What’s In My Supplements and Why Should I Care? We’re breaking down supplement buzzwords.
Ever looked at your supplement label and thought: “What is this?” Between the science-y words and trending ingredients, it’s easy to feel like you need a degree in biochem just to pick a protein.
At Primal, we believe in keeping it straightforward and easy to understand. No hype. Just stuff that works hard, just like you. Let’s decode a label together.
Buzzword breakdown
These words are everywhere. Here’s what they actually mean:
- 12:1:1 Ratio – The leucine-heavy balance in BCAAs. That’s 12 leucine amino acids for every 1 valine and isoleucine
- Adaptogen – Natural plant compounds that may help your body manage stress
- Ashwagandha – An adaptogen used for stress/mood
- Bioavailable – Your body can absorb and use it more easily
- Chelated – Mineral bound to an amino acid for better absorption (e.g. magnesium glycinate)
- Citrulline malate – Popular in pump/performance pre-workouts to boost nitric oxide production and get those muscle pumps
- Clinically dosed – The ingredient is included at a quantity used in research studies (not just sprinkled in)
- Collagen Types I, II, III – Found in skin (I & III), joints and cartilage (II)
- Digestive Enzymes – Help break down food for easier digestion and absorption
- Greens Powder – A concentrated mix of powdered veggies, herbs, and superfoods
- Hydrolysed – Pre-broken-down protein for faster absorption
- Isolate / Concentrate / Hydrolysate – Types of protein processing
- L-theanine – Paired with caffeine to smooth out energy
- Lion’s Mane / Cordyceps – Functional mushrooms gaining momentum
- Micronised – Finely ground for better mixability
- Non-GMO / Grass-Fed / Pasture-Raised – Refers to ethical ingredient sourcing and/or farming practices (not a quality guarantee)
- Nootropic – Ingredient that may support cognitive function, mental clarity, memory or focus (e.g. lion’s mane, alpha-GPC)
- Peptides – Short chains of amino acids (usually 2–50 linked together) that are smaller than full proteins, making them easier to absorb. Commonly seen in collagen and performance supplements, where faster uptake is ideal.
- Prebiotic – Ingredients (like fibre) that feed good bacteria
- Pre-workout / Intra- / Post- – Refers to when the product is intended to be used
- Probiotic – Live bacteria strains to support gut flora
- Stim-Free – Contains no caffeine or stimulants
- Superfoods – Nutrient-dense ingredients like greens or berries (often freeze-dried into powders)
- Thermogenic – A blend of ingredients that may help support metabolic activity
- Vegecaps – Capsules made without gelatin. Often a preference for either dietary (vegan) or religious reasons.
- Whey Isolate vs. Concentrate – Isolate is a cleaner, higher quality option and typically has more protein per 100g and less lactose
What’s the function?
Whether you’re chasing PBs, better recovery, or just trying to feel like a functioning human again after leg day, here’s your no-BS guide to some of the most common ingredients in your Primal products, and what they’re doing in your body.
Creatine Monohydrate
What is it? A naturally occurring compound found in your muscles and your steak.
What’s The Function? Helps support short bursts of power and strength. Supplementing may help muscles recycle energy more efficiently. More recent studies also suggest strong cognitive benefits, which have widened its use case amongst consumers.
Find it in: Primal Creatine 5000
FYI: “Loading” isn’t required – but some choose to for faster saturation.
L-Glutamine
What is it? An amino acid your body uses in large amounts during stress and training.
What’s The Function? Supports gut lining integrity, immune function, and muscle recovery, especially when your body’s under pressure.
Find it in: Primal L-Glutamine 5000
Pairs well with tough workouts, long days, or anytime you’re running on empty.
Collagen Peptides
What is it? A protein made up of amino acids found in your skin, joints, bones and gut.
What’s The Function? Provides building blocks your body uses to support tissue structure and repair.
Find it in: Primal Beauty Collagen Powder
No, it’s not just for skin; your nails might thank you, too.
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
What is it? A trio of essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine.
What’s The Function? BCAAs play a role in muscle protein synthesis and are often used during workouts to help reduce muscle breakdown.
Find it in: Primal BCAA 12:1:1 Cherry Berry
The 12:1:1 ratio means it’s loaded with leucine – the key player.
Caffeine + Thermogenic Blends
What is it? Caffeine is a natural stimulant. Thermogenic blends may include green tea extract, or cayenne pepper.
What’s The Function? May help promote alertness, focus and energy. Some ingredients may support metabolic activity when combined with diet and exercise, which is often why they are included in products designed to support weight management.
Find it in: Primal Hyper Shred
Keep an eye on your timing – and your tolerance.
Digestive Enzymes & Gut-Friendly Formulas
What is it? Ingredients like protease, amylase or bromelain that help break down food.
What’s The Function? Assist digestion and absorption so that your body gets more from what you eat.
Find it in: Primal Skinny Whey
Especially useful if you’re sensitive to certain foods.
Know What You’re Taking
Supplements aren’t just powders and pills – they’re tools. Knowing what’s in them (and what’s the function is) helps you get the best from your routine.