We politely asked a powerful AI to evaluate this intra-workout supplement. Here's what Big Robot found.
Formulating a multi-ingredient supplement requires the collaboration of hundreds of people. The supplement designer needs researchers, scientists, and lots of people to test each ingredient on.
Maybe one day, artificial intelligence will streamline the process. After all, an AI can do thousands of hours of work in minutes. It can solve problems, make suggestions, and sometimes even crack a code that a human mind never could.
Here's something we can do with AI right now: We can feed it a supplement formula and ask for a complete, unbiased evaluation based on every bit of research in existence on each ingredient. (We've already done it with Biotest Igniter and Superfood.)
Now let's run Surge Intra Performance (Buy at Amazon) through an advanced AI gauntlet and see what it thinks.
Surge vs. AI
Surge is our intra-workout nutrition formula. It's designed to fuel hard workouts and recovery from those workouts. It's become the go-to supplement for professional athletes and even actors who have to get in shape fast for movie roles. But does it pass the AI test?
We loaded the ingredient list into the AI and asked it to deep-dive into the research. Then we asked it about the formula's short and long-term effects, and what the user can expect. We also asked the AI to criticize the supplement and try to find any flaws.
The AI evaluation
🤖 This intra-workout formula is a smart blend of fast-acting fuel, performance boosters, and long-term adaptogens, anchored by 25 g of Cluster Dextrin for clean energy and hydration without gut distress. The addition of 6 g citrulline malate supports blood flow and endurance.
A hefty 5 g dose of leucine is the standout – directly triggering muscle protein synthesis mid-training. This is unusual. Most intra-workouts don't push free leucine this hard.
Betaine (2.5 g) and beta-alanine (2 g) round things out, enhancing hydration, buffering acid, and supporting power over time. The formula is reinforced with a full electrolyte blend to support hydration under hard training.
In the short term, users can expect steadier energy, better pumps, and faster recovery; over weeks, less soreness and higher-quality training sessions; and in the long term, greater strength, endurance, and muscle from consistently higher training output. Overall, it's a well-dosed formula that prioritizes real performance over fluff.
Any weaknesses?
The AI would like to see Biotest ramp up the amount of beta-alanine. Surge contains 2 grams per serving, and the AI notes that clinical saturation requires around 3-6 grams daily.
This is true. Beta-alanine, like creatine, works best when "loaded" for a few weeks. Beta-alanine combines with histidine in muscle to form carnosine, a dipeptide that buffers hydrogen ions. This delays the burn of lactic acid accumulation during high-intensity exercise. It's not an acute effect; it's about saturation over time.
The AI noted that 2 grams is enough to add performance benefits if taken consistently, but it wants more. However, including only 2 grams of beta-alanine was intentional:
- First, many lifters and athletes take more than one serving of Surge per workout or competition, especially if their event takes over an hour. Taking more than 2 grams can cause paresthesia – a tingling or "pins and needles" sensation on the skin. It's harmless and fades quickly, but it would be intense at the dosages the AI recommends.
- Second, many Surge users also use Igniter, our pre-workout supplement that also contains beta-alanine (1.75 grams for one scoop; 3.5 grams for two).
So, 2 grams provides benefits over time if used consistently (Surge has almost 2x the maintenance dose), without too much of a tingling effect for those who use more than one serving or combine Surge with other beta-alanine-containing supplements.
Final AI verdict
🤖 This premium formula delivers what it promises. It's a supplement for serious athletes who want to squeeze every bit of gain from training. However, this formula is probably overkill for casual, less serious lifters.
🙋‍♂️ Fair enough, Mr. Robot.
