GNC Pro Performance AMP Test 1700 Testosterone Booster Review
Pros
- Some good ingredients
- No proprietary blend
Cons
- Very expensive
- Some potential side effects
- Lots of ineffective ingredients
GNC AMP Test 1700 is a premium priced testosterone booster supplement with a huge number of ingredients.
However, in-depth analysis reveals that it is not as beneficial as testosterone boosters that are much cheaper.
LAST UPDATED: September 2019 by Ben.
AMP 1700 Test First Look
A premium looking testosterone booster from GNC and for $119 we should think so too.
It does look a classy yet masculine product, very clean and crisp without the text heavy sales pitch and it looks all the better for it.
AMP TEST 1700 almost looks like a high end toiletry and it is something that would catch your eye on the shelf.
This would make a perfect gift for someone, as long as they are looking for a test booster and you’re not just trying to hint they look like shit and their libido has plummeted.
Ageing
I for one, at the age of 35, am well aware that my testosterone levels are depleting.
This means that I need to ensure that I do everything that I can to maintain a healthy balance.
Additionally, this does include ensuring my nutrition is up to scratch as well as maintaining a healthy exercise regime.
As a result, I hit the weights plus I cycle to work and try to eat the right foods.
However, an effective testosterone booster supplement can help aid my by stimulating muscle growth and recovery.
That’s why I want to find out whether this test booster from GNC can help myself and others.
TL:DR – Video Review
Who are GNC?
GNC are a huge multi-national vitamin and supplement retailer.
They sell pretty much every supplement available under the sun and have a large online presence plus brick and mortar stores.
You can even find their stores on military bases…even those based in war zones.
GNC sell other brands but also have a strong line of their own products ranging from the ‘basics’ to high end lines which this falls under.
What are the GNC AMP 1700 Claims?
GNC claim that this is able to help with the following areas:
- Testosterone
- Libido
- Muscle performance
- Doses that work
I am certainly interested to see just how this can potentially perform.
Especially considering this is listed under GNC’s ‘hardcore’ supplements.
Initial Summary
Lots of ingredients
Dose transparency
Low dose
High cost
AMP 1700 Ingredients: The Science
– Magnesium
It has been proven that athletes who take a magnesium supplement can increase their natural testosterone production.
Furthermore, and more hopeful for many people, the same results were found in people who are not athletes at all. They are considered sedentary.
Check out the Magnesium studies which state that those who are low on magnesium are also low on testosterone. [1]
– Zinc Oxide
Zinc has many positive studies available that prove how essential this mineral is for increasing natural testosterone production.
If you are vegetarian or sweat a lot you need to replenish your zinc levels are you will lose it through sweating or not get a lot from vegetables compared to meats.
The amount here is about half of that found in a good ZMA product. Which is a shame, because high doses of zinc prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
And considering the price of AMP Test 1700 I would have liked to see the full amounts that we see in ZMA supplements.
What is strange here is that they use Zinc Oxide, I have looked at some research on rats which would suggest that supplementation of Zinc Oxide can cause immune toxicity. [2]
– Testofen
Fenugreek is a herb that you may recognise from a curry dish. Traditional uses have included libido enhancement and also increasing masculinity.
However, it is only fairly recently where the science has proven it can increase testosterone plus its ability to help reduce fat.
There’s available studies to read which will vouch for the various benefits that are widely claimed. [3]
– Tribulus
Tribulus is widely regarded as the the plant that can increase testosterone to steroid like proportions.
This clinical evidence does not stack up. Put quite simply, tribulus will not increase testosterone levels.
It was initially ‘discovered’ by a laboratory in Bulgaria just around the time that Eastern Bloc athletes were performing particularly well in competitions.
One may suggest that tribulus was used as a front for widespread steroid use by claiming it could increase testosterone levels.
It has never been proven, however, the legend itself still keeps selling supplements filled with it. [4]
– Chrysin
Chrysin puts itself in a bit of a juxtaposition.
This is because it potentially can increase testosterone which is great news.
The problem is, unless it is directly injected in to your testicles it will not work because oral administration is not absorbed well by the body. [5]
– Salvia officinalis (Sage)
I have been looking through various research paper regarding the benefits of sage and there’s nothing available regarding testosterone or hormones in general.
