Alpha Lion Pre-Workout Review: What To Know Before Buying

Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

AlphaLion SuperHuman Pre is self-described as the “gold standard of training intensity.” So I spent three weeks testing SuperHuman Pre to see if this product really stands up to its label claims. 

Key Takeaways

Honest Review Guarantee from FeastGood: Our testing team purchases each product 100% independently and uses the product for several weeks up to several months before writing a review. Learn more about our review process here.

• Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre-Workout costs $2.38 per serving. This falls well above the industry average of $1.61 per serving. 

• The higher cost may be justified as it contains clinical doses of ingredients proven to boost nitric oxide production, boost metabolism, accelerate fat loss, and increase energy.  This combination provided an excellent, well-rounded pre-workout experience.

• SuperHuman Pre-workout is suitable for almost anybody looking to increase strength and energy.  The only real downside is the cost, which might put it out of reach for some consumers.  Personally, I will be adding this pre-workout to my supplement cupboard regularly. 

What Is SuperHuman Pre? 

SuperHuman Pre by Alpha Lion is a blend of traditional pre-workout ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, taurine, and tyrosine paired with some unique patented ingredients. 

These patented ingredients include S7®, SantEnergy™ Nu, and the SXT™ Energy System. 

These ingredients are designed to boost nitric oxide production, boost metabolism, and increase energy, respectively. Read more on these individual ingredients below. 

SuperHuman Pre lists the ingredient information for both a half-scoop and full-scoop serving on the back of their label, alluding to the fact that you could take either as a pre-workout serving. 

To attain clinical doses of the ingredients listed, you would need to take a full scoop, though. 

When taking the full scoop serving, SuperHuman Pre provides clinical doses for 5 out of the 7 ingredients that have clinical doses established. Only L-citrulline (used for pump) and L-tyrosine (used for mood-boosting) fall shy of clinical dosing standards.

That said, the combination of citrulline plus S7® works synergistically to deliver a great muscle pump.

Although technically below clinical dose standards, the dose of L-Tyrosine matches that commonly found in other pre-workouts.

SuperHuman Pre contains 300 total mg of caffeine per scoop, coming from 3 different sources. 

This blend provides a balance of quick-acting caffeine for a fast energy boost, with some delayed and extended-release caffeine sources to provide prolonged energy with no crash. 

This pre-workout is available in 6 unique flavors, including Hulk Juice (Sour Gummy Bear), Miami Vice (Pina Colada Strawberry Daiquiri), Grapezilla (Grape Bubblegum) and Unicorn Juice (Rainbow Sherbet). 

Claims vs Reality: How I Felt After Taking SuperHuman Pre? 

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre is definitely going to make its way into my full-time repertoire. 

I found SuperHuman Pre provided great and prolonged energy and tasted really good (I specifically tried the Orange Gainsicle (orange creamsicle) flavor.

While I didn’t feel the same “euphoric” energy that I have felt with pre-workouts like Woke AF and Wrecked Pre-Workout, I felt superhuman strength with Alpha Lion’s product. 

During the weeks I tested SuperHuman Pre, my perceived ratings of exertion were relatively low (5-6 out of 10), but my training volume was increasing consistently. 

This means that I could work harder and move more weight but feel like I was exerting very little effort. 

This is in stark contrast to the pre-workout I had tested just prior (Ryse Loaded), where I felt great energy but struggled to do my normal prescribed weights and reps. 

I also appreciated the nice sweetness in flavor that the orange creamsicle flavor provided. I take my pre-workout on an empty stomach at 5:30 a.m. Sometimes strong or sour flavors first thing in the morning can cause nausea or discomfort (like my experience testing Pre-Kaged). 

I always looked forward to drinking this pre-workout and didn’t experience any side effects. Despite the high caffeine level (300mg), I did not experience any jitteriness, anxiety, stomach discomfort, or crash while using this pre-workout. 

