Scitec Water Cut

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

Water Cut is a complex formula for average people and serious physique competitors as well that may enhance the elimination of excess water! It’s formulated with 8 carefully selected, synergistic herbal extracts and micronutrients. Herbal W-X contains only minimal amount of Caffeine from Green Tea so it can be used more freely.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 2 capsules Servings per container: 50
Amount per serving			Amount per serving
Vitamin C	500 mg		Artichoke extract			350 mg
Vitamin B6	5 mg		American Cranberry extract			200 mg
					Green Tea extract (50% Polyphenols)		200 mg
					Dandelion extract		100 mg
					Parsley extract		100 mg
					Juniper extract

So a lot of herbal ingredients here:

Artichoke extract will make you urinate frequently.

Cranberry extract helps with toxins and also makes you urinate frequently.

Dandelion extract is used as a laxative and also makes you urinate frequently.

Unsurprisingly Parsley and Juniper Extract also make you urinate frequently.

Water Cut literally takes the piss! I’ve been waiting for a month to use that line. Worth it.

Taste

You take 2 caps twice a day and they don’t have a bad taste and are easy to swallow.

Side Effects

Other than never stopping urinating none.

Price

£9.68 for a 25 day cycle.

Results

Water Cut is not to be confused with a fat burner its sole purpose is to eliminate any excess water from your system. This is aimed at people who are prepping for a competition but could be used by anyone who is looking to completely cut up for whatever reason.

You will feel slightly dehydrated towards the end but you can’t complain about the results. You will easily lose several pounds in water weight. If you are already fairly lean then you will notice that you become more defined and that everything seems to “pop” a bit more and you look contest ready.

I can’t imagine this being widely used by many people who aren't prepping for a contest but for those of you who are then this will absolutely make you look your best. 8.5/10

You can buy Water Cut here

Scitec Top Shape

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

Here’s scientific consensus that the reduction of body weight is a beneficial physiological effect for overweight individuals. Clinical intervention studies found a statistically significant effect of Glucomannan on body weight loss in the context of an energy-restricted diet when administered as a pre-load before meals, and that the mechanism by which Glucomannan could exert the claimed effect is established: this soluble-type of fiber forms a viscous, gel-like mass in the stomach when hydrated, and this “mass effect” could delay gastric emptying and induce satiety leading to a decrease in subsequent energy intake. Therefore the conclusion is that a cause and effect relationship can be established between the consumption of Glucomannan and the reduction of body weight in the context of an energy-restricted diet. 

The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 grams of Glucomannan in 3 doses of 1 g each (3x2 capsules). Similarly, on the basis of available scientific data it is concluded that there is a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of Glucomannan and the reduction of blood cholesterol concentrations. Maintaining normal blood cholesterol is beneficial to health! Glucomannan contributes to the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels, and the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 4 grams of Glucomannan (8 capsules). 

Nutritional Information

FOR WEIGHT LOSS				FOR BLOOD CHOLESTEROL MANAGEMENT
Serving size: 6 (3x2) capsules Servings per container: 30				Serving size: 8 (4x2) capsules Servings per container: 22
	100 g				100 g
Glucomannan	3000 mg			Glucomannan	4000 mg

Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the roots of the elephant yam, also known as konjac.

Glucomannan comprises 40% of the dry weight of the elephant yam, which is originally from Southeast Asia. It has a long history of use in herbal mixtures and traditional foods like tofu, noodles, and konjac jelly.

It is becoming more and more common in herbal fat burners and health foods so expect to see a lot more Glucomannan.

Taste

None – tablets are nice and easy to swallow and aren’t overly large.

Side Effects

Very slight bloating for a couple of days but after the 4^th day nothing.

Price

£22.00 for a course running either 22 or 30 days.

Results

I used this on the fat loss cycle rather than Cholesterol reduction because my Cholesterol is well within range so I wouldn’t expect much change but as I’m coming off bulking season I have a couple *cough* of pounds to lose.

