The blurb for Universal Nutrition’s Animal Test calls the T-booster “the ultimate supplement to help support your goals.”
There seems to be millions of these supps claiming to be ‘revolutionary’, ‘innovative’ and the ‘ultimate’. But very few live up to such bold claims.
With this in mind, we decided to pit Animal Test against TestoFuel, the best T-booster we’ve come across so far…
Take a look:
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About The Companies
Roar Ambition
TestoFuel is made by Roar Ambition. The UK-based company enjoys an awesome rep on both sides of the Atlantic and makes it products in both the UK AND the USA.
This ensures TestoFuel meets the exacting standards set by the FDA in the US and the GMP guidelines in the UK.
And it shows…
We reviewed the supp back in January 2015 and were blown away. We’ve also had great experiences with other Roar Ambition products.
Where does Roar Ambition ship from?
Because Roar Ambition makes TestoFuel in both the US and the UK, it quickly arrives at your door once you order. In fact, we hear it’s quick to arrive wherever you are in the world.
In our case, it took less than 2 days to receive our initial order of TestoFuel – and USPS Priority hasn’t let us down since then.
Roar Ambition directly supplies to the consumer. This is a major plus point as it helps keeps costs down. So while TestoFuel is a premium product, Roar Ambition cuts out the middle man to ensure its offers the best price at all times.
You Can Learn More About Roar Ambition’s Shipping Policies On Its Website: www.testofuel.com
Universal Nutrition
Universal Nutrition is the company behind Animal Test. Founded in 1977, Universal’s products are quite popular and enjoy a lot of great online reviews (as well as bad ones).
Where does Universal Nutrition ship from?
Universal Nutrition is based in New Jersey. While it ships to most countries across the world, you can only buy from a retailer.
This pushes up the price of the product.
And because retailers tend to charge different prices, you may have to look hard to find the best price.
Universal only manufactures in the US. This means it takes longer for retailers to replenish their inventory.
As a result, it may take weeks to restock your supply – which is no good if you’re on a strict T-boosting program.
You Can Learn More About Universal Nutrition’s Shipping Policies On Their Website: www.transparentlabs.com
The Ingredients and How They Work
TestoFuel and Animal Test contain completely different ingredients. This is strange considering the end goal of each product is the same: to boost the level of testosterone in your body.
Ultimately, higher levels of testosterone should make you stronger and give you bigger muscles.
The best T-boosters can also lift your mood, boost your sex drive and give you more energy.
See the ingredients in TestoFuel below:
Vitamin D3
Your skin naturally synthesizes Vitamin D3 via sunlight. However, most people don’t get enough of this essential nutrient. This may happen due to gloomy weather, or from simply not going outdoors enough.
More of a hormone than a vitamin, not getting enough D3 can lead to low T-levels, as well as rickets and other health issues. Studies show supplementation helps balance testosterone levels, support muscle growth and raise energy.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is one of the unsung heroes in the world of nutrition. Sure, it doesn’t enjoy the high profile of D3, B6 or D-AA – but K2 still plays a vital role in your health.
It works as a silent partner to D3. While D3 allows your body to absorb calcium, K2 drives the nutrient to the places in your body where it benefits you the most.
But why is K2 important in a T-booster?
Vitamin K2 steers calcium away from your arteries to stop them from blocking. This in turn leaves testosterone free to make its away around your bloodstream.
Most importantly, this helps you achieve the muscle growth and strength you’re looking for.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is another essential nutrient proven to boost testosterone. It works by stimulating the androgen receptors, which act as precursors to T production.
In fact, B6 is also an estrogen inhibitor, which helps stop your body from converting T into the female hormone. This in turn aids muscle growth and retention.
While the RDA for B6 is 1.7mg, recent studies show 5-7.5mg is optimal.
Magnesium
Research, published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), shows magnesium boosts T-levels in both those who work out and those who don’t. But the benefits are greater in those with active lifestyles.
In fact, magnesium is vital for athletes. This is because it must be present in your body to allow forceful muscle contractions, which of course is vital for strength training.
Zinc
You may notice that a lot of the ingredients in TestoFuel (listed up to this point in this article) are backed by in-depth research.
Well, yet more studies prove Zinc is also a bona fide T-booster.
Zinc is naturally found in red meat, poultry and whole grains. It works by exciting the luteinizing hormone (a T-precursor), just like D-Aspartic Acid…
D-Aspartic Acid
As we say in many other articles on this site, D-Aspartic Acid (D-AA) is a must-have ingredient in any good T-booster. In fact, we just don’t trust any such supp without a healthy dose of D-AA.
Why?
Because research shows that, when taken over 12 days, D-AA can increase T levels in your body by 50%. It works by stimulating the release of the luteinizing hormone, a precursor to testosterone growth.
Doses of 1600-2300g are optimal, although the more D-AA a supp has within this range, the better. We were impressed to see TestoFuel contains pretty much the perfect amount of this vital amino acid.
See SupplementTester’s
– Highest Rated Pre Workouts Here –
Asian Red Panax Ginseng
Asian Red Panax Ginseng is primarily known as a libido enhancer. But most importantly, it also boosts testosterone and improves blood circulation to give you better muscle pumps.
