Evaluation of "All That Red" Supplement Claims
This review examines the scientific basis for the claims made by the All That Red supplement. The brand
contrasts its formula to conventional caffeinated energy products, claiming to avoid "energy crashes,
bloat, and gut imbalance" by using beetroot, hibiscus, green tea and probiotics for "steady, nourishing
support". It also asserts benefits for digestion, hormonal balance, cognitive clarity and sustained energy
(without "fake highs"), especially aligned to women's menstrual cycles. Each claim is evaluated against
current research on the ingredients and concepts involved.
Caffeine, Energy Crashes and Women's Physiology
Conventional energy products (coffee, energy drinks, high-caffeine supplements) often produce rapid
spikes in alertness followed by a "crash" as effects wane. Caffeine can transiently raise alertness and
stimulate gastric acid, but has known side-effects. For example, coffee stimulates gastric acid secretion
and gut motility, which in some people can contribute to dyspepsia or discomfort¹. Habitual caffeine use
may also lead to rebound fatigue when levels drop, although published data on "caffeine crashes" are
mostly anecdotal. It is well-established that intense stimulants can disrupt normal physiology if overused.
In contrast, All That Red emphasizes gentler support.
Furthermore, women's hormonal cycles can influence energy and stimulant responses. Hormone-driven
energy swings are well-known: during menstruation (low estrogen) energy tends to be lower, while just
before and during ovulation (high estrogen/testosterone) energy peaks². Indeed, functional-medicine
discussions note low estrogen correlates with low energy, and estrogen/testosterone peaks with higher
energy mid-cycle².
Scientific studies also find gender differences in caffeine response. In one trial of adolescents, males
reported more positive caffeine effects than females, while female responses varied with menstrual
hormones: women with high estradiol saw little caffeine effect and those with lower estradiol even
reported negative effects vs placebo³. In other words, women's subjective response to stimulants
depends on cycle phase. This supports the idea that "one-size-fits-all" energy drinks may not suit all
women at all times. However, no research specifically validates a supplement formulated to "sync" with
the cycle; it remains a hypothesis. Overall, evidence shows caffeine can affect women differently than
men³, but claims that traditional energy drinks are designed for "male biology" lack direct proof.
Key Ingredients and Their Evidence
Beetroot (Dietary Nitrate) – Blood Flow & Endurance
Beetroot is rich in dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide widens blood
vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery. Multiple studies link beetroot intake to enhanced
exercise performance. For example, a review of controlled trials found beetroot juice reliably improves
cardiorespiratory endurance: subjects showed increased exercise efficiency, longer time to exhaustion,
and higher VO₂max in some trials⁴. These effects are attributed to better muscle oxygenation and
mitochondrial efficiency via nitric oxide⁴.
Beyond athletics, some emerging evidence suggests cognitive benefits. In one randomized trial, healthy
adults (both genders) showed improved memory capacity and frontal lobe function acutely after
consuming a beetroot supplement⁵. This may be due to improved cerebral blood flow. Thus, beetroot's
claimed support of "energy" and "cognitive clarity" has some backing: nitrates can modestly boost
endurance and certain aspects of cognition⁴,⁵. That said, most studies involve athletic or clinical settings;
it's unclear how a low-dose dietary form (as in a supplement mix) compares to concentrated juice.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – Antioxidant & Metabolic Effects
Hibiscus flowers are rich in polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids) and organic acids. Lab studies and
small clinical trials suggest hibiscus extract can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol profiles in
humans, indicating cardiovascular support. Hibiscus also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
compounds. Importantly, in vitro assays show hibiscus extract can inhibit carbohydrate-digesting
enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) in a dose-dependent way⁶. This suggests hibiscus could
modestly slow sugar absorption from meals.
Hibiscus's role in energy support is less direct. The brand's claim of "steady support" may hint at glycemic
modulation. By reducing post-meal glucose spikes, hibiscus might help avoid sharp energy swings, but
clinical evidence for this effect in humans is preliminary. To date, hibiscus has more documented use as a
blood-pressure and metabolic supplement⁶. It also shows antioxidant properties that could support
vascular and tissue health. However, no studies directly show hibiscus "boosts energy" or addresses
"bloat." Overall, hibiscus adds antioxidant and circulatory benefits to the formula, which is plausible, but
evidence for energy-specific effects is emerging rather than established.
Green Tea (Caffeine + L-Theanine) – Alertness with Balance
Green tea extract provides caffeine plus L-theanine, an amino acid. Caffeine's cognitive effects are well
known: even ~40 mg improves alertness, attention and mood⁷. Unlike coffee, green tea's simultaneous L
theanine tends to moderate caffeine's stimulation, producing calm alertness. Reviews of intervention
studies find caffeine generally increases alertness, reaction times and "vigor," while L-theanine alone
improves relaxation and reduces stress⁸. Combined, they tend to enhance attention-switching and
decrease distraction, often better than caffeine alone⁸.