However, this is where it gets a bit more interesting.
Increased levels of natural testosterone can increase cognitive function, that includes memory retention.
So where am I going with this?
Well, sage appears to improve memory retention when tested on rats.
Therefore, one could suggest that if sage can improve memory function it is merely mimicking the effects of testosterone. [6]
– Bovine Colostrum
I can find one study that demonstrates that there is a correlation between bovine colostrum supplementation in athletes and concentrations of Insulin-like growth factor 1 after physical training.
This result is promising but further research needs to qualify these findings. [7]
– Calcium Hydroxy Methyltbutyrate (CaHMB)
Supplementing with CaHMB increased overall strength even when the participants of a study did not do any exercise.
However, the real difference is that when CaHMB was supplemented alongside an exercise regime there were not significant muscle increases than experienced with just physical training alone. [8]
– Ashwaganda
The real benefits of ashwagandha seem to be its ability to help increase testosterone in men who are infertile, this is because it has anti-oxidant qualities.
However, there is at least one study whereby normal, healthy fertile men saw an increase in testosterone although it was a fairly modest increase, but an increase all the same. [9]
– Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma)
Tongkat Ali has been long marketed as a testosterone booster nutrient, as is the case with many ingredients that get a whiff of improving test levels the hype always proceeds the actual science.
So for a long time and certainly in present day it is regarded as a test boosting ingredient without much evidence.
However, after doing lots of desktop research its benefits seem to lay with being a stress reducer.
The problem with high levels of stress is that it has a negative effect on testosterone secretion, so to reduce stress can help. [10]
– Reishi Mushroom
I am quite perplexed as to why this is included. At best I can find a study on rats which suggests that reishi mushroom could reduce intestine infections.
However, there’s a lot of speculation regarding its other medicinal uses but there’s no evidence to back any claims that it could be effective. [11] [12]
– Maitake Mushroom
There seems to be a lot of speculation regarding the effectiveness of maitake mushroom and what or if clinical relevance it has.
The most popular consensus is that it has benefits for cancer, diabetes and the immune system.
That said, a review of the available information would suggest that more research is required to confirm the speculation. [13]
– Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushroom does appear to have some medicinal benefits that are useful to improve the immune system, at least when tested on young adults who were classified as healthy.
The study concluded that shiitake improved immunity which was accompanied with and facilitated by lower levels of inflammation. [14]
– Indole-3-carbinol
Much of the benefits surrounding indole-3-carbinol are anti-cancer, particularly anti-breast cancer abilities.
This is because it prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen via enzyme activity.
Therefore, perhaps not quite as lauded, this prevention of aromatase (hormone conversion) does prevent a reduction of testosterone. [15]
– Rhaponticum carthamoides (Russian Leuzea or Maral Root)
Let us be immediately clear, there are very few human studies available to warrant the claims for this herb.
It is used as part of traditional Siberian and Russian medicine but without much scientific evidence.
It is supposed to induce muscle growth and increase muscle recovery because it is classed as a ecdysteroid which has an effect on insect development.
However, like plant sterols the benefits of these insect steroids do not transfer to humans and they have no effect on human hormone levels. [16]
– Deer Velvet Antler
As with many animal extracts which have purported hormone benefits, velvet antler also falls foul of their inability to have any effect on hormone levels or muscle building.
That said, the traditional use of velvet antler was to prevent health issues not increase testosterone.
There is just one study which demonstrates its ability to increase power output when dosed at 1.5g daily. [17] [18]
– Diindolylmethane (DIM)
In a similar vein to indole-3-carbinol, DIM is an aromatase inhibitor.
It helps prevent the conversion of testosterone in to estrogen. This all sounds good until we learn that too much DIM in a short period of time can actually have the opposite effect. So tread carefully.
This is very similar to indole-3-carbinol but it is not the same, but both are found in vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, bok choy and cabbage.
However actually cooking these vegetables means it can lose its effectiveness. Steaming them is the least disruptive way or you could eat them raw if you are hardcore. Another option is a supplement.
DIM can prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. [19]
PROS – 3 top flight ingredients that can improve testosterone secretion. A further two ingredients that can control estrogen too.