I like the idea of Glucomannan that it basically forms a gel in your stomach that tricks you into feeling full for longer or tells you that you are full faster if you take it before a meal. It’s a simple trick but an effective one. This is my first time using Glucomannan although I have been hearing a lot about it recently.

This isn’t a fat burner in the sense that it actively burns fat rather it stops you from overeating or snacking. So yes you will lose weight by using Top Shape but to make it really effective and to get full use from it you would want to pair it with a stimulant based fat burner such as Sictec’s Revex-16 or Shredex.

I like the idea of Top Shape I think it’s innovative and new which I always like to see. It’s a shame that Scitec haven’t (yet) paired Glucomannan with one of their excellent fat burner profiles but I’m sure that’s not far away. 8/10

You can buy Top Shape here

Scitec Night Pro

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

Caseins and caseinates make the other group of milk proteins besides whey. They are high in the essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAA’s) and in L-Glutamine (higher than whey), the most abundant free amino acid in human blood. NIGHT PRO's calcium caseinate and micellar casein are so-called complete proteins, because they provide the body with all necessary amino acids, including the 9 amino acids (i.e. Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine) that are considered essential for life, because the body cannot synthesize them. They are also the substantial sources of calcium. 

NIGHT PRO can be used when meals are too far apart for some reason, or before going to bed. If you use pre- and intra-workout nutrition (including protein or amino acids), it may be preferable to include it as your post-workout protein! NIGHT PRO is a low-fat product with a high protein content.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 25 g (approximately 1 level scoop)
Calories	90		Sugar	0,7 g
Calories from Fat	4		Protein	20 g
Total Fat	<1 g		Calcium	359 mg
Saturated Fat	<0,5 g		Potassium	29 mg
Colesterol	4 mg		Sodium	9 mg
Total Carbohydrate	1,4 g

Slow digesting protein is ideal for taking at night time otherwise you could potentially fall into a catabolic state which would obviously be problematic if you are trying to add mass or maintain muscle.

There are very few carbs/sugar/fat included in Night Pro this means you haven't got to worry too much if you are on a fat loss cycle.

Taste

I had the vanilla flavour and it was very nice, it mixed up very well and didn’t leave an aftertaste. It had a smooth texture and was very easy to drink.

Side Effects

None

Price

£26.59 for a tub with 36 servings in.

Results

Night Pro is obviously for use before bed so there are certain things that Night Pro needs to be good at. Firstly it needs to be comprised mostly of slow digesting protein – Night Pro's primary protein source is Casein. Then the shake needs to be drinkable – Night Pro tastes pretty good and doesn’t have any side effects which brings me on to my next point. The shake shouldn’t bloat you or make you feel uncomfortable. This is very important because who wants to be uncomfortable in bed, if you aren’t sleeping you aren’t recovering and that almost defeats the object of the shake so it’s a good thing that Night Pro doesn’t cause any discomfort at all.

So Night Pro accomplishes exactly what it set out to. The fact that its reasonably priced as well means that this is pretty much the perfect bedtime shake.

If you want more carbs then I recommend blending some oats in to the vanilla flavour. Its delicious – I actually used this as a breakfast shake a few times.

Night Pro is an excellent choice for a slow digesting protein source. 9/10

You can buy Night Pro here

Scitec Anabolic Whey

 

Overview

Here is what Scitec have to say:

Anabolic Whey is an engineered blend of ultrafiltered whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolates (containing lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, lactalbumin and immunoglobulin protein fractions) and complete milk protein. We also added Glutamine and Taurine, two abundant amino acids in the human body.

Milk proteins – especially whey protein – are the most popular bodybuilding proteins, no question about it. Also, they are among the highest quality protein sources.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 30 g (approximately 1 level scoop)
Amount per serving				Amount per serving
Calories		116		Potassium		185 mg
Calories from Fat		14		Total Carbohydrate		3.8 g
Total Fat		1.5 g		Sugars		2 g
Saturated Fat		1 g		Dietary Fiber		0 g
Cholesterol		24 mg		Protein		21.5 g
Sodium		130 mg

21.5g of protein is a little bit lower than I expected but its not too low to be effective. The protein is from a blend of whey and complete milk protein meaning that the absorption speed will vary from fast to slow keeping your muscles drip fed for a few hours.

