Nutrifitt Krobaa Pre-Workout Review

Kobra Kai never dies! Although this is not the way to spell the name of this product, it is exactly what I thought each time. Nutrifitt takes us to the everyday daily driver route, providing us with intense focus and endurance. 

This is one of the most unique formulations I’ve seen in a daily driver with many patented ingredients, such as the tri-phase caffeine blend. I can recommend this to anyone looking to keep their stimulant tolerance lower but without sacrificing the focus, they may need for their training.

Thank you, Jake with Nutricartel, for sending this full product for review! 

Where to Buy Krobaa 

You can buy Krobaa from the following retailers:

• Nutri Cartel
  • LIFTVAULT = 15% off
• Supps Central
  • LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off 

Experience

Within the first 15 minutes, I noticed a slight increase in my energy and focus. At 30 minutes, the notable difference was increased focus to a 3.5 out of 10. Surprisingly, it took around 35 minutes before I felt any beta-alanine tingles, which started around my ears as the sensation continued to make its way down my neck. Around the same time, the focus consistently grew, reaching a 5.5 out of 10.

Around 40 to 45 minutes everything started to come together, but it didn’t peak until 55 minutes. The energy made a noticeable change, growing from a 2 to 6 almost instantaneously, even with cardio or normal walking activities while taking my dogs out. I felt a driven, clear, and level-headed focus with a good amount of energy pushing me into and through my workouts. 

The endurance kept me consistent, but the mental focus helped me concentrate more on the contraction of each repetition rather than fatigue. I had some vascularity, plus a decent pump, which was enough to keep me from looking natty after the gym. There was no crash of any sort since it uses a tri-phase caffeine blend, which works best in my experience. I felt a decent mood elevation, a 5.5 out of 10. It wasn’t a nootropic head-high buzz, but it felt good in that direction.

Before starting this review, I had a two-week caffeine-free break. I wanted to review this product from a low tolerance and reassess several weeks later with everyday supplement use on training days. I experienced consistent results, producing suitable pumps with slight vascularity, strong nootropic focus, good steady energy, and sustained endurance to help take me through each workout. These reviews are not based on a single, one-time use but rather an average of all this product’s experiences. 

Side Effects

I didn’t experience any adverse effects while using this product.

Flavor

“Rainbow candy” was the flavor I was sent for review. It had an excellent taste with smooth and some tangy undertones. Flavor ratings are subjective and don’t impact the product’s rating, but I hope to help gauge how excellent or awful the flavor’s taste might be. The desirability of this flavor was about 8/10. The suggested amount of water was 8-16 ounces, but less was more for me. I enjoyed around 10 ounces of water, as the flavor was perfect at this ratio. 

Dose/Scoop Size

The serving size is 18.42 grams for each serving, which is measured out to a slightly rounded scoop. I shake my supplements before using them, especially the first time. This can cause aeration, making the powder fluff and causing scoops to measure slightly differently. 

Since this isn’t a high stimulant-based product, you should be fine without weighing the scoop, but I always do. I used a full one-scoop serving each use, which hit precisely how I needed it and adequately for this product review. We have 21 servings in this container, which is one above the current market standard. 

Ingredients

This was a uniquely formulated product, but not necessarily a high-stim hitter. It is definitely dosed for an everyday driver, although a little bit low on caffeine for many people at 256 mg. This is definitely well-formulated to give you plenty of focus and endurance, which is precisely how many will need it to be. I feel 300 mg would be a better inclusion; even when used after a two-week stimulant break, I felt it could benefit from the higher dosage. 

Vitamin C – 120 mg

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, crucial in various bodily functions. Here are some additional uses for vitamin C: antioxidant support, immune system boosting, collagen formation, wound healing, iron absorption, eye health, and antioxidant regeneration. 

The recommended daily vitamin C varies by age and gender but is generally around 75-90 milligrams for adults. However, individuals with specific health conditions or who smoke may require higher amounts.

Good dietary sources include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes.

Vitamin B12 – 125 mcg

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial in various bodily functions. It is an essential nutrient, meaning that the body requires it for proper functioning but cannot produce it independently, so it must be obtained through diet or supplements. Here are some critical aspects of vitamin B12: red blood cell formation, nervous system support, DNA synthesis, and fat metabolism. 

