Neogenix Velocity XT has been discontinued in favor of a newer product: Velocity 3.0.
The Velocity XT® sales copy focuses on the product’s energy-elevating characteristics, with a secondary nod to its fat burning capabilities…
“Whether you are looking for an all-day energy boost, to incinerate body fat, or just a pre-workout energy rush; Velocity XT® is the only choice!”
With Velocity XT, Neogenix has bucked the trend of jamming 3-dozen under-dosed ingredients into their formula (a big thumbs up for that!) and instead, has opted for something much simpler. Each serving contains a mere 5 ingredients!
Very refreshing!
Of course, because it’s a proprietary blend, we can’t be 100% certain of the exact amounts of any of the ingredients. Nonetheless, with so few included, it’s at least possible they are all included at a worthwhile dosage.
So what’s in Velocity XT?…
1. Thiamine Disulfide Butyrate: Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, plays an important role in energy metabolism, and is thought to play a role in appetite suppression. This novel, potent version of thiamine is being touted as a potent enhancer of physical and mental energy—especially when combined with caffeine (as it is in this formula).
2. Caffeine: On its own, caffeine is a mild thermogenic with demonstrated benefits for weight loss (see Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50, Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97), although some data indicates it offers greater benefits to lean individuals that those who are overweight (see Am J Physiol. 1995 Oct;269(4 Pt 1):E671-8).
Of course, caffeine is cheap, and works effectively to provide a “boost” of energy many people find helpful, especially at the end of the day when a little “extra” is needed to make it to the gym for a productive workout.
3. Phenylethylamine (PEA): PEA is an “amphetamine-related”, mood-elevating chemical naturally present in foods like chocolate and was once thought to be the reason people were “chocoholics.” It is generally used in fat burner supplements in the hopes it will elevate mood and promote a feeling of well being (some retailers claim it works as a thermogenic, but there’s no evidence to support this assertion).
Perhaps not surprisingly, there is a problem with PEA though.
It is too rapidly metabolized by the enzyme monamine oxidase (MAO) to be of much use to us.
That’s why most products focused on squeezing the most from PEA also contain natural monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s).
Does this one? With that said, let’s look at the next ingredient in this formula…
4. Hordenine: A biogenic amine found in a number of plants, including barley and several species of cacti. It’s alleged to be beneficial for fat/weight loss, due to its ability to stimulate the release of norepinephrine, although there is no research to confirm this claim.
This ingredient is also included in many formulations that contain the aforementioned phenylethylamine for the reason that it may increase its effectiveness. According to the most credible research I’ve seen, hordenine isn’t a MAOI per se, but a highly selective substrate for MAO-B.
What does this mean in plain English?
It means that the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of phenylethylamine is really, really attracted to hordenine, meaning that if the two compounds are both present at the same time, it will prefer to act upon hordenine, allowing the PEA to slip into the bloodstream intact. That’s the theory anyway. How well it works in the real world is a matter of some speculation.
5. 1,3-Dimethylamylamine: This compound is also known as “methylhexaneamine.” 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA), is an adrenergic amine that acts as a CNS stimulant. It was originally patented by Eli Lilly as a nasal decongestant in 1944, but largely abandoned until re-introduced as a dietary supplement (Geranamine™) by Proviant Technologies, the parent company of Ergopharm.
Although there’s no current research to validate the claims being made by the retailers (for performance, weight loss, or otherwise), it’s not unreasonable to assume that as a potent CNS stimulant, it does offer some thermogenic effects. As previously indicated however, how much so has yet to be established by any credible studies.
DMAA has gotten mostly rave reviews from users for its effects on mood, focus and energy. A few have reported problems with higher doses, however, so some caution is advised when supplementing.
To be honest, I’m a bit surprised to see this ingredient still listed on the label. For the record, DMAA now a) banned by a number of sporting organizations and governments; b) subject to FDA action; and c) the raison d’etre for a series of class action lawsuits (as well as one wrongful death suit). Most sports supplement manufacturers have dropped it, although there are still a few holdouts, such as USP Labs’ OxyELITE Pro.
Although I haven’t used any DMAA-containing thermogenics, I have experimented with a DMAA-based pre-workout supplement (Nutrex’s HemoRage) and I can testify to the potency of DMAA for getting you “jacked.”
So there you have it; Velocity XT in a nutshell.
How’s it measure up?
Well, on the “energy” front, I have no doubt it works very well indeed—the caffeine / DMAA / thiamine disulfide stack pretty much ensures that.
The PEA/hordenine blend is the dark horse here—it’s difficult to say how much it contributes to the formulation. If the hordenine does inhibit the metabolism of PEA, that may take Velocity XT into the “tear your head of territory” of other DMAA supplements like the aforementioned OxyElite Pro.
As far as true “fat loss” ingredients go, only caffeine has any credible data behind it. This product is definitely strong on the “energy” ingredients and short on the proven “fat burning” ones.
One thing I’m happy about is that a single cap contains only 420mg – a modest amount that means you can easily start with a small, single-capsule dose to assess your tolerance… something I highly recommend in the case of this, and any other DMAA containing supplements.
So, should you experiment with Velocity XT?
Well, if the customer feedback I’ve seen is anything to go by, this product OVER-delivers on the energy front. If that’s what you’re looking for, and don’t have any underlying health issues like high blood pressure or heart issues, Velocity XT is probably as good as any.
Just don’t expect any fat burning miracles from it.
