Evaluation of "All That Red" Supplement Claims

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/

  4. Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5295087/

  5. Acute effects of a chewable beetroot-based supplement on cognitive performance: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37875637/

  6. Physiological Effects and Human Health Benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa: A Review of Clinical Trials - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9033014/

  7. Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28056735/

  8. Effect of Daily Intake of Green Tea Catechins on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7570631/

  9. Probiotics: What They Are, Benefits & Side Effects https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14598-probiotics

  10. Probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function - Harvard Health 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/

  12. Cinnamon: Potential Role in the Prevention of Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 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/

  14. The efficacy of Irvingia gabonensis supplementation in the management of overweight and obesity: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23419021/

  15. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7442370/

  16. Pomegranate and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37005403/