In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we’re checking out DAS Labs BAMF. This is a powerful pre-workout that targets cognitive function and performance. We’re also looking at the company (is the name DAS Labs or Bucked Up?), how to use this impressive product, and what you can stack it with. If you’re ready, let’s dive right in!
What Is DAS Labs BAMF
As noted, DAS Labs (Bucked Up) BAMF is a nootropic pre-workout designed to dramatically enhance cognitive function. It also provides energy and supports pumps, endurance and overall performance.
Is The Company DAS Labs or Bucked Up?
I personally find this to be a confusing subject, and the name of this company might be confusing to other lifters as well. Is it DAS Labs or is it Bucked Up? The name DAS Labs stands for, of course, Deer Antler Spray. This was the first product manufactured and sold by Ryan Gardner, the owner and CEO. The company also includes his twin brother, founder Jeff Gardner.
Once Deer Antler Spray became a hot seller, they decided to create a pre-workout. This pre-workout was called Bucked Up, which contains Deer Antler Spray. The name has stuck, and the company appears to be now called Bucked Up, and seems to be a division of DAS Labs. At least, that’s my best guess.
DAS Labs BAMF Ingredient Breakdown
One scoop of BAMF provides the following.
Vitamin B12 – 100 mcg
This is a very popular member of the B family of vitamins. B12 is commonly used for energy and helps ease stress.
Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6,000 mg
Here’s an ingredient that is a combination of citrulline and malic acid. For those who may not know, malic acid plays a role in the production of ATP. So what we end up with is an ingredient that features 3 grams (or 50%) of a pump booster, and 3 grams (50%) of an endurance enhancer.
The problem is, you have next to nothing for pumps. Even though this is a nootropic pre-workout, we have to have pumps! Not to worry, I have an answer that I will share in the “Stack It!” section. (1)
Beta-Alanine – 3,200 mg
Beta alanine has always been an interesting ingredient because it’s something you can feel not long after you take it. Of course, it is known to buffer acid buildup. It does this indirectly by increasing the body’s levels of carnosine, which is the actual compound that does the work. As we know, the end result is more endurance. (2)
Caffeine Anhydrous – 333 mg
Caffeine is the most common stimulant on the planet. You’ll find it in most, if not all, stim-based pre-workouts. You no doubt know that caffeine increases energy and alertness. Did you also know it improves performance and stimulates thermogenesis? Not that anyone needs a reason, least of all me, but that’s two more reasons to use caffeine!
AlphaSize® Alpha GPC – 200 mg
This is a branded version of Alpha GPC, which is a source of choline. Choline is a member of the B vitamin family. It’s not a B vitamin, but is similar. Alpha GPC is 40% choline by weight and considered a superior version of choline.
One advantage of AlphaSize Alpha GPC is that it can cross the blood-brain barrier for quicker effects. What are those effects? It increases levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain’s frontal cortex, which is where motor function and attention span take place.
More importantly for this article, acetylcholine helps lifters establish the all-important mind-muscle connection. This is, of course, a critical component of an effective workout. Finally, Alpha GPC plays a primary role in overall cognitive enhancement, focus, memory, and increased attention. (3, 4)
Taurine – 100 mg
To be technical, taurine is a non-proteinogenic amino-sulfonic acid. You might wonder what that is, right? That simply means it has a different structure than other amino acids. Also, like beta-alanine, it is not involved in the creation of protein. So what does taurine do? It enhances cognitive function and also acts as an osmolyte (or promotes water-based pumps).
Himalayan Rock Salt – 100 mg
This compound supports hydration and contains trace minerals not found in standard table salt. It’s also not as processed as table salt.
Deer Antler Velvet Extract – 50 mg
Deer Antler Velvet is DAS Labs flagship ingredient. It is believed to be very nutrient dense and supports strength and power. It may also have positive hormonal benefits, but there needs to be more research to verify.
Hordenine – 40 mg
This is a somewhat mild stimulant that you don’t see too often anymore. It increases energy, enhances focus, and improves concentration. (5)
AstraGin® – 25 mg
AstraGin is a patented, 100% natural compound consisting of Astragalus Root Extract and San-qi Ginseng Root Extract. It’s used in many products to increase the absorption of the nutrients it’s paired with (competing with Bioperine® Black Pepper). Also, it promotes a healthy gut environment. (6)
ActiGin™ – 25 mg
This ingredient is a blend of panax notoginseng and rosa roxburghii. It supports energy and endurance. (7)
How To Use DAS Labs BAMF
BAMF has a reasonably high amount of caffeine. Therefore, if you are not used to high caffeine Pre’s, determine your tolerance by mixing 1/2 scoop with 8-10 ounces of cold water. Consume 15 – 30 minutes before your workout. Once your tolerance has been determined, you can use 1 scoop.
Stack It!
In the ingredient breakdown above, I pointed out the weak presence of pump boosting ingredients (3 grams of citrulline and the osmotic properties of taurine). Nootropic pre-workout or not, we need more pumps than that, don’t we! Therefore, I suggest stacking this Pre with:
5% Nutrition Full As F*ck
This potent pump booster features a good combination of nitric oxide boosters and cell volumizers. Stacked with this product, BAMF will now have 8 grams of citrulline, a very effective and currently popular dose.
Hi-Tech Precision Protein
There are a lot of great protein powders out there, but I like this one because of its focus on leucine absorption.
AllMax Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate
For me creatine should be a mainstay in every pre-workout.
Summary
There can be no doubt that DAS Labs BAMF is a great nootropic pre-workout. Use it as it is, or get the extra punch my stack suggestions give it. Either way, it’s time to stop by illpumpyouup.com and get yours today!
References:
- Gough, L. A., Sparks, S. A., McNaughton, L. R., Higgins, M. F., Newbury, J. W., Trexler, E., Faghy, M. A., & Bridge, C. A. (2021). A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. European journal of applied physiology, 121(12), 3283–3295. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04774-6
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257613/
- the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf (braintropic.com), p.21
- https://cheminutra.com/ingredients/alphasize/#:~:text=AlphaSize%C2%AE%20Choline%20for%20Brain,our%20parent%20company%20Chemi%20S.p.A
- Hordenine: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1528/hordenine
- https://nulivscience.com/ingredients/astragin/
- https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/Food/Detail/6698/224463/ActiGin