MTS Insurgent Test Booster - Ingredient Comparison vs. the Competition
Nearly every weightlifter and athlete wants more muscle, more strength, and less body fat. Compounds boosting testosterone without boosting estrogen levels can help achieve these goals.
Unfortunately, products on the market like androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs), pro-hormones, and selective androgenic receptor modulators (SARMs) offer these benefits but are typically synthetic compounds that are illegal, expensive, and/or carry numerous potential harmful side effects.
Related: 30 Ways to Boost Your Testosterone Naturally
Thankfully, researchers and supplement manufacturers are now spending a lot of time and money to create testosterone boosters using all natural ingredients that carry virtually zero side effects. Two of the most popular testosterone boosting supplements include the mineral zinc and D-Aspartic Acid. Zinc will not actually increase testosterone levels above your natural baseline.
However, many experiences improved sleep, increased libido, and expedited recovery when they supplement this mineral because they're zinc-deficient. D-Aspartic Acid, while one of the most common and more effective natural testosterone boosters on the market, requires a cycling of three weeks on and one to two week off.
I don't know about you but I hate having to keep track of supplement cycle schedules when I already have a hectic life. Many also find DAA to have little or no effect on their muscle, strength, and fat loss efforts.
One of the most exciting group of products being released into the market are DAA-free all natural testosterone boosting supplements that do not require off cycles. Examples include MTS Nutrition Insurgent, AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro, and Applied Nutraceuticals Drive. This article examines the ingredients, potential effects, dosage schedule, and cost of three of these compounds.
A daily dose of 3 capsules of Insurgent contains the following 4 active ingredients in a non-proprietary blend:
L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate in doses of 1,000 to 4,000 milligrams improves sperm quality, lowers blood glucose, decreases fat mass, inhibits fatigue, and increase androgen receptor density in muscle cells. [1] A greater number of androgen receptors does not directly increase testosterone but rather creates an environment in which other compounds and stimuli can increase this muscle-building hormone.
200 milligrams of Shilajit standardized for 50% fluvic acid can increase follicle stimulating hormone, raise testosterone by over 23%, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and improve good (HDL) cholesterol. [2] Spilanthese acmella is commonly used in folk medicine to subdue toothaches, lower fevers, and improve sex drive. There are no major studies examining its effects on humans but one study on rats found it significantly increases testosterone levels. [3]
200 to 300 milligrams of eurycoma longifolia can significantly lower cortisol levels, increase libido and erection quality, as well as reduce perceived stress. [4] The stress hormone cortisol is a muscle killer so eurycoma longifolia compliments testosterone-boosting compounds.
MTS Insurgent costs $39.99 at the Tiger Fitness store for a bottle of 90 capsules. At a dose of 3 capsules per day, this bottle will last you 30 days and cost $1.33 per serving. Providing a great value, this supplement contains generous quantities of clinically proven, safe and effective compounds in a non-proprietary blend that that increase testosterone and libido.
AI Sports Nutrition recently reformulated TestoPro, its all-natural testosterone and libido-boosting supplement, and now offers TestoPro XT. The manufacturer does not explicitly state that cycling off is required. Based on the ingredient profile, otherwise healthy individuals should tolerate this supplement well if consumed for multiple months.
The directions for use on the label say to consume 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening. It does not specify whether these capsules should be consumed on an empty stomach or alongside a meal.
A daily dose of 4 capsules of TestoPro XT contains the following 4 active ingredients in a non-proprietary blend:
Fenugreek in the dosage of 500 to 600 milligrams and standardized to 50% Fenusides by weight can significantly increase libido, lower blood glucose, and decrease fat mass. One eight-week study of resistance trained males found that fenugreek increased testosterone levels in the blood but other studies on both humans and animals do not support those findings. [5]
300 to 500 milligrams of ashwagandha offers potent anti-inflammatory and cortisol-lowering effects while also helping to increase power output. One study of healthy untrained males found that ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels by up to 15%. [6] Shilajit is found in both MTS Insurgent and AI Sports TestoPro XT.
As mentioned above this compound can increase testosterone and improve cholesterol levels in the blood. 20mg of piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, can improve the absorption and bioavailability of other supplements by up to 2000%. [7] The inclusion of this compound increases the likelihood that your body efficiently absorbs as much of the active ingredients as possible.
AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro XT costs $49.99 at the Tiger Fitness store for a bottle of 120 capsules. At a dose of 4 capsules per day this bottle will last you 30 days and cost $1.67 per serving.