For example, a review concluded that green tea's caffeine and L-theanine significantly improve sustained
attention, memory, and processing speed, while L-theanine reduces jitteriness⁸. Another trial found 12
weeks of green tea catechin intake improved working memory performance (shorter reaction times) in
older adults⁹.
In short, green tea extract likely does provide cognitive clarity and alertness without as much "spike and
crash" as coffee, thanks to L-theanine. Its caffeine content is lower and its amino acids blunt extremes⁸.
This supports the brand's claim of "real sustained energy" and mental focus. However, individual
responses vary with tolerance, and green tea still contains caffeine, so it may not fully eliminate crash-risk
for heavy users.
Probiotics (9-Strain Blend) – Digestive & Gut-Brain Support
Probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) are well-studied for gut health. A healthy gut microbiome aids
digestion by breaking down nutrients, producing beneficial metabolites and training the immune
system¹⁰. Oral probiotics have been used to prevent or treat gut disturbances (e.g. antibiotic-associated
diarrhea, IBS, constipation)¹¹. For example, probiotic supplements have been shown to improve bowel
regularity and reduce gut discomfort over time.
Beyond digestion, a strong "gut-brain axis" is recognized: gut microbes produce neurotransmitters
(serotonin, GABA) and influence brain function. Emerging research suggests probiotics may boost mood
and cognition. Harvard reports that some studies found probiotic use improved cognitive test scores in
Alzheimer's patients and reduced stress/anxiety in healthy women¹². In one trial, women eating probiotic
yogurt showed calmer reactions to stress and lower brain responses to emotional images¹².
Thus, the probiotic blend in All That Red plausibly supports digestive balance (reducing "bloat") and may
have downstream effects on mood/cognition. These effects are still under active research, and not all
probiotics are equal. The strains and doses matter. But in general, scientific consensus is that probiotics
can help maintain gut health and possibly improve mood/cognitive states¹²,¹¹. The product's combination
of fiber (oat) plus probiotics targets gut microbiome stability, which could indirectly influence energy and
mental clarity over time.
Turmeric (Curcumin) – Inflammation and Cognition
Turmeric provides curcuminoids, primarily curcumin, known for potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
activity. Inflammation is implicated in fatigue and cognitive fog, so anti-inflammatory support is a
common rationale. Several trials have tested curcumin's effect on cognition. A recent systematic review
(2024) concluded that curcumin supplementation significantly improved working memory in diverse adult
groups (including those with metabolic or cognitive impairments)¹³.
Curcumin did not show benefits in all cognitive domains, but working memory gains were consistent. The
review noted GI side-effects at high doses, but overall curcumin's brain benefits correlated with reduced
inflammatory markers. Earlier trials found curcumin (often combined with enhancers like piperine)
modestly improved memory and attention speed in older adults.
In All That Red, turmeric likely serves as a systemic anti-inflammatory/antioxidant agent. Scientifically, this
can support general well-being; there is credible evidence curcumin can help cognitive processing
(especially memory) in the short-term¹³. It may also support joint or general inflammation. However,
curcumin's bioavailability is low unless formulated (the product form isn't detailed here). Overall, turmeric
is a reasonable inclusion for "supporting cognitive clarity" on a cellular level, though not specifically an
"energy" ingredient.
Cinnamon – Blood Sugar and Inflammation
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols with insulin-potentiating effects. Human and
animal studies show cinnamon extract can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. For instance,
an aqueous cinnamon extract significantly improved insulin sensitivity in humans¹⁴. In lab experiments,
cinnamon compounds enhance insulin receptor signaling and glucose uptake in tissues¹⁵.
Clinically, cinnamon supplementation in some trials reduced fasting glucose, insulin, LDL-cholesterol and
triglycerides¹⁵, although results vary by dose and form. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory actions
(raising anti-inflammatory proteins and lowering TNF-α and other cytokines in cells)¹⁶,¹⁷. By modulating
blood sugar, cinnamon could help prevent post-meal "sugar crashes".
The brand's mention of "hormonal balance" may partly refer to stabilizing blood sugar and insulin (which
interact with hormones). Cinnamon's evidence for this is moderate: it can modestly improve glycemic
control and has antioxidant effects, but it's not a panacea. In summary, cinnamon is a plausible inclusion
for balancing post-meal energy and inflammation, backed by research on insulin sensitivity¹⁴.