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. It is generally not present in plant-based foods unless fortified with B12. Some plant-based foods, such as certain breakfast cereals and plant-based milk alternatives, are fortified with vitamin B12 to help individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets meet their B12 requirements.

L-Citrulline Malate – 6 g

L-citrulline is one of the most common pre-workout ingredients. Extensive evidence supports its ability to increase nitric oxide production, power output, pumps, blood flow, and endurance. It is typical for this ingredient to contain malic acid mixed in a 2:1 ratio per the clinical studies if disclosed. Malic acid has some benefits similar to beta-alanine, and these ingredients aren’t in a chemical bond. Some products may list malic acid as a separate ingredient. 

You want four to six grams of pure l-citrulline for proper clinical dosage. If the ratio on the label is 2:1, a 6-gram dose would contain close to 3.96 grams. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Some critical points are amino acid precursors, enhanced nitric oxide production, improved endurance, reduced muscle fatigue, cardiovascular health, and erectile dysfunction.

Beta-Alanine – 3.2 g

Beta-alanine has been shown to support muscular endurance and act as a lactic acid buffer. Depending on the source of this ingredient, you may feel the paresthesias tingling effect. This feeling is often desirable in the sports community, as it makes you feel the intensity after ingestion. This may be negated by diet and intake of beta-alanine. 

Beta-alanine requires regular intake to be effective, akin to creatine. Daily beta-alanine supplementation of 3-4 grams is recommended to become effective, with a three to five-week loading period. Three to four grams is the recommended daily dosage for beta-alanine, putting this in the standard clinical dose range. When you consume beta-alanine, it combines with another amino acid called histidine to form carnosine. 

Carnosine is found in high muscle concentrations and is a buffer against lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve exercise capacity. By increasing carnosine levels in muscles, beta-alanine helps reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions, contributing to muscle acidity and fatigue. This allows athletes to perform at a high intensity slightly longer before experiencing fatigue.

Typical dietary sources do not abundantly contain it, so it’s challenging to obtain the required amounts solely through diet. However, it is naturally present in small quantities of animal products like meat and fish. 

Betaine Anhydrous – 2.5 g

Betaine is included to help increase your power output. However, research needs to be more consistent around this claim. The typical range for betaine is between 1.5 g and 5 g, but generally, 2.5 grams is on the high end for what is in the market. If you ingest 2 g of betaine nitrate, it would yield 1308 mg of betaine and 692 mg of nitrate. Since the clinical dose of betaine is 2.5g, you must consume around 3.9g of betaine nitrate to get the full benefits. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Betaine anhydrous, often called “betaine,” is a naturally occurring compound in various foods, including beets, spinach, and whole grains. It is also used as a dietary supplement for different purposes. Betaine serves several bodily functions and has been studied for its potential benefits.

Key points about betaine anhydrous include physical performance, enhanced muscular strength and power, cognitive function, and liver health with antioxidant effects. Betaine is naturally present in various foods: beets, spinach, quinoa, and whole grains. Read more about nitrates and comparisons here.

Taurine – 1 g

Taurine is a common ingredient with many positive effects, such as enhanced physical performance, improved DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), improved blood pressure via higher cardiac output, possible reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased uptake of glycogen to mitochondria for energy utilization (Examine). 

Taurine supplementation might block beta-alanine uptake as they are antagonistic, which wouldn’t be an issue if used aside from pre-workout. It is not commonly known that beta-alanine/carnosine is a taurine-depleting antagonist (Examine). A one-gram taurine dose is fair (one to six grams daily in studies); however, more would amplify the benefits.

Pink Himalayan Salt – 250 mg

Salt helps retain water, enabling you to achieve fuller muscle bellies during your workout. This can help prevent muscle spasms like a “Charlie horse” and allow for a good contraction.

500 mg is an excellent dosage for this ingredient; however, it is diet-dependent as not everyone will need higher amounts (for comparison, FSU Dyehard has 300 mg, and Hooligan Bare Knuckle has 250 mg).

It also contains essential electrolytes! More info can be found at Supplements in Review.

EndoFlo – 150 mg

(Kaempferia Parviflora [Root] Extract, Magnifera indica [Root] Powder, Ginko Biloba [Leaf] Extract, Pinus massoniana [Bark] Extract)

I had never heard of EndoFlo before trying this product. When you look up “EndoFlo” on any search engine, you get results for a surgical instrument for irrigation. Kaempferia parviflora, aka Thai Black Ginger or Thai Ginseng, is a native plant in Thailand.