Included are Creatine, Glutamine and Taurine this is in a blend so I’m not 100% sure on how much each item is dosed at but all 3 make good inclusions.

There certainly is no frills with Anabolic Whey everything that Scitec has included is an “active” ingredient there are no fillers at all.  

Taste

I used the Vanilla flavour for this review and whilst it was a little bit bland it was pleasant to drink and mixed up very well leaving no grit or clumps. It has quite a sweet aftertaste but not unpleasant.

Side Effects

None

Price

£24.49 for a tub with 30 servings in.

Results

Anabolic Whey sets out to be a versatile protein shake that can be used at any time of day. Due to the fast and slow release proteins it could be an option for a night time shake, breakfast protein boost, post-workout muscle builder or just a mid-afternoon macro hitting snack.

Everything works about Anabolic Whey, it does have a few flaws but nothing major. 21.5g of protein is a little bit low I usually like my shakes around the 25-30 mark. The flavour is a little bit bland but fortunately it comes in 4 others. There isn’t really anything new or groundbreaking here it is just a safe bet for a good quality protein shake.

Scitec have priced this very competitively and reasonably I think, I would be happy to pay £25 for this product.

Anabolic Whey is a reliable, cost effective, good quality all round protein shake 8/10

You can buy Anabolic Whey here

Scitec Mastodon

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

SCITEC NUTRITION’s MASTODON delivers Phosphatidic Acid (PA) in a scientifically studied effective dose!

Phosphatidic Acid is a phospholipid, which is a major structural component of all biological membrane systems. It’s not only a constituent of all cell membranes, it also acts as an intracellular messenger that regulates signalling proteins. Signalling by the mechanism known as mTOR has been reported to be necessary for mechanical load (resistance training) induced growth of skeletal muscle and consequent strength gains. Several studies indicate that the lipid messenger Phosphatidic Acid plays a critical role in the mechanical activation of mTOR signaling.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 3 capsules Servings per container: 30
	3 caspsules
Phosphatidic Acid	750 mg

Phosphatidic acid has been reported to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and is thought to enhance the anabolic effects of resistance training. This has been backed up by several studies with some subjects. Subjects ingesting PA demonstrated a 12.7% increase in squat strength and a 2.6% increase in LBM, while subjects consuming PL showed a 9.3% improvement in squat strength and a 0.1% change in LBM. A daily 750 mg PA ingestion, combined with a 4-day per week resistance training program for 8-weeks appears to have a likely benefit on strength improvement, and a very likely benefit on lean tissue accruement in young, resistance trained individuals.

Taste

No taste and the capsules are easy to swallow.

Side Effects

None

Price

£49.21 for a 30 day course.

Results

Mastodon isn’t a T-Booster as such but it is a similar style of product and you would be wanting similar results. Strength increases were much more prevalent for me than actual visible gains in muscle. However as we all know if you get stronger eventually you have to get bigger. I have never used a pure Phosphatidic Acid product before so I was unsure what to expect however I can say hand on my heart that this is pretty awesome.

To be honest 3 tablets a day to get stronger week in week out (and still call myself natural) is something that I can get onboard with. I am very interested in trying this over a longer period of time to see if the strength gains are just an initial boost or if they will keep coming. At just under £50 it is quite expensive but I have seen it as low as £30 so it pays to shop around a little bit, I think £50 is too pricey for the product but if you can find it cheaper it is a very easy and effective way of increasing your strength quite quickly. 8.5/10

You can buy Mastodon here 

Scitec Liquid Shock

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

LIQUID SHOCK is a stimulant energy optimizer with a large dose of Caffeine, plus Taurine, the two common components of energy drinks. LIQUID SHOCK is fortified with a Vitamin B complex. Pantothenic Acid contributes to normal mental performance. 