CONS – Very expensive, lots of speculative ingredients, zinc oxide could cause immune toxicity.
How to take AMP 1700
There is a 4 pill per day recommended dose although we are instructed to take them in 2 sittings.
It would be more advantageous to spread the doses out over the day.
Daily Dose
A daily serving includded in AMP 1700 is a worthy 2776mg.
However, this is not as high as alternative testosterone boosters that cost much less than this.
GNC 1700 Price
This testosterone booster from GNC is a heady $89.99
This is very high. At this price point we expect the very best, however, other supplements cost less and offer more.
Pros
GNC’s AMP Test 1700 will produce mediocre effects.
There are some good, effective ingredients here with a large daily dose.
I am pleased to see Magnesium, Testofen and DIM for instance but the slightly alarmed by the inclusion of Zinc Oxide when normal Zinc alone would do.
The Zinc is also horrendously under dosed, it is barely worth being included at all.
Realistically there are only 5 effective ingredients present which is extremely poor value for such a large ingredient profile.
Any gains from this will be minimal.
There’s no B12, B6, D3, K2, or D-Aspartic Acid…and these are big hitters.
Cons
Some of the ingredients fall within a proprietary blend.
A proprietary blend essentially hides the exact amount of each ingredient, however, there is a ray of sunshine, the only ingredients included are the mushroom powders and these are invalidated as there is no proof they work.
Then we see the usual suspects that flounce around from pillar to post, always included in the less researched supplements.
When tribulus or chrysin will ever give up the ghost is for anyone to guess but as per they do not work and usually are just used as a bit of bait to reel in the less experienced purchaser.
And with the potential issues with zinc oxide, I think this could be troublesome.
Alternatives
It is worth reiterating that in our top 3 rated testosterone boosters they have around 8 solid ingredients which all have proof backing their usefulness and it is the same with fat burner’s too.
At $89.99 you would have to be mad as there are products which are so much better for half of the price.
AMP TEST Side Effects
With so many nutrients, it would be difficult to offer up a clean sheet with little or no potential side effects.
However, I think GNC have fared quite well considering this long nutrient profile, yet here are a few points that you may just wish to consider regarding the content of AMP 1700.
The form of zinc included is zinc oxide.
There is the potential that this could cause immune toxicity, this is whereby the immune function is targeted by toxic effects which can impair its effectiveness. [20]
Very large doses of Tongkat Ali (1.2g daily) are thought to have some pathological effects on the liver. [21]
GNC AMP TEST 1700 Testosterone Booster Review Conclusion
Again, we seem to be looking at a ‘full’ product brimming with promise and plenty of ingredients, but once scaled back, there is a bare minimum of effective ingredients that will produce minimal results.
It is not a well thought out ingredient profile and AMP 1700 doesn’t even offer 3000mg per day nor does it offer the real substantial ingredients such as Boron, D3, DAA or even B6.
Also bare in mind that this supplement costs nearly $90 and also contains a couple of ingredients that may have an adverse effect.
Overall, this just does not stack up when compared to alternative testosterone boosters that offer more nutrients that have clinical evidence to support their inclusion, while costing much less.
Final Thoughts
GNC have positioned AMP 1700 as premium and therefore the most effective.
However, the nutrient profile and dose just does not warrant this aspiration.
As such, it is left in limbo when there are much better alternatives available.
GNC AMP 1700 Rivals
This T-Booster from GNC offers a mediocre nutrient profile and dose, yet a high price tag.
So let’s take a look some rivals to AMP 1700 that, quite frankly, will offer better results and value. Especially as AMP 1700 is nearly $90.
AMP 1700 vs Military Muscle
Military Muscle has been tested and trialed over a 3 year period by researchers, military personnel and athletes.
This is why the makers of Military Muscle (MIL-TECH PHARMA) are confident they have released the best T-Booster on the market, and it is hard not to agree.
There’s such a huge dose, a fully researched and transparent number of ingredients that are crammed in to the 6 pills you take each day.
Some great testimonials also back up the claims. And for $65 (discounts available on multi-buy orders) this is looking excellent value.
PROS
- Ingredients backed by research and scientific studies.
- Class leading daily dose.
- Great testimonials.
