We believe you deserve to know exactly what's in your supplements and why. Every ingredient in our formulas is clinically dosed based on peer-reviewed research. No proprietary blends. No hiding behind vague labels. Just the science.
How NorthStar stacks up against the competition — ingredient by ingredient.
| Ingredient | NorthStar™ | BPN® | Podium® | C4® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citrulline Malate | 8,000 mg | 2,000 mg L-Citrulline | 4,000 mg L-Citrulline | 1,000 mg |
| CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine | 4,000 mg | 3,200 mg | 3,200 mg non-patented | 1,600 mg |
| Betaine Anhydrous | 3,000 mg | 2,500 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| L-Tyrosine | 1,500 mg | 1,500 mg N-Acetyl | 1,000 mg | 0 mg |
| Alpha GPC | 600 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Rhodiola Rosea | 600 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| L-Theanine | 400 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| ElevATP® | 150 mg | 0 mg | 150 mg | 0 mg |
| Caffeine | 150 mg | 300 mg | 200 mg | 150 mg |
| DiCaffeine Malate | 50 mg equivalent | 25 mg equivalent | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| BioPerine® | 10 mg | 5 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Huperzine A | 400 mcg | 5 mg Huperzia Extract | 200 mcg | 0 mg |
| Artificially Flavored | ✓ No | ✗ Yes | ✓ No | ✗ Yes |
| Artificially Sweetened | ✓ No | ✗ Yes | ✗ Yes | ✗ Yes |
| Artificially Colored | ✓ No | ✓ No | ✓ No | ✗ Yes |
Many competitors include citrulline malate but at inadequate doses. PR Pre-Workout contains 8,000 mg because the research is clear: this is the dose that delivers results. The studies below demonstrate citrulline malate's advantages in terms of:
The European Journal of Applied Physiology, in a comprehensive meta-analysis, determined that to achieve notable improvements in muscular endurance (repetitions until failure), individuals should aim to consume a dosage of 8,000 mg of citrulline malate.
A randomized, double-blind, 2-period crossover study (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research) investigated the effects of 8g of citrulline malate on bench press performance and muscle soreness. 41 males participated.
Randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced study (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research). 12 advanced resistance-trained males performed leg press, hack squat, and leg extension at 60% of 1RM until failure.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (European Journal of Nutrition). 15 resistance-trained females received 8g citrulline malate or placebo.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends 4–6 grams daily. PR Pre-Workout's 4,000 mg dose increases intramuscular carnosine, acting as a buffer against lactic acid accumulation. The research demonstrates advantages in:
The ISSN's extensive meta-analysis supports daily supplementation of 4–6 grams for a minimum of four weeks, consistently showing enhanced exercise performance — particularly in activities lasting 1 to 4 minutes — and reduced neuromuscular fatigue.
Meta-analysis of 15 studies and 360 participants. Beta-alanine showed significant performance improvement in exercises lasting 1–4 minutes, with an average 2.85% improvement.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 22 wrestlers and 15 football players received 4g/day of beta-alanine for 8 weeks of high-intensity training.
28-day study in 22 women (avg age 27.4) receiving beta-alanine or placebo.
At 3,000 mg, betaine anhydrous is dosed at the optimal level supported by cardiovascular health research, while also providing meaningful performance benefits. Most competitors either underdose or skip it entirely. Evidence supports betaine's advantages in:
Double-blind, randomized, crossover study. 16 recreationally active subjects received ~2.5g betaine daily and performed four 12-second sprint efforts.
Randomized, double-blind, crossover study. 12 men (avg 21 years) received 2.5g betaine daily for 14 days and underwent standardized high-intensity strength/power resistance exercise challenges.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled. 23 women (avg 21 years) new to structured resistance training received 2.5g/day betaine for 8 weeks.
Meta-analysis examining betaine's effects on cardiovascular health markers. A 3g dose of betaine was identified as optimal for reducing homocysteine levels (associated with cardiovascular disease risk) without raising cholesterol.
