Level Up is another prop blended product in Gold Star’s line. Unlike other supplements where you “feel” the effectiveness, Level Up required a blood test to prove the effectiveness. Even though this product is a prop blend, it did what it was supposed to do. It raised our total testosterone by 3.5x and free testosterone by 2x. It works.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”medium_depth” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
[/text-with-icon][fancy-ul icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-ok” color=”Accent-Color” alignment=”left”]- EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
Our review panel is made up of individuals with many years of experience in the sports nutrition industry, dating back to the early 2000’s. Their tenure gives them knowledge on brands, supplements, ingredients, dosages and more. - FULL CONTAINER REVIEWS
Unlike the majority of “review” sites on the internet, Fitness Informant reviews every supplement on a full-container basis. What does this mean? It means that a review is not written or recorded until the last serving of that product has been finished. We’ve all had products that were great for the first couple of days, but then lost their effectiveness shortly after. We want to ensure you are getting a full review based on a full product. - INGREDIENT EDUCATION
We breakdown each ingredient in our reviews to educate you on exactly what the ingredients do, and what is the proper dosage of each ingredient to effectively do what they are intended to do. - 100% HONEST – NO B.S. REVIEWS
Our number #1 priority is to inform you proper supplement selection through honest reviews. The majority of “review” sites on the internet will push you to buy a certain product based on the commissions they received. Not us. We want you to purchase the highest quality supplements at the best value. We put your health and wellness first. To achieve your goals we want you to use only the best supplements that you can afford. We do this by being honest.
We then look at the dosage. Are they using the ingredients at effective doses? It’s one thing to select awesome ingredients, it’s another to make sure they are being dosed where they are meant to be effective.
We then look at effectiveness. This is generally an extension of the profile and dosage section. The higher quality ingredients used at proper dosages, the more effective that product will be.
Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, dosage, and effectiveness in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of cycle support supplements available on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
Ingredients Profile
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Typically you will find that most OTC testosterone boosters use some sort of proprietary blend. Level Up is no different. This is a big disappointment for us as we’d like to see if we’re dosed properly on ingredients. However, under the profile, we look at the ingredients used, then address dosage down the line.Level Up starts with Bulbine Natalensis. According to Examine.com, Bulbine Natalensis is quite potent and typically used in test boosters. Per studies in rats it has been shown to drastically increase test levels. Solid choice of an ingredient
The next ingredient is NMDA (N-Methyl-D-aspartate). This ingredient is known to stimulate the brain to produce higher levels of testosterone, however there is not enough evidence to support this claim 100%. We would rather see the use of DAA here instead of NMDA.
4-Hydroxyisoleucine is used next. This has been known to normalize glucose metabolism. This is typically found in Fenugreek…an ingredient commonly found in test boosters. This ingredient may be a bit high up on the ingredient list.
We then get into Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris. This is a very common ingredient used in test boosters. It’s known to increase your libido and sexual well-being. There is not a lot of evidence to support these claims, but sexual well-being is important when you come off any cycles and need to improve your testosterone levels. Common ingredient and acceptable here.
DIM (Di-Indoly Methane) is used in a lot of test boosters as well as here. DIM is used to increase estrogen metabolism and improve your overall hormone balance. DIM is a solid ingredient used in any PCT/test booster to help support healthy hormone levels.
Avena Sativa comes from oats. Yes, oats. This ingredient has been shown to increase your sexual stimulation. Who doesn’t love that in a test booster?
Zinc Gluconate is used to fight against zinc deficiency. Zinc is a very important mineral to our growth. Overall if you are trying to get bigger you want to make sure you have a sufficient amount of zinc that you’re consuming in your diet. A deficiency could be detrimental to your gains. If you’re taking a test booster you are doing so as you want to either gain mass or maintain your gains you just made.
Having low-T can cause unwanted fatigue. Part of the reason you want to raise your test levels is so your energy levels come back to normal. Rhodiola Root is used here to eliminate fatigue. There is not a lot of evidence here to prove this is true, but various studies point to that as the end result.
Maca Root promotes healthy prostate health and sperm production. Anytime you use an anabolic you want to use something in your PCT to promote a healthy prostate. Sperm production can be effected by a cycle as well, so Maca Root is a great ingredient used to help in those categories.
Horny Goat Weed is one of the most popular ingredients used in test boosters. It’s primary use is to help with ED (erectile dysfunction) and sexual health. If you go back to some of the other ingredients listed here you know that we are a fan of the use of this ingredient.