Research also suggests that ‘true Ginseng’ also has the power to lift your mood and keep depression at bay.
Fenugreek (Seed)
Fenugreek is a known libido enhancer and T-booster. It’s often found in Indian food (which may explain why I feel so horny after a curry! – ed).
The herb is rich in 4-hydroxyisoleucine (or 4-HL, for short). This active ingredient balances your blood sugar and ramps up your metabolism. This in turn delivers the perfect amount of testosterone around your body.
If you’re looking for a fast way to boost T, many studies (and our first-hand experience) show Fenugreek may be just the ticket.
Oyster Extract
We were surprised – but very pleased – to see Oyster Extract in the TestoFuel formula.
Why? Because it’s one of the richest sources of Zinc on Planet Earth.
It also contains no less than 59 active ingredients. All of these nutrients work to neutralize some of the effects of taking Zinc in isolation…
For example, too much Zinc can lead to over-training due to a hormonal imbalance.
The amino acids, Taurine and Omega 3 and 6 in Oyster Extract reverse these negative effects to help you grow your muscles – and stay shredded.
Animal Test
Animal Test contains wholly different ingredients to TestoFuel.
Considering Roar Ambition’s product is packed full of all the ingredients you’d hope for in a T-booster, it doesn’t look good for Universal Nutrition and Animal Test…
We were also dismayed to see a formula consisting of 2 proprietary blends.
(Recap: proprietary blends are sub-formulas that do not state the amount of each listed ingredient.)
As Animal Test retails for around $65 in the US and £58 in the UK, this may suggest it’s a high-grade product. But the use of proprietary blends is largely a hollow marketing trick used by budget brands to sell cheap products.
But Animal Test could still surprise us…
Check out the Animal Test formula below:
Pro-Androgen Complex (2500mg)
Urtic Dioca
Otherwise known as Nettle Root, Urtic Dioca is a proven T-booster.
It binds to the protein sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which can hinder the flow of T in your body. Taking Nettle Root can therefore result in more testosterone becoming freely available in your body.
But because the Nettle Root in Animal Test is part of a proprietary blend, there’s no way of gauging how well it works without buying the supp first.
And who wants to spend hard-earned dollars on a product that MIGHT work? Just by looking at the label, you should be able to judge whether or not it DOES help achieve your goals.
It’s sad to see Universal Nutrition doesn’t make this vital info available.
Cissus Quadrangularis (Ketosterone)
Cissus Quadrangularis has its roots in thousands of years of Chinese and Indian medicine. It is thought to be most useful for boosting the female sex drive and for easing menstrual pain.
And studies also suggest it might ease joint pain due to exercise. But in terms of its efficacy as a T-booster, the results are less clear…
Studies show Cissus Quadrangularis is a glucocorticoid antagonist. This suggests it could boost T-levels in much the same way as an anabolic steroid (which itself is a cause for concern).
In its marketing for Animal Test, Universal Nutrition describes Cissus Quadrangularis as “another exciting new bodybuilding ingredient” that contains “ketosterones [that] have been revered for promoting anabolism and boosting recovery.”
However, studies have failed to show the herb has any use as a T-booster.
So while this herb is supposed to be Animal Test’s magic ingredient, the science dismisses any claim it actually works for this purpose.
Polygonum Cuspidatum
Polygonum Cuspidatum also goes by the name of Japanese Knotweed.
This herb is rich in resveratrol.
Some animal studies suggest this natural phenol has anti-carcinogenic effects which could reduce the risk of heart disease, increase blood flow and boost yous sperm count. However, one study on resveratrol showed no evidence of an increase in T-levels.
As there is no hard-and-fast proof of its ability to boost your testosterone, resveratrol’s use in a premium T-booster seems a little premature.
It’s also worth pointing out these studies did not involve Polygonum Cuspidatum, but merely the herb’s active ingredient. So there’s no evidence that Polygonum Cuspidatum can boost your T-levels at all.
Agaricus Bisporus
Agaricus Bisporus is commonly known as White Button Mushroom and contains high amounts of vital nutrients like Vitamins C, D, and B.
It’s also packed with polyphenols which increase blood flow and deliver more vital nutrients to your muscles to help them grow.
But what about the White Button Mushroom’s power as a T-booster?
The fungus contains isoflavones and flavones which are proven aromatase inhibitors. However, there are few studies on the T-boosting effects of Agaricus Bisporus as a whole.
So while the jury’s still out on its potency as a T-booster, the White Button Mushroom does show some promise. But as of writing, the sparse research on the subject makes us hesitate to try it in concentrated supp form.
Instead, we advise you stay safe by eating more mushrooms and testing the effects for yourself.
3′, 5, 7-Trihydroxy-4′-Methoxyflavone
3′, 5, 7-Trihydroxy-4′-Methoxyflavone is the chemical name for Hesperetin. Citrus fruits, especially lemons and sweet oranges, are rich in Hesperedin (with a ‘d’, not a ‘t’).