According to Examine, Thai Ginseng displays notable anti-oxidant properties. 

In keeping with the traditional usage of Kaempferia Parviflora,[1] 0.5-1 teaspoon of ground power is made into a tea and drunk about 1-2 hours before physical performance. This dose is similar to the recommended daily dose from the Thai Traditional Medicine Institute of 1.2g daily. The one human study on the matter (failing to note the benefit acutely) used 1.35g.

General health protective effects have been noted at lower doses, although insufficient evidence suggests an optimal amount.

Magnifera indica, aka Mango, has numerous benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, weight gain prevention, combating diabetes, anti-cancer properties, treatment of stomach ulcers, hair growth, and skin health. According to Healthline, Ginko biloba, aka gingko biloba, has numerous benefits, including (but not limited to) improved circulation, improved brain function and well-being, and reduced anxiety.

One study of people with heart disease who were supplemented with ginkgo revealed an immediate increase in blood flow to multiple body parts. This was attributed to a 12% increase in levels of circulating nitric oxide, a compound responsible for dilating blood vessels (NCBI).

A handful of small studies support the notion that supplementing with ginkgo may increase mental performance and perceived well-being (NCBI, NCBI).

Studies like these have given rise to claims linking ginkgo to improved memory, focus, and attention span. A handful of animal studies have observed reductions in anxiety symptoms that may be caused by the antioxidant content of ginkgo (NCBI, NCBI). In one study, 170 people with generalized anxiety were treated with either 240 mg or 480 mg of ginkgo or a placebo. The group treated with the highest dose of ginkgo reported a 45% greater reduction in symptoms of anxiety compared to the placebo group (NCBI). Pinus massoniana, aka Masson’s Pine, is a Chinese Red Pine species and, according to Healthline, may reduce fatigue; however, this benefit is anecdotal.

XanthoPump – 100 mg

A patented ingredient by Nutrifit.

From the manufacturer: XanthoPump has the ability to help enhance workout performance, improve muscle pumps, boost cognitive functioning, increase strength, and maximize energy and endurance. Research has also shown that the ingredients that make up XanthoPump include anti-oxidative, anti-aging, antibacterial, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. This is a true all-in-one trademarked powerhouse regarding overall health and workout performance.

L-Tyrosine – 1.5 g

L-tyrosine boosts cognitive performance in stressful environments. Pre-workouts include it as a focus ingredient and help achieve anti-stress effects. The typical dosage range is 500 mg to 2,000 mg for exercise, and due to the higher dosage needed, we don’t see it in fat burners like this. This is just a little extra ingredient that is a bonus; thus, the lower dosage is okay. 

L-tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to several important neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. It plays a significant role in producing dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which regulate mood, stress response, physical performance, and cognitive function.

Choline L-Bitartrate – 800 mg

Choline is a focus ingredient and chlorogenic source. Compared with alpha gpc, choline bitartrate may be less effective as a nootropic.

Dosages usually range between 500 mg and  2,000 mg, with 1.5 grams being on the higher end of the market standard and should be enough to experience the benefits of choline. However, since the bioavailability is less than alpha gpc or cdp, it may be less potent.

CognatiQ Whole Coffee Fruit Extract (Coffea arabica) – 100 mg

CognatiQ is a patented product from the whole fruit of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica. One dose of 100 mg of WCFC increased serum BDNF by 54% and exosomal BDNF by 206%. BDNF, a Brain-Derived Nootropic Factor, is essential for learning, memory, alertness, mood, controlling body weight, and controlling energy metabolism (Scientific Research Open Access). It is also stimulant-free (Source).

Sabroxy Indian Trumpet Tree Extract – 100 mg

From the manufacturer: Sabroxy® is a standardized extract prepared from the dried bark of the Indian trumpet tree (Oroxylum indicum). It contains a minimum of 10% Oroxylin A to support healthy cognitive function, memory, concentration, focus, and neuronal functions.