If it falls within your budget, I 100% recommend trying Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre.

SuperHuman Pre Ingredients 

The below ingredients are listed for a full-scoop serving:

Ingredient	Dose	Clinical Effective Dose	Meets Dosing Standards
L-Citrulline	4000 mg	6000-8000 mg	X
Taurine	1000 mg	1000-3000mg	✅
S7 ®	1000mg	50mg	✅
Beta-Alanine	3200 mg	3000-6000 mg	✅
Betaine Anhydrous	2500 mg	2500 mg	✅
L-Tyrosine*	1500 mg	100-150mg per kg of body weight	X
SantEnergy™ Nu	400 mg	400mg	✅
Caffeine	300 mg	n/a	n/a

L-Citrulline

Citrulline is an amino acid that acts as a nitric oxide booster in the body. 

Nitric Oxide helps the body’s blood vessels dilate, so supplementing with nitric oxide boosters can improve blood flow throughout the body, especially to the muscles. 

While more definitive research is needed, preliminary research shows that supplementing with citrulline may delay fatigue, increase muscular endurance and strength, and improve recovery. 

So far the ideal dose appears to be 6-8g of citrulline taken approximately 1 hour before exercise. 

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre only contains 4g of citrulline per full scoop serving, falling just shy of clinical dose standards. 

Taurine

Taurine plays essential roles in energy metabolism and glucose and fat regulation. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

As a pre-workout supplement, taurine has been shown to positively impact aerobic performance, strength, power, and recovery. 

Despite limited research, the currently accepted dosing strategy is 1-3g taken before exercise. 

With 1g per full scoop serving, SuperHuman Pre meets clinical dosing standards for taurine. 

S7® 

S7® is a blend of 7 plant-based, nitric-oxide boosting ingredients manufactured by FutureCeuticals. These ingredients support nitric oxide production in the body delivering an excellent muscle pump and better oxygen delivery to the muscles to accelerate recovery. 

The blend uses green coffee beans, green tea extract, turmeric, blueberry, broccoli, kale, and tart cherry. 

In clinical trials, S7® was shown to increase nitric oxide levels by up to 230% after a single 50mg dose. These results are published on the Futureceuticals website, which says they will provide the article and research upon request. 

I have made the request and am currently waiting to hear back from the company. 

These increased nitric oxide production benefits include increased energy and performance, enhanced muscle pump, and improved recovery. 

SuperHuman Pre contains 50mg of S7® per scoop, the clinical dose Futureceuticals suggests. 

Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is an amino acid that plays a key role in creating carnosine in the body. Carnosine acts as a buffer to help delay muscle fatigue. 

Supplementing with beta-alanine can increase muscle carnosine levels by 15-85%, resulting in delayed fatigue. 

Ultimately, this will allow you to work out longer at higher intensities before feeling muscle fatigue. 

To see its full benefit, beta-alanine should be taken daily over a several-week period (4-10 weeks) to load the body, followed by a lower maintenance dose taken daily. 

To load the body, a dose of 3-6g daily is recommended, with a maintenance dose of 1.2g per day suitable afterward. 

SuperHuman Pre contains 3.2g of beta-alanine per full scoop, meeting clinical dose standards.

Betaine

Betaine helps with liver function and has a role in making carnitine, which is a substance that converts fat into energy. 

Studies are mixed as to whether betaine causes a significant increase in strength and power output, but there is promising evidence showing that betaine can improve body composition by increasing lean mass and decreasing fat mass in active adults. 

Like beta-alanine, betaine should be taken daily over a several-week period. The optimal dose appears to be 2.5g of betaine daily. 

SuperHuman Pre meets the clinical dose standard with 2.5g of betaine per full scoop serving. 

L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine and shows potential for improving cognitive function after a single dose. 

When taken before exercise, tyrosine can increase the total time to fatigue, resulting in an increase in work output and endurance. 