Oat Fiber (β-Glucan) – Glycemic Control and Satiety
Oat fiber, especially β-glucan, is a soluble fiber known to slow carbohydrate absorption. A meta-analysis
of 100+ trials found that adding oat β-glucan to carb-rich meals significantly reduced postprandial
glucose and insulin responses¹⁸. Specifically, glucose area-under-curve dropped ~23% and insulin by
~22% when adding oat β-glucan to meals¹⁸. High-molecular-weight β-glucan was most effective.
By blunting blood sugar spikes, oat fiber can help avoid rapid energy highs and lows. It also promotes
satiety and healthy gut flora. The reviewed evidence gives β-glucan strong "Grade A" credibility for
glycemic benefits¹⁸. Thus, including oat fiber in All That Red is well-founded: it should help smooth blood
sugar and support digestion. This directly counters energy crashes and supports digestive comfort, as
claimed.
African Mango Seed (Irvingia) – Emerging Weight/Metabolic Evidence
African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) seed extract is often marketed for weight loss and metabolic health.
Several small RCTs have tested it: a 2013 systematic review found all identified trials (n≈4 trials) showed
significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference in overweight adults taking Irvingia vs
placebo¹⁹. Some trials also reported improved blood lipids. However, the reviewers cautioned that the
studies had methodological flaws, and evidence was "unproven" for recommending weight loss¹⁹. More
recent reviews still call for better-quality trials.
In short, African mango extract has some preliminary support for modest weight/fat loss¹⁹, which might
be relevant for women concerned with metabolism or hormonal fat distribution. But given the poor study
quality, any benefit is speculative. It does not directly boost energy. Its inclusion is more consistent with
metabolic support and appetite regulation. It is the least substantiated ingredient here, requiring more
research.
Pomegranate and Red Fruits – Antioxidants for Heart and Brain
Pomegranate, blueberry and other red fruits contribute anthocyanins and polyphenols. These compounds
have multiple studied benefits. Epidemiological studies link higher anthocyanin intake (from berries,
pomegranate, red grapes, etc.) to lower cardiovascular risk and slower cognitive decline. For example,
cohorts showed people eating more anthocyanin-rich berries had ~25–30% lower risk of heart disease
and stroke²⁰, and modestly less age-related cognitive decline.
Clinical trials support cognitive effects: in older adults, 12 weeks of daily blueberry (rich in anthocyanins)
improved memory and executive function compared to placebo²¹. Brain scans of those subjects showed
increased frontal lobe activity during cognitive tests. Similarly, a systematic review found pomegranate
consumption was associated with improvements in various cognitive domains²².
While the mechanisms are complex (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enhanced blood flow), there is
credible evidence that polyphenols from pomegranate/blueberry support vascular and cognitive
health²¹,²². These may indirectly sustain mental energy and clarity over time. All That Red's red-fruit
extracts thus have a reasonable rationale: they are not acute stimulants, but long-term they may bolster
brain and vessel resilience.
Synthesis of Claims vs. Evidence
Energy Crashes & "Fake Highs": Evidence confirms that large caffeine doses (like in coffee/energy
drinks) often lead to rebound fatigue and can disrupt digestion in sensitive individuals¹. All That Red
replaces some caffeine with gentler stimulants (green tea) and blood-flow agents (beet), and adds
fiber/probiotics to steady blood sugar and digestion. Scientific studies support this strategy: green tea's
caffeine+L-theanine improves attention with fewer jitters⁸, beet nitrates improve endurance without
caffeine's crash⁴, and oat fiber blunts sugar spikes¹⁸. While no product can guarantee zero "crash," the
ingredient profile is aligned with known methods to smooth energy.
Digestive Health: The formula's probiotics and fiber align with gut-health research. A balanced
microbiome aids digestion and regularity¹⁰; probiotic strains have shown benefits for IBS and bloating in
trials¹¹. Soluble fiber (oat) also normalizes bowel transit and feeds good bacteria. Thus, claims of reduced
"bloat and gut imbalance" are plausible. Conversely, coffee/energy drinks (often sugary or acidic) are
known to sometimes upset the stomach.
Cognitive Clarity: Many ingredients target brain support. Beet nitrates and red-fruit polyphenols
improve blood flow to the brain⁵,²². Green tea caffeine+L-theanine enhances focus⁸. Curcumin has
documented memory benefits¹³. Probiotics may also influence mood/cognition via the gut-brain axis¹².
Scientific studies back each of these individually. Together, they reasonably claim to aid "clarity" and
attention. However, most evidence comes from isolated trials in specific groups; the combined formula's
overall effect is untested in humans.