Caffeine Blend

Caffeine Anhydrous, Caffeine Citrate, Infiergy Di-Caffeine Malate (256 mg total)

• Caffeine Anhydrous is the standard form of caffeine, known for increasing energy, alertness, and motivation, reducing the perception of fatigue, and improving concentration and mood. It is a powdered form of caffeine commonly used as a supplement and in various products, including energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and over-the-counter medications. “Anhydrous” means without water, so caffeine anhydrous is essentially dehydrated caffeine, typically a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder. The caffeine content varies for each product. 350-450 is the typical dosage for sports supplements, 200-300 is the range for fat burners, and some products may contain other forms or stimulants. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. This increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which contribute to heightened alertness. Less is more, as your dependency will lead to diminishing returns as you increase your intake. The overall combination of many factors, such as sleep, when you take caffeine, diet, and nutrition, affect how much you will need. Recent attention on caffeine consumption within 90 minutes of waking has been given by Dr. Andrew Hubberman, who said it causes the delay of clearing of adenosine. Ingestion of caffeine upon waking will likely produce a mid-day crash, according to his research, so plan your consumption accordingly. 

• Caffeine Citrate is a faster-acting version of caffeine when compared to caffeine anhydrous. It’s not very common in supplements. Some popular pre-workouts, like Wrecked Extreme and M2, include this ingredient. It is usually 50% Caffeine and 50% Citric Acid, meaning a 100 mg dosage would yield 50 mg of actual caffeine. 

• Infinergy™ Di-Caffeine Malate is the extended-release version of caffeine, which usually slowly releases and adds to energy/focus later in the workout, delaying or preventing a crash depending on the formulation of stimulants in the pre-workout. Typically, 75% caffeine anhydrous and 25% malic acid, meaning 100 mg, would yield 75 mg of actual caffeine, which brings the total caffeine content to a modest 425 mg. Infinergy™ represents a precise combination of Caffeine and Malic Acid into an ionic bonded compound. By combining the well-established properties of Caffeine and Malic Acid, Infinergy™ offers a multi-dimensional ingredient that not only optimizes energy levels but also stimulates thermogenesis while promoting mental focus.

Theobromine – 100 mg

Theobromine is a “caffeine light” stimulant found in chocolate, some tea plants, and the kola nut. Its name means “Food of the Gods.” In Greek, “theo” means gods, and “broma” means food.

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that theobromine can affect mood elevation, focus, and stimulation. Most doses range from 100 to 400 mg, leaving this on the low end. It is a bitter alkaloid compound naturally found in various plants, most notably in cocoa beans used to make chocolate products. On average, a 50 g piece of dark chocolate could contain 378 mg of theobromine. It is a chemical relative of caffeine and is classified as a xanthine alkaloid. 

It is known for its stimulant effects, although its impact is generally milder than caffeine. It stimulates the central nervous system and has diuretic effects, which means it can increase urine production. It also relaxes smooth muscles, which can lead to bronchodilation and relaxation of blood vessels.

Theobromine has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that it positively affects cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. It has also been explored for its potential role in cognitive function and mood enhancement.

Panax Ginseng Extract – 50 mg

Generally, ginseng is known for its focus nootropic effects; however, it seems too low of a dose for the cognitive benefits but instead included due to the nutrient uptake. Since this ingredient is a part of astragin (notogensing), it may be included.

AstraGin – 25 mg

AstraGin is a proprietary nutraceutical ingredient composed of two natural extracts, Panax notoginseng and astragalus membranaceus. Its primary purpose is to improve the absorption of nutrients and bioactive compounds within the body. Key points include its potential to enhance nutrient uptake, potential benefits for digestive health and sports nutrition, and claims of immune support. In other words, it helps your body absorb more of the ingredients in the product, which allows the effectiveness of the ingredients. As the serving size increases, so does the need for a digestion aid. The typical dosage set by the manufacturer is 50 mg.

Bioperine – 5 mg

Black pepper extract, or bioperine, is a patented ingredient that increases the bioavailability of nutritional supplements. In other words, it helps your body absorb more of the ingredients in the product, which allows the effectiveness of the ingredients. As the serving size increases, so does the need for a digestion aid. Typically, you only find it dosed at 5 mg, but manufacturers sometimes double it.

Bioperine is a trademarked name for a patented extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum) standardized to contain a high concentration of piperine. Piperine is the active component responsible for black pepper’s intense and spicy flavor. It primarily enhances the body’s bioavailability of various nutrients and substances. It achieves this by inhibiting certain digestive and liver enzymes that break down these compounds, allowing them to remain in the bloodstream for extended periods and be more effectively absorbed.