The thing to note with tyrosine is that when it’s been studied for increasing athletic performance, a dose of 100-150mg per kg of body weight is typically used. 

For a 150lb person, this translates to 7-10g of Tyrosine. This dosage is significantly higher than in AlphaHuman and other pre-workouts. 

Even still, there is a lot of anecdotal support from industry professionals like sports nutrition researcher Eric Trexler, Ph.D, regarding pairing lower doses (1-2g) of L-Tyrosine with caffeine as an ergogenic and cognitive aid.

While SuperHuman Pre technically does not meet clinical dose standards for L-Tyrosine, it does contain a high dose compared to other pre-workout supplements on the market, making it likely that you will experience an additional energy boost from this ingredient. 

SantEnergy™ Nu

SantEnergy™ Nu is a patented extract of a plant called Santa Herba. It grows in the hills of California, Oregon, and Mexico. 

The natural herb traditionally treats upper respiratory conditions and has strong antioxidant properties. 

In clinical trials, SantEnergy™ Nu was shown to reduce body fat and increase metabolism. Its energizing and stimulatory effect is caffeine-like, helping to increase energy. 

The clinical dose of SantEnergy ™ Nu is 400mg, the exact dose found in SuperHuman Pre. 

SXT™ Energy System

The SXT ™ Energy System is a blend of three different types of caffeine, designed to provide long-lasting, all-day energy without any jitteriness or crash. 

The Energy System is composed of caffeine anhydrous (a quick-acting caffeine source) and zumXR® Extended-Release Caffeine, and zumXR® Delayed-Release Caffeine. 

While you will see on the label that the total mg dose of this blend is 325mg, it yields 300 total mg of caffeine per scoop. This is equal to approximately 3 8-oz cups of coffee. 

It is unclear on the label, and I could not find any indication online about the breakdown of the SXT™ Energy System. By that, I mean I don’t know how many mg of caffeine anhydrous are found in the formula compared to how much delayed or extended-release caffeine. 

Highlights: What I Like About SuperHuman Pre

Great Strength

The combination of ingredients found in Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre Workout significantly enhances strength. 

While testing this pre-workout, I felt I was expending less energy overall, yet my total workout volume was increasing. 

Great Muscle Pump

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre contains citrulline and S7®, a patented blend formulated to increase nitric oxide production to deliver a great muscle pump.

While the dose of citrulline technically falls below clinical dose standards (at 4g per scoop instead of 6-8g), the addition of S7® makes up for this shortcoming by providing a significant boost to nitric oxide production. 

Meets Many Clinical Dosing Standards

The fact that there are 7 ingredients with clinical doses established means this product uses ingredients backed by science. 

Having full clinical doses of the majority of these ingredients means that this pre-workout will deliver on all of the benefits it advertises. 

Good Taste and Mixability

Taste is subjective, but I found the Orange Gainsicle flavor sweet and enjoyable. It mixed up easily without a gritty texture or leftover residue. 

The variety of sweet and sour flavors with candy or juice-like flavors makes it likely that you can find one you like.

Drawbacks What I Did Not Like About Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre

Expensive

When taking a full scoop serving (required to get clinical doses of any ingredients), SuperHuman Pre rings up at around $2.38 per serving, about 75 cents per serving over the industry average.

Despite this higher cost per serving, SuperHuman Pre provides clinical doses of many ingredients. This product also uses high-quality patented ingredients proven in clinical trials to be effective. 

For those users who prioritize high-quality ingredients, maximizing strength and pump, and getting a significant energy boost with no crash, the extra cost per serving might be justified. 

Uses Artificial Coloring

AlphaLion SuperHuman Pre uses artificial food dyes like FD&C Red #40 and FD&C Blue #1, possibly linked to negative side effects. 

Whether you choose to avoid food dyes is a personal decision, so this may or may not be a con for you. 