Vitamin B6 alone contributes to:
- normal energy-yielding metabolism
- the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- normal functioning of the immune system and nervous systems
- normal protein and glycogen metabolism
- the regulation of hormonal activity
- normal red blood cell formation

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 25 ml Servings per container: 40
Amount	per 25 ml		Amount	per 25 ml
Energy	131 kJ		Niacin	18 mg
	31 kcal		Pantothenic Acid	6 mg
Protein	0.1 g		Vitamin B6	2 mg
Carbohydrate	7.5 g		Vitamin B12	1 mcg
Fat	0.1 g		Taurine	500 mg
Vitamin B1	1.4 mg		Caffeine	250 mg
Vitamin B2	1.6 mg

So its basically a Red Bull shot. All the Caffeine and Taurine of a full 300ml preworkout drink have been condensed into a 25ml shot.

As a preworkout this is as about as basic as it comes but it’ll certainly get you awake and moving.

Taste

Not great to be honest but since it’s a 25ml shot it doesn’t really matter. Its quite thick like bit like syrup. It doesn’t really have a flavour at least not a discernable one, a little bit like cough medicine.

Side Effects

It makes you feel quite warm and tingly, it’s a nice side effect.

Price

£13.29 for 40 servings you can’t argue with that.

Results

I love clever ideas and I’ve never seen anything like this. I tend to train very early and it was great to just wake up get my shakes out the fridge, slam back a Liquid Shock and get in the car to go to the gym, I liked not having all that liquid inside me before I train. You can also take it with you in the car as a “back up” in case you forget your preworkout, Scitec say to take it 60 minutes before training but I found it kicked in after about 25 -30 minutes.

Liquid Shock is very basic but that’s good as long as you can tolerate caffeine then you can use it. There’s no worrying about reacting to new substances. It's easy to take and has no side effects. Another big plus is that it is dirt cheap! It comes in at 33p per serving! 

The down side to it being so basic is that it is just a large caffeine boost. You get an almost hyperactive feeling of alertness and a huge energy rush but it doesn’t help you with pumps, muscle contractions or mood. I think Liquid Shock is the first step towards a new style of awesome preworkouts, its good as it is but I think there is a lot of potential with this style that has yet to be properly utilised. 7/10

You can buy Liquid Shock here

Scitec Balanced Recovery

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

Most intense exercise regimens – including CrossFit® and other high-intensity functional training styles – burn up a lot of carbohydrates and tear down muscle tissue, therefore efficient recovery requires reloading carbohydrates and protein or amino acids, as well as some other micronutrients such as electrolytes, and of course water. Managing inflammation can be useful as well. Especially critical is this nutritional support post-workout if additional exercise sessions are scheduled for the same day!

WOD CRUSHER’s BALANCED RECOVERY post-workout recovery formula is engineered to provide significant and balanced support with its advanced proteins and carbohydrate matrix, plus several useful extra ingredients as fortification!

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 70 g (1 ¼ scoop) Servings Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving			Amount Per Serving
Calories	271 kcal		Total Carbohydrate	39.3 g
Calories from Fat	32.4 kcal		Sugars	2.1 g
Total Fat	3.6 g		Dietary Fiber	0.4 g
Saturated Fat	0.1 g		Protein	20.4 g
Cholesterol	1.2 mg
AD VANCED CARBOHYDRATE MATRIX (Maltodextrin, Palatinose™, Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)	37.5 g		Taurine	500 mg
Electrolytes (Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium)	760 mg		Bromelain Digestive Enzyme	200 mg
- Potassium	322 mg		Vitamin C	200 mg
- Chloride	120 mg

Recovery shakes often use a 2:1 carbs to protein ratio and this seems to be following that pattern flooding your muscles with fast acting carbs and protein to promote recovery and ultimately growth.

I must admit I was expecting some creatine (scitec love to include their “Crea-Bomb” matrix in their products) but it seems Scitec have stuck to pure muscular recovery for this product. A good helping of electrolytes should replace the ones that you’ve lost during your workout.

