Force Factor Side Effects

Force Factor is a sports nutrition supplement that is intended to be taken before workouts to increase the intensity of your weightlifting sessions 1. According to the manufacturer, Force Factor can increase your strength and endurance, and might also enhance your recovery 1. While Force Factor's ingredients might help promote such effects, it might also cause side effects 1. Consult a doctor prior to use.

Nausea

One of the main ingredients in Force Factor is arginine, an amino acid 1. This amino acid is purported to promote improved blood flow, which might encourage improved performance because it facilitates improved nutrient delivery to your muscles. However, arginine is known to cause side effects such as stomach cramps and nausea.

Vomiting

One of the main ingredients in Force Factor is magnesium stearate, which is a type of saturated fatty acid used for lubrication 1. However, magnesium stearate can be quite dangerous, according to the International Programme on Chemical Safety, which notes that ingestion of magnesium stearate might cause vomiting - a possible side effect also associated with another Force Factor ingredient, calcium phsophate 12.

Stupor

Force Factor includes calcium phosphate to promote increased bone strength and to facilitate muscle contractions, but this ingredient might also cause you to experience a state of stupor 1. Additionally, arginine might reduce your blood pressure levels to dangerous levels, which could also cause a stupor-like state.

Decreased Testosterone

Although arginine is intended to promote athletic benefits, it might cause a significantly adverse effect for athletes -- decreased testosterone levels. According to research published in the January 1982 issue of "European Journal of Endocrinology," consumption of arginine increases levels of prolactin, a hormone that suppresses testosterone production.

Allergic Reaction

Calcium phosphate and arginine might trigger allergic reactions, which have side effects ranging from mild to serious. These effects include:

• nausea
  
• vomiting
  
• swelling
  
• itching
  
• dry mouth
  
• constipation
  
• decreased appetite

Even if you don't have an allergy, calcium phosphate might cause constipation and decreased appetite, according to Drugs.com 3.