5 Best Pre-Workout For Teens [UK] 2023: Are They Safe To Consume?
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- Written by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
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Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout
- Twelve flavors are available.
- Subscribe and save.
- Vegan-friendly.
Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout
- Four flavors are available.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Soy, gluten, and additive-free.
- Third-party tested.
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer
- Only 40 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
- Zero grams of sugar per serving.
- Made in a Good Manufacturing Practice-certified facility.
As teenagers begin building on their athletic performance and start including more intense exercise, it’s natural that they become curious about pre-workout supplements. Many young athletes who are looking to improve their strength and muscle endurance are turning to pre-workout supplements for that extra boost in performance.
While pre-workouts may support muscle growth, exercise performance,[1] and muscle recovery, not all supplements are safe and appropriate for teenage athletes. There are a lot of things going on in teenagers, from musculoskeletal changes to hormonal adjustments to the maturation of parts of their brains. These changes, therefore, impact everything from structural anatomy to metabolism to the mind-body connection.[2]
In this article, we’ll discuss the implications of pre-workout supplements in teenage athletes and review five products to help your young adult choose the best pre-workout for teens.
5 Best Pre-Workout Supplements For Teenagers On The Market In UK (March. 2023)
- Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout – Editor’s Choice
- Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout – Most Flavors Available
- Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer – Lowest Caffeine Content
- Kaged Pre-Kaged Sport – Best Organic Caffeine Source
- Do Vitamins Pure Pump – Best Gluten-Free Pre-Workout
Is Pre-Workout Safe Or Bad For Teens?
It’s hard to say if pre-workout supplements are safe for teenagers because there have not been any long-term studies completed with children or teens as the test subjects. Sports supplements are considered dietary supplements, which do not need approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration before hitting the shelves. Thus, one must act as their own FDA, in a sense.
Supplement companies are supposed to follow the FDA’s current good manufacturing practices to ensure the safety and quality of their products, but that may not always happen. As a result, some supplements may contain harmful ingredients, such as drugs or additives, not listed on the product’s label.
Generally speaking, it’s not recommended that teens under the age of 18 take a pre-workout sport supplement. This guideline only allows for two age groups, aged 18 and aged 19 if talking about teenagers. For this reason and more, if your teenager of any age is considering taking pre-workout or any other supplements, talk with their pediatrician first.
The Line Up At A Glance
Editor’s Choice
Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout
- Twelve flavors are available.
- Subscribe and save.
- Vegan-friendly.
Most Flavors Available
Naked Nutrition Naked Energy Pre-Workout
- Four flavors are available.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Soy, gluten, and additive-free.
- Third-party tested.
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Lowest Caffeine Content
Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer
- Highly concentrated lab-grade CBD
- Full-spectrum CBD oil tinctures
- Save 15% with a recurring subscription
Best Organic Caffeine Source
Kaged Pre-Kaged Sport
- Five flavors are available.
- Every batch is third-party tested.
- Informed Choice-certified.
5 Best Pre-Workout Supplements For Teenagers In UK 2023
Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs is well known for its protein powders, but its BULK Pre-Workout is another quality product that can help users build muscle mass and strength.
- Twelve flavors are available.
- Subscribe and save.
- Vegan-friendly.
- No stimulant-free options.
- Contains stevia.
Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout is comprised of a comprehensive list of evidence-based ingredients, free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, and formulated to enhance strength, stamina, focus, and energy.
To use, mix a one-half scoop with 8-10 ounces of water and drink approximately 20-30 minutes before your workout. If you prefer increased intensity, you can increase it to a full scoop mixed in 10-12 ounces of water. However, Transparent Labs recommends that users do not exceed 2 scoops per day.
Unfortunately, while Bulk Pre-Workout is available in 12 flavors, Transparent Labs does not offer a stimulant-free option. Teens will need to be mindful of their caffeine intake when taking the pre-workout supplement. One full scoop of BULK Pre-Workout provides 180 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, 80 milligrams more than the recommended caffeine limit for teens per day.
Of note, Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout contains stevia, which may cause a microbial imbalance[3] in the gut. Although stevia is natural, it can impact insulin and gut bacteria. It is noteworthy that these findings occurred in animal studies, not necessarily applicable to humans, and that there were some flaws in the studies, such as different diets which may have altered the results.
Lastly, you can buy Bulk Pre-Workout as a one-time purchase or subscribe and save for additional cost savings.
Naked Energy Pre-Workout
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Naked Nutrition’s Naked Energy Pre-Workout comes in four flavors, one being stimulant-free. Leading ingredients like beta-alanine, creatine monohydrate, B vitamins, and more work together to help promote muscle gain and muscle recovery.
