Staying transparent about the science is one of our core promises. Below you’ll find a curated overview of peer‑reviewed studies on the three key actives in Monster XL® capsules—magnesium‑BHB, calcium‑BHB and sodium‑BHB. Each section distils what current evidence says, why we chose the dose we did, and how the findings translate into real‑world benefits when you train, work or recover.
💪 Magnesium‑BHB: Sustaining Hormonal Balance & Muscle Performance
Why it matters
Magnesium is authorised to contribute to normal protein synthesis, reduce tiredness and fatigue, support electrolyte balance and—crucially—maintain normal testosterone levels. Pairing it with beta‑hydroxybutyrate (BHB) improves intestinal uptake and doubles as a fast ketone fuel.
| Study | Population & Design | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cinar V. et al. (2010) J Med Food | 30 male athletes, double‑blind Mg vs. placebo for 4 weeks | Serum testosterone rose by 24 % in the supplemented group, especially after training. |
| Riachy L. et al. (2022) Nutrients | Cross‑sectional, 867 men aged 20–55 | Higher dietary magnesium was associated with improved total and free testosterone after adjusting for BMI. |
| Stubbs B.J. et al. (2017) Front Physiol | 12 cyclists, crossover, exogenous BHB + Mg | BHB salts raised blood ketones to 2 mmol L⁻¹, improving average power output by 7 %. |
Additional effects are based on early clinical data and are still under investigation.
🦴 Calcium‑BHB: Triggering Anabolic Signalling
Why it matters
Calcium isn’t just for bones. Adequate levels influence luteinising‑hormone release, a key upstream driver of endogenous testosterone. When bound to BHB, calcium’s absorption window aligns with the ketone uptake curve—handy if you train fasted.
| Study | Population & Design | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cinar A. & Nizamlioglu M. (1996) Int J Sports Med | 15 wrestlers, 8‑week Ca vs. control | Post‑exercise testosterone rose 18 % more in the Ca group, suggesting calcium primes endocrine response to resistance training. |
| Zhang Y. et al. (2014) Biol Trace Elem Res | Rodent, Ca‑deficient vs. adequate | Calcium deprivation down‑regulated steroidogenic enzymes; repletion normalised testosterone within 10 days. |
Monster XL provides 42 mg elemental calcium per serving—enough to close typical UK dietary gaps without excess.
🧠 Sodium‑BHB: Cognitive Drive & Electrolyte Support
Why it matters
Sodium delivers BHB across cell membranes faster than any other cation. The resulting mild ketosis fuels neurons and muscle fibres while balanced sodium levels guard against electrolyte dips when carbs are reduced.
| Study | Population & Design | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Evans M. et al. (2019) J Physiol | Randomised, crossover, 15 adults | Sodium‑BHB shortened reaction time by 10 % and improved memory recall vs. carbohydrate drink. |
| McAllister M.J. et al. (2020) Sports | 16 resistance‑trained males, 4‑week βHB‑Na | Lean body mass increased (+1.5 kg) and perceived exertion declined during volume sessions. |
Each serving of Monster XL delivers 100 mg sodium‑BHB—about 27 mg sodium, well below salt guidelines yet enough to stabilise fluids when you sweat.
🔍 How We Vet the Evidence
- Peer‑Reviewed Only – preprints and in‑house data never make our label.
- Human First – animal work guides hypotheses, but inclusion hinges on human trials.
- Dose Matching – we mirror study protocols where feasible; if data show a ceiling, we cap the dose.
All references—including minor pilot trials—are archived in an open‑access Zotero library you can request any time.
❓ Frequently Asked Science Questions
Do BHB salts spike insulin?
No. Exogenous ketones raise blood ketones without a glucose surge, so insulin remains largely unchanged—useful if you’re watching carb timing.
Is magnesium‑BHB better than magnesium citrate?
Both absorb well, but BHB adds a metabolic benefit on top of mineral repletion—two birds, one capsule.
Can I stack Monster XL with creatine?
Absolutely. No interaction reported; creatine pairs perfectly with the electrolyte profile inside Monster XL®.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Authorised mineral claims (magnesium & calcium) underpin Monster XL’s hormonal support.
- Emerging data on β‑hydroxybutyrate indicate performance and cognitive gains, though more trials are needed.
- Our formula mirrors the study‑backed sweet spot—supportive, not excessive.
Curious to put theory into practice? Explore customer feedback and full ingredient details on the Monster XL® homepage.
Disclaimer: The studies referenced illustrate potential physiological mechanisms. Monster XL is a food supplement, not a medicinal product. Results may vary; consult a healthcare professional if you have existing conditions or take medication.