C4 Original Review
- Reasonable energy at 1 scoop
- Much stronger at 2 scoops
- Focus is weak at 1 scoop
- Lighter formula than C4 Ultimate
- Needs 2 scoops for real pump
Effects Timeline
AI-estimated changes in effects over the first 3 hours after taking the recommended serving.
C4 Original is fairly modest at the standard single-scoop serving, but steps up meaningfully if you use the larger recommended dose.
This is the mid-tier entry in Cellucor's C4 lineup, landing close to C4 Sport overall — C4 Ultimate remains the strongest, most complete version of the three.
Honest take: A middling formula that only really delivers once you're using more than the standard dose.
Ingredient breakdown
Every dose · every gap| Ingredient | Clinically effective dose | Dose in C4 Original | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta Alanine | 3.2–4.5 g | 2 g | 63%Moderate dose |
| Citrulline | 4 g | 1.2 g | 30%Under-dosed |
| Arginine | 4 g | 1.2 g | 30%Under-dosed |
| PeptiPump (Bioactive Lentil Peptides) | 200 mg | 100 mg | 50%Under-dosed |
| Creatine (from Creatine Nitrate) | 3 g | 0.69 g | 23%Under-dosed |
| Nitrates (from Creatine Nitrate) | 500 mg | 312 mg | 62%Moderate dose |
| Caffeine (actual caffeine) | 200–400 mg | 200 mg | 100%Clinically effective |
| Huperzine-A | 200 mcg | 50 mcg | 25%Under-dosed |
| Choline Bitartrate | No dose shown to be effective | 225 mg | No evidence |
| Calcium | 100–300 mg | 25 mg | Hydration support |
- Beta Alanine2 g63%Moderate dose
- Citrulline1.2 g30%Under-dosed
- Arginine1.2 g30%Under-dosed
- PeptiPump (Bioactive Lentil Peptides)100 mg50%Under-dosed
- Creatine (from Creatine Nitrate)0.69 g23%Under-dosed
- Nitrates (from Creatine Nitrate)312 mg62%Moderate dose
- Caffeine (actual caffeine)200 mg100%Clinically effective
- Huperzine-A50 mcg25%Under-dosed
- Choline Bitartrate225 mgNo evidence
- Calcium25 mgHydration support
Evidence references
Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Upper- and Lower-Body Strength and Power: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Effects of Caffeine Intake on Endurance Running Performance and Time to Exhaustion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Exercise Performance: An Umbrella Review of 20 Published Systematic Reviews with Meta-analyses