- Four flavors are available.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Soy, gluten, and additive-free.
- Third-party tested.
- 200 milligrams of caffeine in caffeine-containing flavors.
Naked Nutrition’s pre-workout supplement aims to support muscle building and reduce muscle fatigue during your workout sessions.
While Naked Energy is available in four flavors, young athletes might consider using the stim-free pre-workout option to avoid exceeding the recommended daily caffeine intake. The flavors that contain caffeine have 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, double the recommended daily limit for teenagers.
The pre-workout supplement combines ingredients, such as creatine monohydrate, B vitamins, vitamin C, and beta-alanine to provide a boost of energy and power as you work to build muscle and enhance your muscle endurance.
Naked Nutrition’s Naked Energy Pre-Workout supplement does not contain animal products, meaning it’s appropriate for those following a vegan diet. The stim-free supplement contains no artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners, and you can take the supplement with peace of mind knowing Naked Energy Pre-Workout is third-party tested for quality and safety.
Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer
Red Leaf Pre-Workout offers a boost of physical energy without providing high doses of caffeine. Each serving of the pre-workout supplement only provides 40 milligrams of caffeine.
- Only 40 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
- Zero grams of sugar per serving.
- Made in a Good Manufacturing Practice-certified facility.
- Only two flavors are available.
- No mention of product testing.
Red Leaf Pre-Workout Energizer aims to provide a jitter-free energy boost in preparation for your gym session, between work meetings, or even in place of your normal cup of coffee. It may be one of the best pre-workouts for teens based on its low caffeine content.
One serving of the pre-workout supplement provides just 40 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, along with other quality ingredients, such as branched-chain amino acids, glutamine, and arginine. Its green tea leaf extract delivers powerful antioxidants and amino acids which can help promote protein synthesis.
Unfortunately, Red Leaf’s pre-workout only comes in two flavors: cranberry lime and blueberry acai. Both flavors are manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practice-certified facility, but there is no mention of third-party testing to ensure safety and quality. Note that green tea extract has a small — probably negligible — amount of caffeine,[4] too.
Of note, the blueberry acai flavor is sweetened with stevia, which some studies indicate may cause a microbial imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. Although stevia is natural, it can impact insulin and gut bacteria, although these findings occurred in animal studies, not applicable to humans, and there were flaws in the studies, such as a lack of standardized diets.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Sport
Kaged Pre-Kaged Sport is a pre-workout supplement made for any workout in the gym, on the field, or wherever you plan to get your sweat on. It aims to boost hydration while also boosting workout performance.
- Five flavors are available.
- Every batch is third-party tested.
- Informed Choice certified.
- 188 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
- Contains tree nuts.
Kaged is an elite supplement brand that offers health-focused products for beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike. Unlike other supplements, Kaged manufactures its products under the understanding that sports supplements are best used in conjunction with good sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise habits.
Kaged Pre-Kaged Sport supplement is marketed to anyone who wants to enhance their athletic performance through improved focus, endurance, energy, and hydration. It is a moderate-intensity pre-workout supplement formulated for cardio, weight lifting, or any other type of athletic activity.
It’s available in five flavors that support hydration and fluid status while also providing energy and supporting mental clarity. To take the pre-workout supplement, simply mix one scoop of the powder with 8 to 12 ounces of water and drink 20 to 30 minutes before your workout.
Every serving provides 188 milligrams of caffeine sourced from organic green coffee beans, which is more than the recommended 100 milligrams for teenagers. Teens may need to cut down on their dose to comply with daily caffeine recommendations.
Kaged products are tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. Products are also Informed Choice certified, so athletes can be sure that they are consuming no banned substances. However, it’s important to note that the supplement contains tree nuts, so those with an allergy should not take Pre-Kaged Sport.
Do Vitamins Pure Pump
The Do Vitamins brand stands out among the rest as a quality supplement brand. Its Pure Pump pre-workout supplement helps athletes perform at higher levels.
- Third-party tested.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free.
- 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
Do Vitamins Pure Pump is a quality pre-workout supplement made without artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. It does not even contain stevia, which is considered natural, such that other brands can still claim the absence of anything artificial despite containing the sweetener. It aims to boost focus and delay muscle fatigue while providing users with energy before an intense workout.
Pure Pump does not contain any banned substances, and it is third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. It is vegan-friendly and appropriate for those following the keto or paleo diets.
Each serving of Pure Pump contains 2,000 milligrams of beta-alanine as well as an assortment of branched-chain amino acids to help support your muscle cells and meet the demand of your workouts.
