Rich Piana 5% Nutrition Freak Show 180 Caps

Rich Piana 5% Nutrition Freak Show is a capsule supplement designed to support a carbohydrate-rich diet. The manufacturer describes Freak Show as a nutrient partitioner intended to help your body put dietary carbohydrates to better use. The formula combines plant extracts and micronutrients associated with carbohydrate metabolism — including chromium, which contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels, and thiamine, which supports normal energy-yielding metabolism.

True to 5% Nutrition style, the formula is generously dosed: one daily serving delivers a full 1,000 mg of Gymnema sylvestre extract, 500 mg of banaba powder, 350 mg of berberine HCl, 300 mg of cinnamon extract and 300 mg of concentrated bitter melon extract (4:1). These are complemented by highly soluble sodium R-alpha-lipoic acid, fenugreek extract and BioPerine® black pepper extract, used to support ingredient absorption.

5% Nutrition is the American supplement brand founded by the legendary bodybuilder Rich Piana, known for its big doses and no-compromise approach. Freak Show fits best on training days, when carbohydrate intake is at its highest — simply take the capsules with a main meal; they add no calories or sweeteners to your diet. The capsule shell is made of gelatine, so the product is not suitable for vegetarians. One bottle lasts a full month: 180 capsules, i.e. 30 six-capsule daily servings.

Key benefits

• Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) supports normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Big doses: 1,000 mg gymnema, 500 mg banaba and 350 mg berberine per serving.
• Contains highly soluble sodium R-alpha-lipoic acid (200 mg).
• BioPerine® black pepper extract to support absorption.
• 180 capsules per bottle — 30 daily servings, a full month’s supply.

Who is it for?

• Strength athletes and bodybuilders whose diet is rich in carbohydrates.
• Trainees in a mass-gaining phase who want extra support alongside a high-carb diet.
• Anyone looking for a supplement combining chromium, berberine and plant extracts to take with carbohydrate-rich meals.

Main active ingredients

• Gymnema sylvestre extract (1,000 mg) — a herb from India traditionally used to support carbohydrate metabolism.
• Banaba powder (500 mg) — a Southeast Asian plant (Lagerstroemia speciosa) used by the manufacturer to support glucose metabolism.
• Berberine HCl (350 mg) — a plant compound from Phellodendron amurense, one of the best-known botanical ingredients associated with glucose metabolism.
• Cinnamon extract (300 mg) — made from Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum).
• Bitter melon extract 4:1 (300 mg) — a concentrated extract of Momordica charantia.
• Sodium R-alpha-lipoic acid (200 mg) — the R-form of alpha-lipoic acid as a sodium salt, more soluble than regular alpha-lipoic acid.
• Chromium (400 µg) — an essential trace mineral that contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism.