Break a sweat faster, burn more calories, and boost your metabolism—discover the many benefits of our thermogenic Signature Shred.

BBCOM Editors
January 10, 2025

Why Take Bodybuilding.com’s Signature Shred?

Signature Shred is an advanced pre-workout supplement designed to enhance thermogenesis, boost calorie expenditure, and support fat loss. Its scientifically backed ingredients are 1,500mg of total carnitine, 1,000mg conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) powder, 7,500mg garcinia cambogia extract, as well as 200mg natural caffeine from coffee and 40mg melegueta extract. 

Ingredient Breakdown

Carnitine Complex 

Your kidneys and liver naturally produce carnitine in order to help your mitochondria to produce energy.[1] Unused carnitine is then stored in skeletal muscle, heart, and brain to be used later.[2] Carnitine can be consumed through red meat, dairy products, avocados, and soybeans.[3] However, many people do not meet their carnitine needs due to a poor diet. While suboptimal carnitine levels can make fat metabolism more difficult, a carnitine deficiency can cause muscular weakness, cramps, fatigue, or low blood sugar. 

Signature shred contains a total of 1,500mg of carnitine in three different forms: l-carnitine tartrate, l-carnitine fumarate, and acetyl l-carnitine hydrochloride in order to maximize the comprehensive benefits of carnitine. L-carnitine fumarate combines carnitine with fumaric acid in order to more directly affect your body’s Krebs cycle so that you have more energy. Acetyl l-carnitine HCI combines carnitine with hydrochloric acid to form a water-soluble salt that can cross the blood brain barrier to enhance carnitine’s cognitive effects.

Support for Weight Loss and Fat Metabolism

Carnitine helps the body convert fat into energy. Many individuals can supplement to help with  weight management, fat oxidation, and improve energy levels.[4] A meta-analysis of scientific literature found that a daily dose of 1,500 mg or more of carnitine maximized weight and fat loss in adults[5-6]. 

Boosting Energy and Exercise Performance

Studies have shown that carnitine supplementation can improve exercise performance, increase in muscle mass, decrease muscle soreness, and higher cognitive function especially in vegetarians, overweight individuals, and older adults.[7-8] 

Cognitive and Mental Health Benefits

Recent studies have linked carnitine with cognitive benefits. Carnitine, particularly acetyl-L-carnitine, has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood stabilization, and other potential effects on brain health.[9-10]

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) 

CLA or conjugated linoleic acid is a fatty acid found in beef and dairy products that helps promote fat metabolism, improve insulin resistance, and create positive changes in body composition. While the exact mechanism for CLA’s effectiveness is still not proven, studies have shown supplementation can reduce body fat growth, delay the onset of type II diabetes, and improve bone and immune function. CLA combined with rigorous exercise has been shown to reduce body fat and maintain or increase lean muscle mass. Therefore taking CLA can help you improve body composition by promoting the utilization of stored fat for energy.

Garcinia Cambogia 

Garcinia cambogia extract comes from the fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia tree. It has gained popularity because it contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which can help with appetite control and weight management by increasing serotonin and the feeling of satiety.[11-12] HCA may also inhibit the body from making fat from carbohydrates. Preliminary studies have shown its use to be effective in short term weight loss.[13] This can be a great addition to help you both manage cravings and limit fat production. 

Caffeine 

Signature derives its caffeine directly from robusta coffee beans, and with 200mg of caffeine, it will deliver that same hit as a single cup of coffee. Caffeine has been scientifically proven to boost your aerobic and anaerobic performance by increasing your muscular endurance, power output, high-intensity interval training, and resistance to fatigue. Cognitively, caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system to improve focus, motivation, and reaction time.  Physically, caffeine can promote fat oxidation, enhance thermogenesis, and increase calories burned.[14-17] Caffeine is safe and an excellent addition to aid your weight loss goals.

Aframomum Melegueta

CaloriBurn GP® is a branded form of the West African spice aframomum melegueta commonly known as grains of paradise. Melegueta contains the bioactive compound 6-Paradol, which can increase calorie expenditure and promote thermogenesis. Initial animal studies have shown that grains of paradise can activate brown fat which can contribute to burning more calories, higher resting metabolic rate, and potentially fat loss.[18]. Other studies have shown results that 6-paradol can possibly help with blood sugar regulation, limit cravings, and improve energy levels.[19] In a small human study, a single 40mg dose of grains of paradise  extract resulted in an increased whole-body energy expenditure through brown adipose tissue.[20]

Takeaways

Signature Shred’s targeted blend of CLA, Garcinia, and CaloriBurn GP offers a powerful formula aimed at providing sustained energy, enhanced fat metabolism, and optimal calorie expenditure. With its range of scientifically supported benefits, this powder supports those on a journey to shed fat, improve muscle retention, and achieve a balanced, lean body composition. 