Since artificial food dyes provide zero performance benefits and many pre-workout users drink their product quickly in colored shaker cups, it seems like a wasted addition to pre-workouts. 

Some companies like Transparent Labs specifically advertise that they don’t use any artificial coloring in their formulas. 

If you consider yourself part of the population who is sensitive to food dyes, or you’ve made the personal decision to avoid them, then Transparent Labs Bulk is a great, high-quality alternative. 

How Does AlphaLion SuperHuman Pre Stack Up Against Our Criteria For Pre Workouts?

Price

Our rating: 2/5

Analyzing over 50 pre-workout supplements, we found the average cost per serving to fall around $1.61. Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre costs $2.38 per serving, well above the industry average. 

Taste 

Our rating: 5/5

I am reluctant to give taste a 5/5 for any product because, in reading reviews, there are always individuals who emphatically exclaim that a particular product is the worst thing they’ve ever tasted, regardless of how many positive reviews for taste it has. 

Though I only sampled one flavor, I found the Orange Gainsicle flavor to have a nice, strong flavor without being too strong or sweet. I am keen to try the additional flavors. 

Mixability 

Our rating: 4/5

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre mixed up easily in a traditional shaker cup. If allowed to sit for too long, some product does settle at the bottom. 

The product settling is typical of pre-workouts and is easily remedied by gently swirling your shaker cup as you sip your drink. 

Energy

Our rating: 4/5

SuperHuman Pre provided great, long-lasting energy without adverse side effects or subsequent crashes. Because of the extended and delayed-release caffeine types, this product should not be taken within 5 hours of bedtime. 

My only reason for not giving this a 5/5 energy rating is that I did not feel a “dialed in” or “euphoric” mental focus that I have felt with other pre-workouts like Woke AF or XWerks Ignite.

Pump 

Our rating: 4/5

AS7® paired with citrulline provided a great muscle pump. 

I had not used a product with S7® before and wasn’t expecting a significant pump from this product due to the lower dose of citrulline. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the pump this pre-workout delivered. I enjoyed finishing off my workouts with some extra isolation exercises for my arms, shoulders, and legs, which allowed me to leave the gym with an ego-boosting pump. 

Strength

Our rating: 5/5

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre REALLY delivered on its name, significantly increasing strength and endurance.

At the end of each of my workouts, I rate my perceived exertion (RPE) on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (impossibly difficult). My workout app then gives me data about my total training volume and any PRs I set. 

My RPE during the weeks I tested SuperHuman Pre was always low, ranging from 5 (moderate) to 7 (somewhat hard). Despite not feeling like I was working hard, my training volume steadily increased over the weeks, and I was easily completing my prescribed sets and reps.

Who Should Take Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre? 

 SuperHuman Pre is for: 

• Those who have a more flexible supplement budget

• Those who want to prioritize high-quality, research-backed ingredients 

• Those who work out in the morning or earlier in the day

• Those looking for a noticeable increase in strength

Who Should Not Take Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre? 

I would not recommend AlphaLion SuperHuman Pre for:

• Those sensitive to high doses of caffeine

• Those who work out within 5 hours of their bedtime

• Those looking to avoid artificial flavors and colors

• Those looking for the most budget-friendly option

What Are Other Customers Saying About Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre? 

Alpha Lion’s SuperHuman Pre boasts a notable 4.8/5 star rating on its official website and a slightly lower 4.3/5 on Amazon, reflecting a common trend of higher ratings on brand websites. 

Positive reviews frequently praise its excellent taste and sustained energy without a crash. 

While the Alpha Lion website lacked negative reviews, Amazon showcased some, primarily related to shipping issues, not product quality. 

A few users didn’t experience the mental focus and pump I did, and the Miami Vice flavor was criticized for its “artificial”/”chemical” taste. 

Hilariously, one user was upset because they thought the “sour gummy bear” flavor would come with actual gummy candies. 

Needless to say,  individual experiences with supplements can vary widely.

