Pre-Workout Supplements and Their Effects on Cardiovascular Health: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Dietary supplements have become a popular aid for improving training performance. Pre-workout supplements contain a mixture of ingredients used to boost physical performance, with some components having been associated with the promotion of cardiovascular health. However, there is insufficient scientific literature on the effects of pre-workout supplements, and the studies often have conflicting results. Objective: The aim of this review was to analyze the impact of multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements on cardiovascular health, in order to identify the main adverse effects and the roles of the most common substances in these supplements. Methodology: A systematic search was carried out in the Web of Science and PubMed databases by three independent researchers between January 2010 and August 2024. The inclusion criteria were available articles published in English. Articles that did not evaluate cardiovascular outcomes and the use of pre-workout supplements were excluded. Results: The 24 studies analyzed demonstrated an overall increase in supplement intake. Pre-workout supplements were associated with improved physical performance and possible cardiovascular changes, with these effects being classified as adverse or cardioprotective. This discrepancy in the results may be due to the different dosages and populations investigated (including active and non-active participants, and healthy participants or those with a history of cardiovascular diseases), as well as other factors that correlate with deleterious cardiac conditions. Conclusions: Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements may offer physical and cardiovascular benefits, including increased energy, focus, endurance, and strength during exercise, as well as having potential positive impacts on blood pressure and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and homocysteine levels. However, due to the conflicting results of the analyzed studies, additional studies are necessary to fill in the knowledge gaps and establish clearer guidelines for the safe and effective use of these supplements.

Keywords

• heart disease risk factors
• dietary supplements
• performance-enhancing substances
• illicit drugs