The price and Shilajit content is comparable to MTS Insurgent but the other ingredients differ. What I specifically like about TestoPro XT compared to MTS Insurgent is the inclusion of black pepper extract to significantly improve the absorption of other active ingredients.
Applied Nutraceuticals Drive is a supplement designed to improve athletic performance, promote lean muscle growth, and increase sex drive by increasing testosterone levels and luteinizing hormone activity. The manufacturer does not explicitly state that cycling off is required. However, the label explicitly says that Drive has both immediate and cumulative effects that improve with continued use.
The usage directions say to consume one dose an empty stomach first thing in the morning followed by a second dose one hour pre-workout on training days or mid-afternoon on non-training day. You should not take Drive within 3 hours of bedtime.
Unlike MTS Insurgent and AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro XT, Applied Nutraceuticals Drive recommends dosages based on weight. Those under 150 pounds should consume 4 capsules daily split across two doses.
Those weighing between 151 and 200 pounds should consume 6 capsules daily split across two doses. If you weigh between 201 and 250 pounds, then divide 8 capsules across two doses in a day. Those weighing more than 250 pounds should consume 5 capsules twice per day.
Assuming a bodyweight of 180lbs, a daily dose of 6 capsules of Drive contains the following 5 active ingredients in two proprietary blends:
2,460mg of the A4E2 ATP Synthase? Proprietary Blend consisting of:
Cordyceps is a mushroom used in Chinese folk medicine most commonly consumed by humans in dosages of 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams to boost testosterone. The human research is limited but it appears the compound has poor oral bioavailability and is significantly more effective if injected. [8] Dodder seed extract may be able to increase testosterone levels in the testicle but these results have only been found in mice. [9]
Additional research is needed to see if the results translate to humans. Naringin is a citrus flavonoid found to improve cognitive function and decrease the harmful effects of oxidative stress. [10] This type of compound is therefore useful in facilitating recovery from high intensity activities like weightlifting.
There is no specific recommended dosage of this compound for humans. Epimedium, more commonly known as horny goat weed, contains the active ingredient Icariin which can increase testosterone in humans at a dosage of 900 to 1,500 milligrams. [11] Since this supplement contains two ingredients in a proprietary blend comprising 540 milligrams, it is not possible for this supplement to have the recommended quantity of Icariin.
500 milligrams of coleus forskohlii standardized to 10% forskolin and split across two doses can increase lean mass, decrease fat mass, lower perceived fatigue, and slightly increase testosterone levels. [12] Forslean® is standardized to 20% forskolin which means you would need only 250 milligrams of coleus forskohlii to consume the recommended dose.
Applied Nutraceuticals drive costs $59.99 at the Tiger Fitness for a bottle of 240 capsules. At a dose of 6 capsules per day this bottle will last you 40 days and cost $1.50 per serving. Across all three products, Drive is the least expensive and contains the greatest number of active ingredients.
However, it does not disclose the exact amount of each active ingredient so we cannot confirm if the product does in-fact contain clinically effective amounts of each ingredient. For many individuals, a proprietary blend is an immediate turn-off when selecting supplements.
What is your favorite all-natural testosterone boosting supplement? Let me know in the comments below.
2) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Shilajit - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
3) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Spilanthes Acmella - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
4) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Eurycoma Longifolia Jack - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
5) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Fenugreek - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
6) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Ashwagandha - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
7) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Black Pepper - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
8) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Cordyceps - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
9) Soni, Kiran Kumar et al. ?The Effects of MOTILIPERM on Cisplatin Induced Testicular Toxicity in Sprague?Dawley Rats.? Cancer Cell International 15 (2015): 121. PMC. Web. 18 Jan. 2017.
10) Kumar, A., et al. "Protective Effect of Naringin, a Citrus Flavonoid, Against Colchicine-induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Rats." National Center for Biotechnology Information, J Med Food., Aug. 2010, Accessed Jan. 2017.
11) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Horny Goat Weed - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
12) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Coleus Forskohlii - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
Unfortunately, products on the market like androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs), pro-hormones, and selective androgenic receptor modulators (SARMs) offer these benefits but are typically synthetic compounds that are illegal, expensive, and/or carry numerous potential harmful side effects.
Related: 30 Ways to Boost Your Testosterone Naturally
Thankfully, researchers and supplement manufacturers are now spending a lot of time and money to create testosterone boosters using all natural ingredients that carry virtually zero side effects. Two of the most popular testosterone boosting supplements include the mineral zinc and D-Aspartic Acid. Zinc will not actually increase testosterone levels above your natural baseline.