SuperHuman Pre Alternatives

Transparent Labs Bulk

If you find yourself drawn to the benefits of SuperHuman Pre, like increased strength and pump with no side effects, but the drawbacks, like cost or the use of artificial flavors and colors, are too much to overcome, then consider trying Transparent Labs Bulk. 

At $1.66 per serving, Transparent Labs Bulk is more cost-effective than SuperHuman Pre, but still offers clinical doses of key ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, and taurine. 

Bulk is lower in caffeine than SuperHuman Pre, with 200mg per serving compared to 300mg. Despite this lower caffeine, Transparent Labs can offer a great focus-enhancing pre-workout with a clinical dose of Alpha-GPC and 1000mg of L-Tyrosine. 

Transparent Labs Bulk is third-party tested, with those results publicly displayed online for the public to see, and their product is Informed Choice Certified, making it a suitable option for any drug-tested athletes. 

Transparent Labs Bulk prides itself on using no artificial sweeteners or colors and is currently available in 11 different flavors, including cherry splash, pina colada, sour grape, watermelon peach, and tropical punch.

SuperHuman Pump

SuperHuman Pump is another pre-workout brought to you by Alpha Lion. As such, you are getting another clinically dosed formula that uses patented ingredients supported by research and is GRAS-certified. 

SuperHuman Pump is an excellent alternative for anyone sensitive to stimulants, who works out in the evening, or who is trying to take a break from caffeine to reset their tolerance. 

SuperHuman Pump can be taken as a 1-scoop or 2-scoop formula, but I recommend 2 scoops to get clinical doses of beta-alanine and Alpha GPC. 

When taking the full 2-scoop serving, SuperHuman Pump offers 21 servings at $2.38 per serving, the same cost as SuperHuman Pre. 

The formula in SuperHuman Pump is designed to provide all of the benefits of a pre-workout like pump, strength, endurance, and mental focus without using stimulants. 

Like its caffeinated counterpart, SuperHuman Pump does use artificial flavors and colors.

SuperHuman Pump is currently available in 4 flavors: Blue Steel (blueberry mojito), Peach Pumps (peach rings), Mango Veiniac (mango strawberry sherbet), and Hulk Juice (sour gummy bear). 

Are There Any Promos or Discounts For SuperHuman Pre? 

Alpha Lion provides discounted, pre-built product bundles, or “Stack & Save” options, tailored to specific fitness goals, such as the “Mass Monster Stack” or “SuperHuman Fat Loss Stack,” offering around 20% off regular prices. 

However, while flavors are selectable, individual items within the bundles are not. 

The company also conducts periodic sales, especially during long weekend holidays, and offers a 10% discount code plus a mystery gift to first-time buyers through a website pop-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SuperHuman Pre Third Party Tested? 

The Alpha Lion website states their product is Banned Substance Free and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) Verified. I can not find any indication they do any additional third-party testing. 

Is SuperHuman Pre-Good For Weight Loss? 

SuperHuman Pre contains a unique ingredient called SantEnergy™ Nu which has been shown in clinical trials to increase metabolism and reduce body fat. Alpha Lion has another pre-workout called SuperHuman Burn for individuals who want to prioritize fat loss.   

Is SuperHuman Pre Safe For Women? 

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Pre is safe for women and contains ingredients to build muscle, increase strength, and reduce fat. It should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. 

How Much Caffeine Does SuperHuman Pre Have? 

Superhuman Pre contains a patented caffeine blend called the SXT ™ Energy System, which provides 300mg of caffeine per scoop. This caffeine blend provides sustained energy with no crash and no side effects like jitteriness or anxiety. 

Does SuperHuman Pre Have Creatine? 

AlphaLion SuperHuman Pre does not contain any creatine. Individuals looking for creatine in their pre-workout can try AlphaLion SuperHuman Core which has 2.5g of creatine per scoop. 

How Long Does SuperHuman Pre Last For? 

