATP production, improves cognitive function, and enhances electrical signals sent between neurons
Source: also known as CoQ10 or 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, it’s naturally produced in the body and used by every single cell you own (especially brain cells), helps fuel the cell’s mitochondria
Recommended Dosage: 30-400mg per day
Actual Dosage: 100mg per day
Side Effects: reduces the effects of some medications, but is generally well-tolerated when taken as directed
BioPQQ
Benefits: has antioxidant properties, reduces oxidative stress, enables cell health and cell development, works well with CoQ10, boosts, multiplies, and protects the mitochondria of the cell, increases energy, and protects brain cells
Source: also known as Pyrroloquinoline quinone or methoxatin, a vitamin-like compound that’s found naturally in plants and foods, including soybeans, spinach, and kiwi, it works in a similar way as B-complex vitamins
Recommended Dosage: 5-25mg per day
Actual Dosage: 10mg per day
Side Effects: generally well-tolerated by adults when taken as directed
BioPerine
Benefits: increases nutrient absorption and bioavailability, inhibits P-glycoprotein (drug transporter) and CYP3A4 (drug metabolism enzyme), acts as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in brain, acts as an antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress, and protects cells from damage
Source: patented form of Piperine, the main active ingredient found in Piper Nigrum (black pepper), it was discovered in 1819 by Hans Christian Ørsted and is found in most supplement formulas today
Recommended Dosage: 5-20mg per day
Actual Dosage: 2.5mg per day
Side Effects: non-toxic and generally well-tolerated, even in higher doses
Performance Lab Energy Dosage, Packaging, and Prices
Those that are no stranger to the Performance Lab supplement line will recognize the packaging of their Energy supplement right away. It features the same, minimalist bottle design that the rest of its formulas contain. Of course, the colour and icon of the big box on the front is different.
For Energy, it features a lightning bolt icon and a green gradient box. The rest of the bottle is white with a white cap and black lettering. The box the bottle comes in has the same design. There’s not a lot of claims written on the bottle or box, but it does clearly list the ingredients and dosages.
Each bottle contains 60 capsules and each serving is 2 NutriCaps capsules. At one serving per day, which is what’s recommended, one bottle will last you one month. Given the dosages of each ingredient, you can take two servings per day if you wanted, but it’s not needed for results.
A one-month supply (one bottle) will cost you $49, which is a competitive price given how advanced and clean the formula is. While you don’t receive any discounts for purchasing two bottles at once, you do receive a free bottle when you purchase three bottles at once ($147).
Performance Lab Energy Pros vs. Cons
It doesn’t matter what supplement you come across in today’s market, nothing is perfect — even a supplement that’s highly researched and well-recommended, such as Performance Lab Energy. With that said, it’s certainly one of the better energy-boosting supplements available.
To ensure you understand everything there is to know about this formula, we’re going to detail everything we learned from above in an easy-to-read pros vs. cons list. This should make your decision much more simple when trying to decide if Energy is the right supplement for you.
Let’s take a look!
Pros
- Boosts cellular energy by fueling the mitochondria
- Doesn’t use stimulants or caffeine for a clean, natural energy boost
- No jitters or crash, which is common with caffeine intake
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine transports fat into the mitochondria, where it’s metabolized for energy
- R-Lipoic Acid is a cofactor in energy production inside the mitochondria
- Coenzyme Q10 converts fat into energy in the mitochondria
- BioPQQ boosts, multiplies, and protects the mitochondria
- BioPerine increases nutrient absorption and bioavailability of nutrients
- R-Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, and BioPQQ work in conjunction with one another
- Performance Lab uses NutriCaps capsules that are vegan-friendly and infused with prebiotics
- Easy to swallow, 00-size capsules
- Worldwide shipping and 30-day full refund if performance isn’t what you expected
- Free bottle if you purchase three bottles at once
- Validated by a third party, eco-friendly, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, GMP-certified, soy-free, synthetic additive-free, soy-free, gluten-free, allergen-free, free of banned substances, and non-irradiated
Cons
- If taken with a meal, it won’t work as well
- $49 per month might be too expensive for some
- Only available on their website, not in retail or on Amazon
- Won’t work for everyone, but that’s true with ANY and EVERY supplement
Claims vs. Reality
If you’re looking for an energy-boosting supplement, you’ll have no shortage of options in today’s supplement market. With that said, it’s a little more difficult if you’re looking for an effective, clean, trustworthy, and stimulant-free supplement — which are more rare than anything else.