Taste

I had the Pina Colada flavour and it is out of this world! It was just like an actual Pina Colada and it has little coconut crispy bits in. It was delicious. It mixes really well but these little coconut flakes make it look like it hasn’t which is a bit odd at first.

Side Effects

None

Price

£49.44 for a tub with 30 servings in.

Results

Recovery shakes are easy to review because they either enhance recovery or they don’t. Fortunately Balanced Recovery definitely works. It doesn’t completely eliminate DOMS but it helps immensely, you won’t feel anywhere near as sore next day as you normally do. So based off that alone Balanced Recovery is a success.

Balanced Recovery doesn’t bloat you or cause any stomach upset and it tastes absolutely amazing so its easy drink straight after your workout has finished.

The main downside to Balanced Recovery is the price, most Scitec products are on the cheaper side but this one is quite expensive. You wouldn’t be using this as a day to day protein product so you would have to buy a separate product to use to hit your macros (most likely anyway) making Balanced Recovery more of a luxury then a necessity.  The bottom line is Balanced Recovery accomplishes what it sets out to do but its just too expensive. 6/10

You can buy Balanced Recovery here 

Campbell Nutrition Cut and Shred Excess

 

Overview

Here’s what Campbell Nutrition have to say:

New improved formula CUT & SHRED EXCESS (Diet Whey Plus) Powder is for men and women looking to shed unwanted pounds and achieve that lean, toned physique of your dreams whilst maintaining and even increasing lean muscle mass.

CUT & SHRED EXCESS (Diet Whey Plus) Powder is further boosted with an additional range of tried and trusted potent fat-loss compounds aids, antioxidant and metabolism boosting properties.

Feel the benefits of Green Tea, CLA, Acai Berry Extract, Acetyl L-Carnitine and Taurine all in one easy to mix shake.

The perfect choice for anyone looking to improve shape, tone & maintain lean muscle mass.

Product Benefits:

1. Low Carbohydrates. 2. Low Fat Content. 3. Improved Immune Support. 4. Lean Muscle Mass Growth. 5. Incorporated Fat Burner Components. 6. Physique Toning. 7. Fat Shredding. 8. High Protein Intake. 9. Muscle Maintenance. 10. Great Tasting Meal Replacements.

Nutritional Information

36g of Protein is a great amount for a diet shake to not only assist with hunger but also maintain your hard earned muscle whilst you diet down. The protein is made up of both fast and slow absorbing proteins so it will keep you full for longer.

The fat burning ingredients are CLA, Acai Berry, Green Tea and L-Carnitine. I’ve never been sold on the positive benefits of Acai Berry but some people swear by it. CLA, Green Tea and L-Carnitine however are all effective at shifting unwanted fat. The Fat and Carb content have been kept very low as the main goal of Cut and Shred is fat burning.  

Taste

I had the Chocolate flavour and it was pretty good, Chocolate is never my favourite flavour and I never normally pick it but Campbell Nutrition have nailed this one. It’s not too sweet or sickly and because it mixes up so well it very easy to drink.

Side Effects

None

Price

£39.99 for a 2.25kg tub with 57 servings in.

Results

Diet Shakes are becoming more and more common with people looking for every possible way to shift a few extra pounds. Most usually have about 22-25g of protein and 1 or 2 fat burning ingredients that are lightly dosed but Cut and Shred shakes up that formula by providing a “true” diet shake with 36g of protein to help you keep your muscle whilst in a calorie deficit. Campbell Nutrition are throwing 4 fat burning ingredients at you in with decent doses (the L-Carnitine could be higher but it’s still effectively dosed). They really are going all out to create the go to shake when its “beady body” season.

It tastes pretty good but to be honest the main draw here is the price. Coming in a just over £0.70 per shake this is excellent value and easily deserves a place in your cutting regime.

I’m still not sold on Acai Berry but it certainly won’t hurt your results and believe me when I say you will see results. 9/10

You can buy Cut and Shred here