After you eat citrus fruit, your stomach then converts Hesperedin to Hesperetin during metabolisation.
This bioflavinoid is an aromatase inhibitor.
And it’s proven to prevent the female body from converting testosterone into estrogen, which in turn can help reduce the size of breast-cancer tumors.
However, limited research exists on the of Hesperetin use in men, whether in an athletic context or not. As a result, it’s disappointing to see a largely-untested ingredient in a premium T-booster.
Hypertrophic Response Complex (1500mg)
Arachidonic Acid
Arachidonic Acid (AA) is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Exercise depletes levels of anabolic prostaglandins, which leads to training stagnation and muscle loss.
As AA is a precursor to anabolic prostaglandins and depletes during exercise, some fitness brands include it in their T-boosters to replenish your body and boost your performance in the weight room.
But while this makes sense in theory, a 2007 study by NCBI shows that AA supplementation does not increase muscle gains, reduce fatigue, or influence muscle hypertrophy.
Grapefruit
Some research implies Grapefruit can reduce estrogen levels (specifically E2) in women, which can reduce breast-cancer risk. However, other studies suggest eating Grapefruit can INCREASE the risk of breast cancer.
And many believe Grapefruit is useful in a T-booster because of its supposed ability to limit estrogen production.
But while there is conflicting research into Grapefruit’s ability to reduce estrogen in women, studies on similar effects in men are thin on the ground.
Bioperine
Bioperine is a patented form of Piperine, which derives from Black Pepper.
It’s known as a ‘bioavailability enhancer’ because it allows your body to absorb other nutrients up to 20 times faster than normal.
The extract does look promising for its apparent ability to restore the T in men over 30 to normal levels. However, there still isn’t enough research to prove this beyond doubt.
Side Effects
TestoFuel
Roar Ambition stands by its claim to make and sell supplements using 100% natural ingredients.
We’ve been using TestoFuel for a few years now and we’re happy to report the lack of any side effects at all. Read the Supplement Tester review of TestoFuel for more info.
Animal Test
Animal Test is largely safe. However you may experience the following side effects:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Stomach pains
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal gas
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Skin redness
- Liver damage
- Increase in symptoms of hormone-sensitive conditions
- Confusion
- Depression
The Conclusion
TestoFuel and Animal Test both retail at $65, which firmly places them at the expensive end of the market.
And despite claiming to achieve the same results, only one can come out on top in this battle of the T-boosters…
The Winner: TestoFuel
TestoFuel is the winner here in every respect. Everything from shipping times to its ingredients beat Animal Test hands down.
Even the customer service is better – Roar Ambition has a live-chat option on its website (roarambition.com), whereas Universal Nutrition and its Animal brand websites give you no way to contact them on the fly.
TestoFuel contain all-natural ingredients – all of which are proven, through decades of research, to work together and give you the results you want.
While a few of us on the Supplement Tester team didn’t like having to pop 4 capsules per day, they were VERY happy with the results. This is especially true since none of us have experienced any side effects from using Roar Ambition’s flagship product for more than two years.
– You Can Learn More About TestoFuel On Their Website: www.testofuel.com –
What lets Animal Test down?
We can’t cast Animal Test as the loser in the T-booster battle without further explanation. One good thing about the product is that it contains mostly natural ingredients.
But here’s the kicker…
Animal Test contains ingredients that remain either unproven to work, or those which studies show DO NOT do the job you pay for. The lack of proven ingredients is ultimately the Universal Nutrition product’s downfall.
For example, the marketing for the product describes Cissus Quadrangularis as “another exciting new bodybuilding ingredient.” But scientific research shows it carries no weight as a T-booster.
When you shell out over $60 for a T-booster, you want to be sure it works. But despite the hype, Animal Test provides no such genuine promise.
Then of course, there’s the proprietary blends.
As we’ve said many times on this site, proprietary blends often mask an inferior product with claims of priceless nutritional secrets and state-of-the-art research. For the most part, these claims are just a ploy used by shady marketers.
Let’s face it – openness nurtures trust, which is why we were able to put our faith in TestoFuel from the start.
At around $65, Animal Test is a premium product – and we want more for our money.
Roar Ambition never uses proprietary blends and packs TestoFuel and its other supps with ingredients you KNOW work.
On the other hand, even the individual ingredients in Animal Test’s proprietary blends are a little fishy…
Animal Test uses Arachidonic Acid as part of its “Hypertrophic Response Complex” proprietary blend. But medical research shows AA does not affect muscle hypertrophy.
And that’s not all.
Roar Ambition sells TestoFuel directly to you door.
So while it retails for around the same price as Animal Test, you can trust TestoFuel gives you what you pay for: high-grade ingredients proven to boost your T-levels, help you increase muscle mass, enhance your libido and keep that ol’ black dog from scratching at your shoulder.
TestoFuel cuts costs by cutting out the middleman and plowing those savings into creating a top-notch supp. By contrast, Animal Test is only available through distributors.
There’s no way of knowing whether this has led Universal Nutrition to cut costs. But we can tell you TestoFuel left Animal Test face down in the dust at every stage of this race.