What Does Black Pepper Extract Do In Pre Workout?

Medically reviewed by Dr Dimitar Marinov
What Does Black Pepper Extract Do In Pre Workout?

Black pepper extract (often labelled as black pepper fruit) has become an increasingly popular ingredient in pre workout formulas in recent years, and it’s not without good reason. But what exactly is its purpose?

Today, we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about black pepper extract in pre workout. We’ll explore what it is, how it can benefit your workout, how much you need to take, and more.

What Is Black Pepper Extract?

Black Pepper Extract

As you may have guessed from its name, black pepper extract is simply a highly concentrated form of black pepper, the ingredient that sits in spice racks all over the world. As black pepper extract is so concentrated, it has very high levels of a compound called piperine, and it’s this that holds so many health benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Black Pepper Extract In Pre Workout Supplements?

Benefits Of Black Pepper Extract In Pre Workout Supplements

Black pepper extract holds benefits that are both immediately useful in a pre workout, and that also help maintain your long-term health and fitness goals. These include:

Anti Inflammatory

The anti inflammatory properties found in piperine, the main compound in black pepper extract, mean that you suffer from less muscle soreness both during and after training. In turn, you’re able to hit your workout harder and will have less recovery time.

Aids In Nutrient Absorption

Another thing that piperine is able to do is help your body with the absorption of essential nutrients, including beta carotene, selenium, and calcium. It does this by causing certain compounds to bypass a metabolic stage called “glucuronidation”, resulting in fewer nutrients being excreted as urine and ensuring you maintain a healthy level in your body.

Prevents Fat Cells From Forming

Black pepper extract and the piperine it contains also have an effect on your metabolism and are believed to be able to stop fat cells from forming. It achieves this by reducing lipid storage, preventing them from being turned into adipocytes, which, in turn, results in less body fat.

Has Antioxidant Effects

While not immediately useful in a pre workout formula, black pepper extract has the ability to act as an antioxidant once inside the body, and this helps fight free radicals that can cause chronic inflammation, heart disease, and cancer.

What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Black Pepper Extract?

Recommended Dosage Of Black Pepper Extract

Black pepper extract is pretty potent, and it’s recommended that you don’t exceed more than 15mg per day. It’s a good idea to start with smaller doses if you are new to this supplement as well, taking around 5mg and monitoring your body’s response before increasing.

How Should You Take Black Pepper Extract?

The best way to take black pepper extract is with food, as this allows the body to absorb it faster and use it more efficiently. However, if you’re relying on your intake of black pepper extract exclusively from your pre workout formula, you should take it as advised on the packaging.

When Should You Take Black Pepper Extract?

You can take black pepper extract as a standalone supplement (either in tablet, powder, or tea form) at any time of day, as it isn’t a stimulant and, therefore, won’t affect your circadian rhythm. However, if it is being taken as part of pre workout, it would be best to take it 60-30 minutes before you start training.

Where Can I Buy Pre Workout Supplements With Black Pepper Extract In?

You can purchase pre workout with black pepper in the ingredients from Power Supps, along with loads of other supplements needed to hit your fitness goals. BSN Endo Rush is one of the best pre workouts that features black pepper extract, so it’s worth looking at this if you want to start incorporating piperine supplements into your regime.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Black Pepper Extract Supplementation?

Potential Side Effects Of Black Pepper Extract Supplementation

As long as you aren’t exceeding the maximum dose of 15mg per day, there’s very little risk associated with taking black pepper extract as standalone supplement or in pre workout. However, some people may feel certain side effects as their bodies get used to the higher levels of piperine. These side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Gastrointestinal pain or irritation

You are quite likely to suffer from these side effects if you overdose on black pepper extract, too. So, make sure you never exceed the recommended dose and start with small doses, as this will allow your body to get used to it over time.

Final Thoughts On Black Pepper Extract In Pre Workout Supplements

Like most naturally occurring substances, black pepper extract has loads of benefits that aren’t useful in pre workout but help maintain your long-term health. However, as with any supplement, give your body the time to get used to the higher levels of piperine by starting with smaller doses and slowly increasing over time. Pretty soon, you’ll be feeling the full force of black pepper extract’s power!

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