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) that get depleted during stress and intense exercise. Supplementation replenishes these neurotransmitters, supporting cognitive performance under pressure. Research demonstrates advantages in:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study (Brain Research Bulletin). 16 participants received 100 mg/kg tyrosine and underwent stress-sensitive cognitive testing under 90 dB noise exposure.
Double-blind, crossover trial. 20 participants received 150 mg/kg tyrosine or placebo 60 minutes before cognitive testing involving simultaneous working memory, arithmetic, and monitoring tasks.
Double-blind study. 21 military cadets during a demanding combat training course.
Double-blind study. 18 participants assessed over 13 hours including a sleep-deprivation period. Tyrosine or placebo administered 6 hours in.
Most pre-workouts skip Alpha GPC entirely. We include 600 mg — the dose used in the most impactful research — because it meaningfully enhances cognitive function, the mind-muscle connection, and power output. Evidence supports advantages in:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. 20 participants (avg age 22) received 200 mg Alpha-GPC, 400 mg Alpha-GPC, 200 mg caffeine, or placebo, then completed cognitive and athletic tests.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. 13 college-aged males received 600 mg Alpha-GPC or placebo daily for 6 days, then performed isometric strength tests.
Randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. 7 men (avg 30 years, 2+ years resistance training) received 600 mg Alpha-GPC 90 minutes before squats at 70% 1RM.
Rhodiola rosea is a well-studied adaptogenic herb used for centuries to combat fatigue and enhance physical performance under stress. At 600 mg, it reduces perceived exertion, protects against oxidative stress, and supports mental clarity during intense training. Research demonstrates advantages in:
Randomized, double-blind, crossover study (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research). 18 subjects received 3 mg/kg Rhodiola rosea or placebo 1 hour before a 6-mile cycling time trial.
Systematic review (Frontiers in Nutrition) of 10 randomized controlled trials examining Rhodiola's effects on athletic performance, following PRISMA guidelines across Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed.
Randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. 27 resistance-trained adults received low-dose RR, high-dose RR, placebo, or no-capsule control across four conditions. Tested bench press and leg press 1RM, set volume, power, and Stroop cognitive test.
Double-blind, crossover trial. 56 young physicians received standardized Rhodiola rosea extract SHR-5 or placebo daily for 2 weeks during night duty. Mental performance assessed via associative thinking, short-term memory, calculation, and concentration tests.
PR Pre-Workout uses 400 mg L-Theanine with 200 mg total caffeine (150 mg fast-acting + 50 mg from DiCaffeine Malate for sustained release). This combination provides clean, focused energy without jitters, anxiety, or crash. Research supports advantages in:
27 healthy volunteers received caffeine (50 mg), caffeine + L-theanine (100 mg), or placebo. Assessments at 60 and 90 minutes post-dose.
44 young adults received L-theanine (97 mg) + caffeine (40 mg) or placebo. Assessed at 20 and 70 minutes post-dose.
48 healthy adults. Assessed effects of theanine, caffeine, and their combination on mood, behavior, and blood pressure.
ElevATP® is a patented blend of ancient peat and apple extracts that increases the body's own production of ATP — the cellular fuel for every muscle contraction. At 150 mg, the clinically studied dose, it supports peak power output and recovery. Evidence includes:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Resistance-trained men received 150 mg elevATP® daily during an 8-week resistance training program.
BioPerine® is a patented black pepper extract that enhances the bioavailability of all other ingredients in the formula. Without it, a significant portion of what you consume gets metabolized before it can be fully absorbed. At 10 mg — double what most competitors use — it ensures you get the full benefit from every other ingredient in every scoop.
Huperzine A helps your brain hold onto acetylcholine — the neurotransmitter responsible for memory, focus, and muscle activation. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks acetylcholine down, it keeps levels elevated for sharper mental clarity, better concentration, and a stronger mind-muscle connection. Research demonstrates advantages in:
Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. 261 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease received Alpha-GPC (related cholinergic precursor) or placebo for 180 days.