References

1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/ 
2. Belay, B., Esteban-Cruciani, N., Walsh, C. A., & Kaskel, F. J. (2006). The use of levo-carnitine in children with renal disease: a review and a call for future studies. Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany), 21(3), 308–317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-005-2085-4
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/ 
4. Pistone, G., Marino, A., Leotta, C., Dell'Arte, S., Finocchiaro, G., & Malaguarnera, M. (2003). Levocarnitine administration in elderly subjects with rapid muscle fatigue: effect on body composition, lipid profile and fatigue. Drugs & aging, 20(10), 761–767. https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-200320100-00004 
5. Asadi, M., Rahimlou, M., Shishehbor, F., & Mansoori, A. (2020). The effect of l-carnitine supplementation on lipid profile and glycaemic control in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 39(1), 110–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2019.01.020 
6. Talenezhad, N., Mohammadi, M., Ramezani-Jolfaie, N., Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., & Salehi-Abargouei, A. (2020). Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled clinical trials with dose-response analysis. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 37, 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.03.008 
7. Askarpour, M., Hadi, A., Miraghajani, M., Symonds, M. E., Sheikhi, A., & Ghaedi, E. (2020). Beneficial effects of l-carnitine supplementation for weight management in overweight and obese adults: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacological research, 151, 104554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104554
8. Sawicka, A. K., Renzi, G., & Olek, R. A. (2020). The bright and the dark sides of L-carnitine supplementation: a systematic review. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 17(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-020-00377-2
9. Benton, D., & Donohoe, R. T. (2004). The influence on cognition of the interactions between lecithin, carnitine and carbohydrate. Psychopharmacology, 175(1), 84–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-1773-2
10. Malaguarnera, M., Gargante, M. P., Cristaldi, E., Colonna, V., Messano, M., Koverech, A., Neri, S., Vacante, M., Cammalleri, L., & Motta, M. (2008). Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 46(2), 181–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2007.03.012
11. Garcinia Cambogia. (2019). In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 
12. Semwal, R. B., Semwal, D. K., Vermaak, I., & Viljoen, A. (2015). A comprehensive scientific overview of Garcinia cambogia. Fitoterapia, 102, 134–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2015.02.012 
13. Fassina, P., Scherer Adami, F., Terezinha Zani, V., Kasper Machado, I. C., Garavaglia, J., Quevedo Grave, M. T., Ramos, R., & Morelo Dal Bosco, S. (2015). THE EFFECT OF GARCINIA CAMBOGIA AS COADJUVANT IN THE WEIGHT LOSS PROCESS. Nutricion hospitalaria, 32(6), 2400–2408. https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.32.6.9587 
14. Mielgo-Ayuso, J., Marques-Jiménez, D., Refoyo, I., Del Coso, J., León-Guereño, P., & Calleja-González, J. (2019). Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Sports Performance Based on Differences Between Sexes: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 11(10), 2313. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102313
15. Franco-Alvarenga, P. E., Brietzke, C., Canestri, R., Goethel, M. F., Viana, B. F., & Pires, F. O. (2019). Caffeine Increased Muscle Endurance Performance Despite Reduced Cortical Activation and Unchanged Neuromuscular Efficiency and Corticomuscular Coherence. Nutrients, 11(10), 2471. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102471
16. Forbes, S. C., Candow, D. G., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Hirsch, K. R., Roberts, M. D., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Stratton, M. T., Kaviani, M., & Little, J. P. (2020). Supplements and Nutritional Interventions to Augment High-Intensity Interval Training Physiological and Performance Adaptations-A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 12(2), 390. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020390  
17. Wilk, M., Filip, A., Krzysztofik, M., Gepfert, M., Zajac, A., & Del Coso, J. (2020). Acute Caffeine Intake Enhances Mean Power Output and Bar Velocity during the Bench Press Throw in Athletes Habituated to Caffeine. Nutrients, 12(2), 406. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020406  
18. Iwami, M., Mahmoud, F. A., Shiina, T., Hirayama, H., Shima, T., Sugita, J., & Shimizu, Y. (2011). Extract of grains of paradise and its active principle 6-paradol trigger thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue in rats. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 161(1-2), 63–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2010.11.012
19. Wei, C. K., Tsai, Y. H., Korinek, M., Hung, P. H., El-Shazly, M., Cheng, Y. B., Wu, Y. C., Hsieh, T. J., & Chang, F. R. (2017). 6-Paradol and 6-Shogaol, the Pungent Compounds of Ginger, Promote Glucose Utilization in Adipocytes and Myotubes, and 6-Paradol Reduces Blood Glucose in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(1), 168. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010168
20. Sugita, J., Yoneshiro, T., Hatano, T., Aita, S., Ikemoto, T., Uchiwa, H., Iwanaga, T., Kameya, T., Kawai, Y., & Saito, M. (2013). Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract activates brown adipose tissue and increases whole-body energy expenditure in men. The British journal of nutrition, 110(4), 733–738. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512005715