Pre-workout supplements come in different forms and formulas. Most of them are formulated with powerful stimulants to supercharge your energy levels and boost your mental focus and concentration. Sadly, most of these supplements go overboard with the stimulants leading to severe adverse reactions. Some of the supplements also use controversial stimulants, which are known for producing excellent results but with increased side effects. If you're just looking for supplements that don't have these side effects, you should also definitely check out Blackwolf or Crazy Nutrition!
Dark Energy is a good example of such pre-workout supplements. It uses the banned stimulant DMAA or 1,3 Dimethylamylamine. It also contains DMHA, which is also cautioned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To avoid legal issues, the manufacturer, Magnitude Life Sciences, markets it as a research product, which would mean that it is not for human consumption but rather for research purposes. It's a smart move but let's not forget that DMAA and DMHA are prohibited for a reason. The manufacturer may escape the legal repercussions, but the buyers, most of whom buy it to boost their workouts, may have to deal with some severe adverse reactions.
What Does It Contain?
Dark Energy contains several powerful stimulants. On paper, each of these stimulants can have a remarkable impact on your energy and stamina levels. However, the big concern here is the combination of several stimulants that do not interact very well. For instance, DMAA, by itself, is known to come with its fair share of risks. Now, when you combine it with caffeine, the stakes only go higher, yet this is exactly what Magnitude Life Sciences has done in this formula.
Here are all the ingredients present in Dark Energy Pre Workout:
- DMAA (60)
The fact that Dark Energy contains DMAA makes it a very enticing option. I won't lie about that. The ingredient is well known for its powerful stimulating properties that can be of huge benefits to your workout sessions. I have personally used some pure DMAA before, and the energy rush it delivered is something I won't forget easily.
However, the 60mg of DMAA included in this formula is too high for most people. Considering that you also get other stimulants in this formula, I'd say that the 60mg DMAA and its combination with the other ingredients do more harm than good.
- GABA (50mg)
The presence of GABA in a pre-workout supplement is a bit confusing. GABA is a neurotransmitter that interacts with GABA receptors to produce different effects in the body. One of such effects is calming down the central nervous system. This is may be a good thing if you want to feel chilled out. Sadly, some people end up feeling sleepy after taking GABA, and this is counterintuitive.
Perhaps the only possible benefit of GABA in this formula is it enhances mood.
Studies also show that oral supplementation of GABA alone may be pointless because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Magnitude Life Science claims to have solved this problem by including L-Citrulline Malate, but there is very little evidence showing that Citrulline Malate can move GABA through the blood brain barrier.
- L-Citrulline Malate (6000mg)
According to the manufacturer, L-Citrulline Malate can improve your pumps and workout intensity. It is also supposed to boost the performance of GABA.
- DMHA (200mg)
DMHA works like DMAA in supporting high-intensity training sessions. However, DMHA has to be used in higher dosages to make an impact, and that's why it is dosed higher than DMAA in this formula.
Like DMAA, DMHA also has its fair share of legal issues. The FDA sent warning letters sometime back warning manufacturers from including this ingredient in their products. It's insane how Dark Energy has still managed to add both DMHA and DMAA in this supplement.
- Caffeine Anhydrous (400mg)
Caffeine is a more popular stimulant found in many pre-workout supplements. Clinical trials provide overwhelming data showing just how effective caffeine is for boosting performance. It increases energy, stamina, strength, mental clarity, and concentration.
400mg is a decent dosage for this stimulant. However, you may witness some adverse reaction if you are sensitive to caffeine. Check out our review of the top non-caffeine pre-workout supplements for alternatives if your body does not respond well to caffeine.
- DMAE (750mg)
DMAE is mostly used in cognitive-enhancing drugs called nootropics. It is included in Dark Energy to boost focus and concentration of the users. It's also known to promote the general feeling of wellbeing.
- Beta-Alanine (3200mg)
Beta-Alanine is responsible for the tingle sensation of most pre-workouts. It decreases muscle fatigue, thus boosting your exercise capacity. It also has some antioxidant properties and other health benefits.
Dark Energy Pre Workout Benefits
Dark Energy users may experience:
- High energy levels
- Mood enhancement
- Increased stamina and endurance
- Increased mental concentration
Dark Energy Pre Workout Side Effects
There is no doubt that DMAA, DMHA, and Caffeine are great pre-workout ingredients. However, the mere presence of DMAA and DMHA increases the risk of several severe side effects significantly. The combination of all these ingredients also opens the door for other potential adverse reactions.
In summary, Dark Energy Pre Workout users may witness the following side effects:
- Increased heart rate
- Spiked blood pressure
- Some users reported an energy crash.
By no means is that list exhaustive.
Oral use of DMAA is also reported to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Final Thoughts
The critical question on Dark Energy Pre Workout is on whether it is worth trying out. Honestly, I believe there are so many great alternatives you can use in its place like Blackwolf or Crazy Nutrition. There are some really good pre-workout supplements that use safe and natural stimulants to give you the energy you need without exposing you to serious health concerns. We also have excellent caffeine-free pre-workout supplements for people who don't want stimulants. There is really no point in taking prohibited ingredients with dozens of warnings when we have safe and effective alternatives.