The last ingredient used on the prop blend is Eurycoma Longifolia. Studies show that this ingredient is a pro-fertility agent and an anti-estrogen ingredient. Two areas of concern when coming off a cycle of an anabolic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”3960″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
Dosage
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Dosage on Level Up is going to be interesting because it is a prop blend. We don’t know the exact dosage of each ingredient. Here’s what we do know: 11 ingredients make up 1325mg of a prop blend. Let’s take a look at a couple of the ingredients, in order, to see what proper dosage would be. Then we can determine if this is under dosed in areas.Bulbine Natalensis: being 200lbs I would need about 730mg to be optimally dosed.
NMDA: could not find an optimal dosage on this, plus the reports indicate there’s not a ton of positives from this in a test booster. I would have rather seen DAA.
4-Hydroxyisoleucine: this is a key compound to Fenugreek which we typically want dosed at 500-600mg for effectiveness on test boosting capabilities.
Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris: this ingredient is 80% Saponins, which is higher than the typcial 60% you see, so optimal dosage would be between 150mg and 340mg.
The moral of the story when it comes to dosage of Level Up is that it follows the typical OTC suit in that it is going to be under dosed in a lot of the ingredients, if not all. Based on effectiveness something has to be dosed near the right level (hopefully Bulbine Natalensis). Just a look at the first four ingredients, at optimal dosages, we would be over the amount of the prop blend.
So you might think, so what? If it works…we don’t think that way. We know that we can reap the benefits of other categories, like libido or anti-fatigue had this been dosed better in certain ingredients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
Effectiveness
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Typically when I see an OTC test booster, especially a prop blend, I write it off as an immediate failure. This time I was optimistic. I was coming off a cycle of SARMs which has been known to suppress testosterone. I actually decided this time around I was going to get a blood test. Below are the results of test one, taken on the last week of the SARM cycle:
Total Testosterone: 99 ng/dL (normal: 250-1100)
Free Testosterone: 29.1 pg/mL (normal: 35-155)
I knew that my test levels would be reduced, but I had no idea that they would drop this much. So obviously I was a bit concerned and wanted to run Level Up to see if it would help…or was I just naturally low in testosterone.
I ran Level Up for 30-days and then got my second blood test. The results of that are below:
Total Testosterone: 354 ng/dL
Free Testosterone: 55.9 pg/mL
WOW! I was actually shocked by how much it rose. Now I am not going to attribute it 100% to Level Up. Your body’s natural test production would increase naturally when you come off any anabolic. So I knew it would rise. I just didn’t know if it would be this much.
Overall it worked. It’s effective. I have the blood work to prove it.
Value
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Level Up retails for around $30 for 90-caps. This is $1 per serving. For me you have to look at the other test boosters on the market and the effectiveness. Most of the competitors in this space are priced $10 higher, if not more, for the same type of under dosed prop blend. With Level Up I know it worked for me (look at the test results). For me this is one of the better valued test boosters/PCTs on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][heading]Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left” spacing=”default” tab_color=”Accent-Color”][tab icon_family=”none” title=”90-CAPS” id=”1509114502646-02a17-3cee” tab_id=”1509748062592-7″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509130110995{padding-top: 12px !important;padding-bottom: 12px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-tag” color=”Accent-Color”]FITNESS INFORMANT’S EXCLUSIVE “GOLD STAR PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS LEVEL UP” DEALS[/text-with-icon][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]$29.99
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmZpdG5lc3NpbmZvcm1hbnQuY29tJTJGcmVjb21tZW5kcyUyRmdvbGQtc3Rhci1wZXJmb3JtYW5jZS1wcm9kdWN0cy1sZXZlbC11cC1zdXBweiUyRiUyMiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIybXlCdXR0b24lMjIlMjByZWwlM0QlMjJub2ZvbGxvdyUyMiUzRUdPJTIwVE8lMjBTVE9SRSUyMCUzRSUzRSUzQyUyRmElM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509130198544{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Save 5% on your entire order with coupon code INFORMANT
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text] PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/tab][/tabbed_section][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]$29.99
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmZpdG5lc3NpbmZvcm1hbnQuY29tJTJGcmVjb21tZW5kcyUyRmdvbGQtc3Rhci1wZXJmb3JtYW5jZS1wcm9kdWN0cy1sZXZlbC11cC1zdXBweiUyRiUyMiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIybXlCdXR0b24lMjIlMjByZWwlM0QlMjJub2ZvbGxvdyUyMiUzRUdPJTIwVE8lMjBTVE9SRSUyMCUzRSUzRSUzQyUyRmElM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]