However, many experiences improved sleep, increased libido, and expedited recovery when they supplement this mineral because they're zinc-deficient. D-Aspartic Acid, while one of the most common and more effective natural testosterone boosters on the market, requires a cycling of three weeks on and one to two week off.
I don't know about you but I hate having to keep track of supplement cycle schedules when I already have a hectic life. Many also find DAA to have little or no effect on their muscle, strength, and fat loss efforts.
One of the most exciting group of products being released into the market are DAA-free all natural testosterone boosting supplements that do not require off cycles. Examples include MTS Nutrition Insurgent, AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro, and Applied Nutraceuticals Drive. This article examines the ingredients, potential effects, dosage schedule, and cost of three of these compounds.
Click here to order MTS Insurgent testosterone booster now.
Comparing Testosterone Boosters
MTS Insurgent
MTS Insurgent is the latest product from MTS Nutrition formulated to boost free and total testosterone using natural compounds and without the need to cycle off. The directions on the label say to consume 3 capsules pre-workout on training days or consume 3 capsules with your first meal of the day on non-training days. The label also explicitly states that there is no need to cycle MTS Insurgent but you should not consume more than 3 capsules in one day.A daily dose of 3 capsules of Insurgent contains the following 4 active ingredients in a non-proprietary blend:
- 1,000mg L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate (LCLT)
- 500mg Shilajit Extract (PrimaVie®) (50% Fulvic Acid)
- 300mg Spilanthese Acmella 10:1 (3.5% Spilanthol)
- 200mg Eurycoma Longifolia 100:1
L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate in doses of 1,000 to 4,000 milligrams improves sperm quality, lowers blood glucose, decreases fat mass, inhibits fatigue, and increase androgen receptor density in muscle cells. [1] A greater number of androgen receptors does not directly increase testosterone but rather creates an environment in which other compounds and stimuli can increase this muscle-building hormone.
200 milligrams of Shilajit standardized for 50% fluvic acid can increase follicle stimulating hormone, raise testosterone by over 23%, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and improve good (HDL) cholesterol. [2] Spilanthese acmella is commonly used in folk medicine to subdue toothaches, lower fevers, and improve sex drive. There are no major studies examining its effects on humans but one study on rats found it significantly increases testosterone levels. [3]
200 to 300 milligrams of eurycoma longifolia can significantly lower cortisol levels, increase libido and erection quality, as well as reduce perceived stress. [4] The stress hormone cortisol is a muscle killer so eurycoma longifolia compliments testosterone-boosting compounds.
MTS Insurgent costs $39.99 at the Tiger Fitness store for a bottle of 90 capsules. At a dose of 3 capsules per day, this bottle will last you 30 days and cost $1.33 per serving. Providing a great value, this supplement contains generous quantities of clinically proven, safe and effective compounds in a non-proprietary blend that that increase testosterone and libido.
AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro XT
AI Sports Nutrition recently reformulated TestoPro, its all-natural testosterone and libido-boosting supplement, and now offers TestoPro XT. The manufacturer does not explicitly state that cycling off is required. Based on the ingredient profile, otherwise healthy individuals should tolerate this supplement well if consumed for multiple months.
The directions for use on the label say to consume 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening. It does not specify whether these capsules should be consumed on an empty stomach or alongside a meal.
A daily dose of 4 capsules of TestoPro XT contains the following 4 active ingredients in a non-proprietary blend:
- 600mg Fenugreek 50% Seed Extract (standardized to 50% Fenusides)
- 600mg KSM-66 Ashwagandha Extract®
- 500mg PrimVie® Shilajit Extract
- 10mg Bioperine® Black Pepper Extract
Fenugreek in the dosage of 500 to 600 milligrams and standardized to 50% Fenusides by weight can significantly increase libido, lower blood glucose, and decrease fat mass. One eight-week study of resistance trained males found that fenugreek increased testosterone levels in the blood but other studies on both humans and animals do not support those findings. [5]
300 to 500 milligrams of ashwagandha offers potent anti-inflammatory and cortisol-lowering effects while also helping to increase power output. One study of healthy untrained males found that ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels by up to 15%. [6] Shilajit is found in both MTS Insurgent and AI Sports TestoPro XT.
As mentioned above this compound can increase testosterone and improve cholesterol levels in the blood. 20mg of piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, can improve the absorption and bioavailability of other supplements by up to 2000%. [7] The inclusion of this compound increases the likelihood that your body efficiently absorbs as much of the active ingredients as possible.
AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro XT costs $49.99 at the Tiger Fitness store for a bottle of 120 capsules. At a dose of 4 capsules per day this bottle will last you 30 days and cost $1.67 per serving.