The good news is that’s exactly what Performance Lab Energy provides. It’s one of the best caffeine- and stimulant-free energy supplements available today. The five ingredients used in the formula are well-researched, heavily-studied, and backed by a bunch of science, which is vital.
Better yet, most of the ingredients are found and produced naturally in the body. That means the formula is giving your body what it already knows and uses on a daily basis, further impacting the effectiveness of the stack. You simply can’t go wrong with Performance Lab Energy.
The Coenzyme Q10, BioPQQ, and R-Lipoic Acid work in conjunction with one another, helping the mitochondria do what it does best. Even the Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps fuel energy metabolism by transporting fat into the mitochondria. The BioPerine just makes everything that much better.
Performance Lab Energy Competitors & Alternatives
Usually, we would take this time to detail some of the biggest competitors and alternatives to Performance Lab Energy. Due to how well this supplement is perceived by the scientific community, however, there aren’t many formulas that stand up to this one — not even close.
Performance Lab Energy is in a league of its own when searching for a stimulant-free energy booster. In fact, it works just as well, if not better, than most formulas that contain caffeine. With that said, let’s take a look at some other Performance Lab formulas that stack well with this one.
Performance Lab MCT
Performance Lab MCT helps fuel energy at a cellular level, much like Performance Lab Energy, but it does so in a different way. MCT does so with the use of ketone bodies and is available in oil form. You can add it to your favourite beverage, dressing, sauce, soup, or take it straight.
The MCTs are sourced from 100% organic non-GMO coconuts that are cold-extracted and distilled three times for purity. They help optimize mitochondria function, increase energy (both body and mental), improve cognitive function, and help you get more out of your workouts.
Each bottle costs around $40, but they’re offering it at 41% off because they have stock with an expiration date of August 2021. If you act fast, you can get a bottle for just $20 — which is well worth it considering how well MCTs work inside the body. Stack it with Performance Lab Energy.
Performance Lab Stim
One of the draws to Performance Lab Energy was its lack of caffeine and stimulants. While caffeine can be dangerous when taken in high amounts, it can also be very beneficial when taking less than 400mg per day. That’s where Performance Lab Stim comes in to help.
Performance Lab Stim contains caffeine sourced from natural Coffea robusta seeds, as well as Vitamins B2, B6, B9, and B12 — all of which help give the body and mind a boost of energy. It also contains L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine, which help calm the jitters and reduce the crash.
If you’re someone who doesn’t consume a lot of caffeine on a daily basis, this can be the perfect supplement for you — and it stacks well with Performance Lab Energy. There’s only 50mg of caffeine and you won’t feel much of a crash or the jitters. Oh, and it only costs $39 — not $49.
Performance Lab Pre
Performance Lab Pre is a stim-free formula, much like Performance Lab Energy. It’s designed to be an effective pre-workout supplement — much more than an energy supplement. It also enhances muscle, strength, endurance (aerobic and anaerobic), and blood flow to the muscles.
The formula contains Setria (L-Citrulline and L-Glutathione), Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Himalayan Pink Salt, and Iron. It’s built for a smarter, cleaner pre-workout experience that avoids caffeine, low-grade creatine, and harmful additives.
Each serving is six capsules, which might seem a little excessive — but it’s worth it. It’s best to take on an empty stomach 30-45 minutes before you begin your workout. Each bottle costs just $39 and you receive a free bottle with a three-bottle purchase. It also stacks well with Energy.
Final Verdict: Performance Lab Energy
When we say Performance Lab Energy is in a league of its own, we mean it. They provide a clean and effective natural energy boost that can’t be compared elsewhere. With no caffeine and no stimulants, you’ll be surprised by the amount of energy you receive on a daily basis.
Not only that, but Performance Lab has plenty of other supplements that stack well with their Energy formula. Their MCT formula will give you even more energy, Pre will improve your workout performance, and Stim will give you the added benefits of a healthy dose of caffeine.
You can also take a look at their Performance Lab Mind supplement for added cognitive benefits and their multivitamin supplements — they have a formula designed for men and one for women. There’s a reason why Performance Lab has taken the supplement community by storm lately.
More reviews of Performance Lab products:
- Performance Lab MCT Oil Review
- Performance Lab Nutrigenesis Multi Review
- Performance Lab Stim Review
- Performance Lab Omega-3 Review
- Performance Lab T-Booster Review
- Performance Lab Burn Review
- Performance Lab Mind Review
- Performance Lab Prebiotic Review
- Performance Lab Sleep Review
- Performance Lab Flex Review