Each serving of Do Vitamins Pure Pump provides 200 milligrams of caffeine. Thankfully, the serving size is two scoops, so teenagers can cut the serving in half — down to one scoop — to avoid exceeding the recommended daily caffeine intake.
Choosing The Best Pre-Workout Supplement For Teens
A pre-workout drink may help improve athletic performance and reduce muscle soreness, but not all pre-workouts are appropriate for young people. Research is lacking regarding the effects of pre-workouts on the immediate and long-term health of young people. For that reason, it’s not overtly recommended that teens under the age of 18 take a pre-workout supplement.
When choosing the best pre-workout for teens, it’s important to make sure that the product has been tested by an independent third party. Also, avoid pre-workouts made with proprietary blends when those ingredients are not disclosed and may contain components that could cause harm to developing bodies. Even if a supplement is self-reported to be completely natural, some ingredients may not be considered natural ingredients.
If your teen’s pediatrician feels comfortable with them taking a pre-workout supplement, look for a caffeine-free pre-workout. If a stimulant-free option isn’t available, look for a product with limited caffeine. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry[5] recommends that teens between the ages of 12 and 18 should limit their caffeine intake to 100 milligrams, at most, per day.
The bottom line is that pre-workout supplements are not recommended for teens under the age of 18. However, even if 18 or 19, what is the rush? Indeed, an active 18- or 19-year-old with a healthy diet may not really need such a supplement and may lack nothing in the way of fitness. During the teen years, the metabolism is at the optimal function to keep the body lean, muscular, and efficient.
Be aware that green tea extract is a source of caffeine. Stevia, while natural, is not a neutral impactor on the body. And it’s always good advice to consult a pediatrician — and beyond — before any young person begins a supplement.
Finally, the teenage years are the time when a young person is most likely to be exposed to or experiment with tobacco and smoking, illicit drugs, or other risky behavior. The finest supplement in the world or the biggest muscles on stage can’t fight the harm these villains do!
Final Thought
Pre-workout supplements as part of a pre-workout meal can help promote muscle building and increase muscular endurance. However, studies are lacking when it comes to their effects on teenage bodies, especially over a long period of time. Teenagers are still rapidly developing, and dietary supplements may not always affect them in the same way that supplements affect adults.
Pre-workouts may be a better alternative to energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages, but it’s important to do your research before starting a new dietary or sports supplement.
Outside of supplemental intervention, teenagers can also support their workouts by maintaining adequate fluid intake, eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding risky behavior, and getting enough sleep. And the best part? Those lifestyle habits can help support overall health as well, not just muscle building or weight loss.
This article does not serve as medical advice. Nutrition needs are very individualized, especially for teenagers. If your teen wants to add a pre-workout supplement to their routine, it’s best to speak with their doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although young teenagers might be tempted to take pre-workout supplements to support muscle growth or help them lose weight, they should use caution when taking pre-workout powders. Regarding the safety of pre-workout supplements for children under the age of 18, research is lacking, and it is not recommended.
Many teens strive to increase their muscle mass and want to maximize their workouts by taking a pre-workout supplement. However, those under 18 should avoid taking pre-workout supplements unless otherwise cleared by their pediatrician. Their best strategy is to remain active and have a healthy diet.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, teens between the ages of 12 and 18 should limit their caffeine intake to 100 milligrams, at most, per day.
If your teen’s pediatrician is comfortable with them taking a pre-workout supplement, consider looking for one with a low or moderately-low caffeine content. Aim for under 100 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Also, the best pre-workout for teens should not have any proprietary blends or unknown ingredients.
+ 5 sources
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- Martinez, N., Campbell, B., Franek, M., Buchanan, L. and Colquhoun, R. (2016). The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 13(1). doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0138-7.
- Littrell, J. (2008). The Mind-Body Connection. Social Work in Health Care, [online] 46(4), pp.17–37. doi:10.1300/j010v46n04_02.
- Kasti, A., Nikolaki, M., Synodinou, K., Katsas, K., Petsis, K., Lambrinou, S., Pyrousis, I. and Triantafyllou, K. (2022). The Effects of Stevia Consumption on Gut Bacteria: Friend or Foe? Microorganisms, [online] 10(4), p.744. doi:10.3390/microorganisms10040744.
- Seeram, N.P., Henning, S.M., Niu, Y., Lee, R., Scheuller, H.S. and Heber, D. (2006). Catechin and Caffeine Content of Green Tea Dietary Supplements and Correlation with Antioxidant Capacity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, [online] 54(5), pp.1599–1603. doi:10.1021/jf052857r.
- Aacap.org. (2023). Caffeine and Children. [online] Available at: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Caffeine_and_Children-131.aspx.
Written by:
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
