Full Send is a popular brand founded by the creators of "Nelk," and they recently launched a supplement line called Full Send Supplements. The brand sells everything from protein shakes to BCAAs to a sleep supplement.
But do Full Send Supplements contain research-backed ingredients at effective doses, or are they a waste of money? Do they contain any questionable additive ingredients? What does their certification mean? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Full Send Supplements?
In this article we'll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in three of Full Send's most popular supplements (Pre-Workout, Stamina Capsules and Liver Reset) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the supplements are likely to be effective or if they're a waste of money.
We'll feature real user reviews and discuss the merits of a certification the brand carries.
Full Send Pre-Workout Ingredient Analysis
The first four active ingredients in Full Send Pre-Workout are a blend of B-vitamins. We haven't come across any medical studies suggesting that B-vitamins increase athletic performance, nor does Full Send cite any on their product page.
The remaining active ingredients in this pre-workout are shown below:
Caffeine is included at an effective 200 milligram (mg) dose. A medical review published in the Sports Medicine medical journal documented how caffeine supplementation can increase maximal force and muscle endurance during workouts by stimulating the central nervous system.
Beta-alanine was shown in a 2014 clinical trial to increase carnosine levels in muscle by up to 50%, which may equate to improved endurance.
Taurine is an amino acid that may be harmful to the brain of adolescents and young adults when combined with caffeine, as described in a 2017 medical review. Individuals in these groups might want to discuss use of this supplement with a doctor.
Betaine is clinically shown to increase power as we discussed in our Alpha Lion pre workout review. However, we can't find any clinical trials suggesting it's effective at as low a dose as is included in Full Send's pre-workout.
Most of the clinical trials on betaine for athletic performance that we surveyed included a dose of 2,000 mg or more, while Full Send Pre-Workout only provides 500 mg.
We can't find research backing for the remaining two active ingredients at their included doses.
This supplement also contains some questionable additive ingredients:
Natural & artificial flavors is a broad descriptor that fails to identify the specific chemical compounds used. There is animal research suggesting that some artificial flavoring compounds are toxic.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that caused negative changes to insulin function in healthy young adults in at least one clinical trial as we documented in our Body Fortress Whey Protein review, which analyzed another workout supplement containing this ingredient.
Citric acid is a flavor enhancer and preservative. Most people seem to be able to tolerate this compound fine, but some individuals were shown to have full-body inflammatory reactions to citric acid in a medical review published in the Toxicology Reports journal.
Overall, we consider Full Send Supplements Pre-Workout somewhat likely to improve athletic performance given its effective dose of caffeine and beta-alanine. We don't currently recommend this supplement due to the inclusion of the inactive ingredients highlighted above.
Before analyzing the ingredients in Full Send's other popular supplements, we want to feature a few real user reviews and ratings of the brand.
Real People Try Full Send Supplements
A YouTube creator named Luke Elsman shared his thoughts on Full Send's pre-workout:
One of the most popular reviews of Full Send Supplements is published by a YouTube channel called “More Plates More Dates" who suggests that the brand's supplements aren't very well formulated:
Stamina Capsules Ingredient Analysis
The ingredients in Full Send Supplements' Stamina Capsules, which are used for sexual performance and libido, are shown above.
Ashwagandha extract is an effective ingredient choice for a sexual supplement. This herb has been shown to positively impact sexual function in both men and women in clinical trials.
Eurycoma longifolia root extract was shown in a 2017 medical review to support erectile function and overall male sexual health at a similar dose to that in Stamina Capsules.
Mucuna pruriens is clinically shown to optimize sperm function and libido in an animal study, as we documented in our ExtenZe review article.
Tribulus terrestris was found to improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in a 2017 clinical trial.
Maca root extract was shown to enhance libido in a medical review published in the BMC Alternative Medicine and Therapies journal.
The inactive ingredients in this supplement are safe and non-toxic.
Overall, we consider Full Send Stamina Capsules likely to improve sexual function and desire in men, and we find this to be one of the better sexual enhancement supplements we've reviewed on Illuminate Health.
From a formulation perspective, we would recommend this supplement.
Before analyzing the ingredients in Full Send's Liver Reset supplement, we'll share a YouTube video of the NELK boys discussing their supplement brand.
NELK Boys Discuss Full Send Supplements
A YouTube video from the "FULL SEND Podcast Clips" channel features the founders of the brand discussing their supplement line:
Liver Reset Ingredient Analysis
The vitamin ingredients in Full Send's Liver Reset capsules are shown above.
We haven't come across any medical studies suggesting that these ingredients support liver function in individuals without a deficiency of these vitamins, nor does Full Send cite any research on their product page suggesting so.
The remaining ingredients in this supplement are shown below:
Turmeric root extract is a strange choice for a liver support supplement in our opinion. A review published in The American Journal of Medicine described liver injury associated with turmeric use as "a growing problem."
Milk thistle has been clinically shown to support liver detoxification, as we documented in our review of High Voltage Detox drink.
Dandelion root extract was shown to have supportive effects during liver failure in an animal study published in 2021.
The inactive ingredients in this supplement are safe and non-toxic.
We would strongly recommend that consumers speak with their doctor if they believe they're experiencing liver issues. This is not a category of health issue that it seems logical to try to treat with over-the-counter (OTC) supplements.
Full Send Supplements Certification
Full Send Supplements are certified by a company called Informed Sport which tests products for contaminants and banned substances. This is a good sign, especially given that they sell sexual and workout supplements; two of the categories most likely to be tainted according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
All things being equal, we would recommend that consumers choose a product that is Informed Sport certified over one without the certification, because supplement contamination is a real issue, especially in the U.S.
We commend Full Send Supplements for taking this step. This is a sign of a high-quality brand.
Pros and Cons of Full Send Supplements
Here are the pros and cons of Full Send Supplements in our opinion:
Pros:
- Stamina Capsules have impressive formulation
- Stamina Capsules should improve sex drive in men
- Pre-Workout should improve energy levels and performance
- Informed Sport Certified
- Affordable
Cons:
- Liver Reset capsules contain an active ingredient that may harm the liver at high doses
- Pre-Workout contains artificial sweeteners
- Pre-Workout contains artificial flavors
- Supplements don't appear clinically tested
- Brand website charges for shipping