- Excellent results in the gym.
- FREE shipping.
- No banned substances.
CONS
- Not available in Japan or Brazil.
- Unsuitable for vegetarians.
AMP 1700 vs Centra Peak
Centra Peak aims to offer something a little different to the testosterone booster market.
This product also helps improve cognitive function, so in effect brings in key ingredients from the nootropic arena.
With that, it can help with a multitude of areas, and particularly benefit sleep, reduce stress while improving immunity.
The price is not too high at $69 per bottle.
PROS
- 12 ingredients.
- Benefits cognitive function and testosterone.
- Good for vegetarians.
- Multi-buy discounts.
CONS
- Low daily dose.
- Not a true focus on either improving cognitive function nor increasing T levels.
Performance Lab Sport T-Booster
Small yet mighty. That’s how best to describe this T-Booster from Performance Lab.
The daily dose is not that impressive, nor is the number of included ingredients…
However, it packs a punch that made us stand up, and notice it.
PROS
- Packs a punch to reduce estrogen and prolactin levels.
- Each ingredient has clinical studies proving their effectiveness.
- Plant based product, safe for vegans, allergen free.
CONS
- Not many ingredients.
- Low dose.
References
[1] Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion. Cinar V, Polat Y, Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Apr;140(1):18-23. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3. Epub 2010 Mar 30. PMID: 20352370
[2] https://examine.com/supplements/zinc/
[3] Effects of a purported aromatase and 5α-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age men. Wilborn C, Taylor L, Poole C, Foster C, Willoughby D, Kreider R. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010 Dec;20(6):457-65. PMID: 21116018
[4] Effects of anabolic precursors on serum testosterone concentrations and adaptations to resistance training in young men. Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Reifenrath TA, Uhl NL, Parsons KA, Sharp RL, King DS. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 Sep;10(3):340-59. PMID: 10997957
[5] Effects of chrysin on urinary testosterone levels in human males. Gambelunghe C, Rossi R, Sommavilla M, Ferranti C, Rossi R, Ciculi C, Gizzi S, Micheletti A, Rufini S. J Med Food. 2003 Winter;6(4):387-90. PMID: 14977449
[6] Effects of Salvia officinalis L. (sage) leaves on memory retention and its interaction with the cholinergic system in rats. Eidi M, Eidi A, Bahar M. Nutrition. 2006 Mar;22(3):321-6. PMID: 16500558
[7] http://jap.physiology.org/content/83/4/1144.short
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556513002702
[9] Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Wankhede S, Langade D, Joshi K, Sinha SR, Bhattacharyya S. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Nov 25;12:43. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9. eCollection 2015. PMID: 26609282
[10] https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28
[11] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-905/reishi-mushroom
[12] Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum Modulates IgA production and alpha-defensin expression in the rat small intestine. Kubota A, Kobayashi M, Sarashina S, Takeno R, Okamoto K, Narumi K, Furugen A, Suzuki Y, Takahashi N, Iseki K. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Mar 25;214:240-243. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.010. Epub 2017 Dec 14. PMID: 29248453
[13] Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa): systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. Ulbricht C, Weissner W, Basch E, Giese N, Hammerness P, Rusie-Seamon E, Varghese M, Woods J. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2009 Spring;7(2):66-72. Review. PMID: 19476741
[14] Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, Esteves EA, Nieves C Jr, Spaiser SJ, Christman MC, Langkamp-Henken B, Percival SS. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):478-87. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2014.950391. Epub 2015 Apr 11. PMID: 25866155
[15] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/indole-3-carbinol
[16] https://examine.com/supplements/rhaponticum-carthamoides/
[17] Effect of elk velvet antler supplementation on the hormonal response to acute and chronic exercise in male and female rowers. Syrotuik DG, MacFadyen KL, Harber VJ, Bell GJ. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005 Aug;15(4):366-85. PMID: 16286669
[18] The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics. Sleivert G, Burke V, Palmer C, Walmsley A, Gerrard D, Haines S, Littlejohn R. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003 Sep;13(3):251-65. PMID: 14669926
[19] https://examine.com/supplements/diindolylmethane/
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1568890/
[21] https://scialert.net/fulltextmobile/?doi=ijp.2011.641.646
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