Due to the high caffeine content (300mg) and the delayed and extended-release caffeine sources, the effects of SuperHuman Pre can be felt all day. As such, this product should not be taken in the evenings or within 5 hours of bedtime. 

Does SuperHuman Pre Need To Be Cycled? 

Technically, SuperHuman Pre does not need to be cycled. The body can build up a tolerance to caffeine, though. If you stop feeling SuperHuman Pre’s energizing effects, taking 2-3 weeks off of pre-workout is recommended to help reset your tolerance. 

Will SuperHuman Pre Make Me Jittery?

SuperHuman Pre has been specially formulated to have no negative side effects like jitteriness or anxiety. Since the product still contains caffeine, start with a ½ scoop serving to assess your tolerance. 

Where Is SuperHuman Pre Made? 

SuperHuman Pre is made in the USA from domestic and imported ingredients. Their head office is listed as being in New York, NY and their product return address is listed in Watertown, WI. 

What Is Alpha Lion’s Shipping Policy? 

Orders placed Monday to Friday will be shipped within 24 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays). Standard shipping costs $6.99 with faster shipping options available for additional charges. Alpha Lion ships internationally to Canada, Australia, and Mexico for $19.95. Free shipping on orders over $150.

What Is Alpha Lion’s Return Policy? 

Alpha Lion offers an industry-leading 365-day satisfaction guarantee. This does not apply to sale/limited edition items, digital programs, or worn apparel. Items must have been purchased through alphalion.com. To start a return or exchange, email [email protected] with your order number and reason for return. 

How To Contact Alpha Lion? 

You can easily contact Alpha Lion by filling out the contact form on their website, found here.

They can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1 (833) 392-1623 (Monday to Friday from 9am-9pm EST). 

Alpha Lion is active on social media and can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 

References

Gough, L.A., Sparks, S.A., McNaughton, L.R. et al. A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 121, 3283–3295 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04774-6

Gonzalez, Adam M.1; Trexler, Eric T.2. Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 34(5):p 1480-1495, May 2020. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003426

Kurtz, J.A., VanDusseldorp, T.A., Doyle, J.A. et al. Taurine in sports and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 18, 39 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0

Zastrow, A.L., Olson, E.E. and Sharda, D.R. (2020), The Combination of Phytonutrients in Spectra7 Provide Synergistic Inhibition of M1-Macrophage Activation. The FASEB Journal, 34: 1-1. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.05241

Culbertson JY, Kreider RB, Greenwood M, Cooke M. Effects of beta-alanine on muscle carnosine and exercise performance: a review of the current literature. Nutrients. 2010 Jan;2(1):75-98. doi: 10.3390/nu2010075. Epub 2010 Jan 25. PMID: 22253993; PMCID: PMC3257613.

Bellinger PM. β-Alanine supplementation for athletic performance: an update. J Strength Cond Res. 2014 Jun;28(6):1751-70. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000327. PMID: 24276304.

Blancquaert L, Everaert I, Derave W. Beta-alanine supplementation, muscle carnosine and exercise performance. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2015 Jan;18(1):63-70. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000127. PMID: 25474013.

Van Every, Derrick W. BS1; Plotkin, Daniel L. BS1; Delcastillo, Kenneth BS1; Cholewa, Jason PhD2; Schoenfeld, Brad J. PhD1. Betaine Supplementation: A Critical Review of Its Efficacy for Improving Muscle Strength, Power, and Body Composition. Strength and Conditioning Journal 43(4):p 53-61, August 2021. | DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000622

Tumilty, L., Davison, G., Beckmann, M. et al. Oral tyrosine supplementation improves exercise capacity in the heat. Eur J Appl Physiol 111, 2941–2950 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-1921-4

Sarah Kobylewski & Michael F. Jacobson (2012) Toxicology of food dyes, International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 18:3, 220-246, DOI: 10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000034