Dark energy preworkout review: Benefits, Flavors, Possible Side Effects, and Alternatives

Most hardcore gymgoers are familiar with the terms DMAA and DMHA, which are synthetic compounds that are used as a pre-workout supplement by stimulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. We’re not going to get into details in this blog as to why these 2 substances are illegal in most countries, but instead, we’ll discuss a safer alternative called DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) that is the complete opposite. It’s a natural compound alternative found in very small amounts in the brain. Our body uses this compound for enhanced cognitive function and memory, as well as the synthesis of the neurotransmitter used by the brain for learning and memory processes.

Dark Energy pre workout is classified as a “research product” and is used as a stimulant by weight lifters which is heavily based on DMHA, DMAA, DMAE, Caffeine, Taurine, and Beta-Alanine. Exactly the perfect formula combined from these 6 main ingredients makes this pre-workout extremely effective by giving you the extra energy needed in order to put on some extra muscle and weights on the bar.

This product contains 30 scoops of powder and the recommended maximum is 1 scoop, which equals to about 12660mg (12,66 grams) of mixed powdered ingredients. I would always suggest starting off with a minimal dosage and then increasing depending on your tolerance, but please be careful not to overdose and cause health issues down the line.

In the following paragraph, we’ll go over the ingredients and explain their effects on our bodies and the reason for their effectiveness in boosting our mood and giving us incredible feelings, motivation, and excitement while working out:

• DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) and DMHA (1,5-dimethylamylamine) are the main ingredients that make this product so powerful. They’re found in tiny amounts compared to the other ingredients, just at around 1.57% for DMHA (200 mg) and 0.4% for DMAA (60 mg), and are used as the main neural stimulants for getting extra energy, sharpness, and euphoric feeling.
• DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) is found in powder format, concentrated at around 5% or 750 mg. With a limited amount of test case studies, it’s been determined that it helps with the improvement of one’s cognitive function as it increases the brain organic compound known as acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter in our body.
• Caffeine Anhydrous is at around 3% (400 mg) of the whole formula. Anhydrous means without water or a processed form of caffeine, mainly used for its stimulatory effects by preventing and fighting, in this specific case, our common enemy the adenosine compound that promotes muscle relaxation and sleepiness in our A1 brain receptors. This ingredient reduces sleepiness and increases focus, dopamine, and glutamate.
• L-Taurine present at around 15% (2000 mg) is the second most overflowing amino sulfonic acid in our bodies, just behind Glutamine, and it’s mainly used for momentarily increasing the performance and endurance of one's body and promoting fast metabolism which is good for burning more calories while not being physically active.
• Beta-Alanine is the second most used ingredient in this pre-workout at around 25% (3200 mg). It’s a non-essential amino acid that increases performance and endurance by aiding the production of carnosine, a protein building block that’s inside our muscles and is related to muscle endurance and fatigue.
• Citrulline Malate 2:1 is the most used ingredient in this preworkout at 47% (6000 mg). It’s a nonessential amino acid combined with malic acid used for boosting nitric oxide production in our bodies and increasing the absorption rate as well as the rate of how long a certain substance is needed to reach the systemic circulation and is able to exert its desired effect.
• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is concentrated at around 0.3% (50mg) and it’s a chemical messenger for your brain which helps reduce nerve cell communication (receive, create, and send messages) in order to promote calmness and reduce anxiety, stress, and fear.

For everyone out there classified as being a “picky eater,” this product comes in 6 different flavors: Blast, Gummy, Purple, Rocket, Orange, and everyone's favorite, Tropical.

The lack of availability not to mention legal constraints in some countries makes this product extremely difficult to get. There are numerous legal alternatives available on the market, such as: 

• Jack 3d, which has really similar ingredients and flavors as the dark energy pre-workout. Compared to it, this product also contains creatine monohydrate and has 2-aminoisoheptane HCL, a DMAA-like stimulant that’’ll help with energy and focus. If you’re interested in this product, you can find Jack 3d from USPLabs right here. The product contains 45 Servings for well under $40

• Krank3D is a more extreme alternative containing L-Arginine HCL. It offers enhanced circulation, optimized nutrient delivery, and impressive pumps. Borocysteine is good for promoting vasodilation and increased blood flow, while Red Wine Extract, which contains glycerol, is useful for hydrating the muscles and increasing muscle volume, It also contains the useful and previously-mentioned 2-Aminoisoheptane HCL (DMHA). As this product contains more ingredients and is more complex to produce, it’s slightly more expensive but not a lot, coming in at $49.95 for a 25 servings package. You can get Krank3D produced by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals right here, and choose from 6 delicious flavors.

• Dust X produced by Blackstone Labs comes in an eye-catching packae and is a DMHA based preworkout similar to Krank3D. As this product contains DMHA, the price is a very reasonable $44.99 for 25 servings.

Since dark energy preworkout is heavily based on DMAE, it should not cause any stimulant-related side effects like increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, or heightened alertness, although the previously mentioned side effects can be present in some individuals depending on their caffeine tolerance and it always depends on the dosage you consume, so never take more than what’s recommended on the product label!