The price and Shilajit content is comparable to MTS Insurgent but the other ingredients differ. What I specifically like about TestoPro XT compared to MTS Insurgent is the inclusion of black pepper extract to significantly improve the absorption of other active ingredients.
Applied Nutraceuticals Drive
Applied Nutraceuticals Drive is a supplement designed to improve athletic performance, promote lean muscle growth, and increase sex drive by increasing testosterone levels and luteinizing hormone activity. The manufacturer does not explicitly state that cycling off is required. However, the label explicitly says that Drive has both immediate and cumulative effects that improve with continued use.
The usage directions say to consume one dose an empty stomach first thing in the morning followed by a second dose one hour pre-workout on training days or mid-afternoon on non-training day. You should not take Drive within 3 hours of bedtime.
Unlike MTS Insurgent and AI Sports Nutrition TestoPro XT, Applied Nutraceuticals Drive recommends dosages based on weight. Those under 150 pounds should consume 4 capsules daily split across two doses.
Those weighing between 151 and 200 pounds should consume 6 capsules daily split across two doses. If you weigh between 201 and 250 pounds, then divide 8 capsules across two doses in a day. Those weighing more than 250 pounds should consume 5 capsules twice per day.
Assuming a bodyweight of 180lbs, a daily dose of 6 capsules of Drive contains the following 5 active ingredients in two proprietary blends:
2,460mg of the A4E2 ATP Synthase? Proprietary Blend consisting of:
- Cordyceps (40% cordyceptic acid)
- Dodder Seed Extract (20:1 Cuscutta Chinesis)
- Naringin (98% extract)
- Epimedium Extract (20% Icariin)
- Forslean® (20%) (Registered Trademark of Sabinsa Corp.)
Cordyceps is a mushroom used in Chinese folk medicine most commonly consumed by humans in dosages of 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams to boost testosterone. The human research is limited but it appears the compound has poor oral bioavailability and is significantly more effective if injected. [8] Dodder seed extract may be able to increase testosterone levels in the testicle but these results have only been found in mice. [9]
Additional research is needed to see if the results translate to humans. Naringin is a citrus flavonoid found to improve cognitive function and decrease the harmful effects of oxidative stress. [10] This type of compound is therefore useful in facilitating recovery from high intensity activities like weightlifting.
There is no specific recommended dosage of this compound for humans. Epimedium, more commonly known as horny goat weed, contains the active ingredient Icariin which can increase testosterone in humans at a dosage of 900 to 1,500 milligrams. [11] Since this supplement contains two ingredients in a proprietary blend comprising 540 milligrams, it is not possible for this supplement to have the recommended quantity of Icariin.
500 milligrams of coleus forskohlii standardized to 10% forskolin and split across two doses can increase lean mass, decrease fat mass, lower perceived fatigue, and slightly increase testosterone levels. [12] Forslean® is standardized to 20% forskolin which means you would need only 250 milligrams of coleus forskohlii to consume the recommended dose.
Applied Nutraceuticals drive costs $59.99 at the Tiger Fitness for a bottle of 240 capsules. At a dose of 6 capsules per day this bottle will last you 40 days and cost $1.50 per serving. Across all three products, Drive is the least expensive and contains the greatest number of active ingredients.
However, it does not disclose the exact amount of each active ingredient so we cannot confirm if the product does in-fact contain clinically effective amounts of each ingredient. For many individuals, a proprietary blend is an immediate turn-off when selecting supplements.
What is your favorite all-natural testosterone boosting supplement? Let me know in the comments below.
References
1) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "L-Carnitine - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.2) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Shilajit - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
3) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Spilanthes Acmella - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
4) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Eurycoma Longifolia Jack - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
5) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Fenugreek - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
6) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Ashwagandha - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
7) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Black Pepper - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
8) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Cordyceps - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
9) Soni, Kiran Kumar et al. ?The Effects of MOTILIPERM on Cisplatin Induced Testicular Toxicity in Sprague?Dawley Rats.? Cancer Cell International 15 (2015): 121. PMC. Web. 18 Jan. 2017.
10) Kumar, A., et al. "Protective Effect of Naringin, a Citrus Flavonoid, Against Colchicine-induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Rats." National Center for Biotechnology Information, J Med Food., Aug. 2010, Accessed Jan. 2017.
11) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Horny Goat Weed - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
12) Frank, Kurtis, et al. "Coleus Forskohlii - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects." Examine.com, 2017, Accessed Jan. 2017.
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