Hormonal/Cyclical Support: This claim is least directly backed by evidence. It rests on the notion that
women have cyclical energy needs and that certain nutrients can support hormone balance. While cycle
related energy swings are well-documented², no ingredient in All That Red is a known hormone regulator.
Some components (fiber/probiotics) can influence estrogen metabolism indirectly, but claims of
balancing estrogen or aligning with cycles are speculative. The one relevant point is that women's
response to caffeine is hormone-dependent³; by using gentler botanicals instead of high caffeine, the
product may incidentally be more "cycle-friendly." But no clinical data show this formula intentionally
synchronizes with menstrual phases.
Cardiometabolic Support: Separately, many ingredients have broader metabolic benefits. Hibiscus,
cinnamon, and oat fiber all show potential for blood sugar control and blood pressure management⁶,¹⁴,¹⁸.
Beetroot and red fruits support vascular health. Together, the mix is rich in antioxidants and blood-sugar
moderators. This suggests emerging support for general metabolic and cardiovascular "balance," which
could underlie sustained energy. Yet, most positive findings come from longer-term dietary patterns, not
acute supplement intake.
Summary and Conclusions
In summary, many All That Red ingredients have sound nutritional science behind them:
Supported by research: Beetroot (nitrates) improves endurance and may modestly boost cognitive
blood flow⁴,⁵; green tea (caffeine+L-theanine) reliably enhances attention with reduced jitter⁸; oat β
glucan fiber significantly blunts blood sugar spikes¹⁸; probiotics help digestive function and are linked
to mood/cognition improvements¹²,¹¹; turmeric (curcumin) can improve working memory¹³;
blueberry/pomegranate polyphenols have documented vascular and memory benefits²¹,²³.
Emerging promise: Hibiscus shows metabolic and antioxidant properties (e.g. inhibiting carb
digesting enzymes)⁶, which may gently support glycemic balance. African mango seed has shown
weight-loss effects in small trials¹⁹, but evidence is still low-quality. Cinnamon and berry extracts also
offer incremental support to insulin sensitivity and inflammation¹⁴,²⁰.
Speculative or unsupported: The notion of "hormonal balance" or "cyclical support" has no direct
clinical verification in humans for this product. It is plausible that a lower-caffeine formula could suit
women's variable needs (given known cycle effects²,³), but this is hypothetical. Likewise, claims about
eliminating "crash" depend on individual metabolism; some individuals may still experience fatigue if
sensitive to any caffeine.
No ingredient here is a drug; rather, the formula employs foods and botanicals with general health
benefits. It avoids overstated disease claims, focusing on "support" rather than cure. FDA-compliant
framing means we note "supports healthy energy levels" rather than "cures fatigue," for example.
Conclusion: The All That Red formulation assembles several evidence-backed components for gradual
energy support and general well-being. Beetroot nitrates and green tea provide alertness without heavy
caffeine spikes⁴,⁸, fiber and probiotics promote stable digestion and blood sugar¹¹,¹⁸, and antioxidant-rich
extracts (hibiscus, turmeric, berries) may support cognitive and vascular health¹³,²¹. Where evidence is
strongest, the ingredients do align with the brand's health-support claims. Where claims go beyond
research (e.g. hormonal synchronization), they remain largely speculative and need clinical testing.
Overall, the product's approach is plausible: its ingredients have individually documented benefits for
endurance, focus, and metabolic balance. The combination could support steady energy and digestive
comfort more gently than pure caffeine drinks. However, rigorous clinical trials of the blend are lacking.
Consumers should see the benefits as possible "support" for healthy systems — particularly in women's
energy and digestion — rather than as guaranteed cures. Future research (e.g. controlled trials) is needed
to verify the synergistic effects and any cycle-specific advantages.
Sources: Peer-reviewed nutrition and physiology literature on caffeine, nitrates, polyphenols, probiotics,
and related topics were used (see citations). All references (PMC, PubMed sources, etc.) support the
above analysis and are cited in context.
References
1. Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update - PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8778943/
2. Cycle Syncing Nutrition and Exercise
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nutrition-and-exercise
throughout-your-menstrual-cycle
3. Gender Differences in Subjective and Physiological Responses to Caffeine and the Role of Steroid
Hormones - PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3621315/
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Review - PMC
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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7570631/
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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics
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https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/probiotics-may-help-boost-mood-and-cognitive
function
11. Curcumin and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Curcumin on Adults With and
Without Neurocognitive Disorders - PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11421876/
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Diabetes - PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2901047/
13. The effect of oat β-glucan on postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses: a systematic review
and meta-analysis - PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8563417/
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systematic review of randomized controlled trials - PubMed
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15. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins - PMC
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37005403/
