MASS GAINER SUPPLEMENTS
A mass gainer is a supplement that provides protein, carbohydrates, and possibly fats with the intention of helping to add muscle mass. It is a high-calorie protein powder aimed at increasing your daily calorie intake to promote weight gain.
The main aim of a mass gainer is to increase calories and promote growth. This means it could be taken in the morning to fuel you for the day and instantly boost your calorie intake, so you don’t have to constantly worry throughout the day about getting enough calories.
It can also be taken post-workout after you’ve expended a high number of calories working out. A mass gainer will deliver a high protein content, which will contribute to muscle repair and growth, along with carbohydrates which act as your body’s main energy source to help fuel recovery.
Using a mass gainer can be a great way to help you increase mass and size by easily allowing you to increase your daily calorie intake. It is important to remember that to increase muscle growth when taking a hard-gaining supplement you must be training hard and regularly, otherwise, you will be consuming a high number of calories which will lead to an increase in body fat.
Common Formulations & Nutritional Content
While mass gainer products do bear some resemblance to many common protein powders, there are some key distinctions that separate their formulation and function. Mass gainer products will almost always contain far more calories, protein, and carbohydrates than standard protein powders. These extra nutrients are critical for adding body mass.
Caloric Content: The defining feature of all mass gainers is the high caloric content, which is essential for gaining weight. Many mass gainers contain upwards of three times more calories per serving than a standard protein powder. The high number of calories is the driving factor behind the results these products solicit, but more isn’t always better — the line between maintenance and gain is a tight one
Carbohydrate Content: Unlike most standard powders that get most of their total calories from protein, the extra caloric content in mass gainers comes predominantly from added carbohydrates. Maltodextrin, corn syrup, and other sugary extras can be found in abundance here as they are easily digested without making the powder too thick or unmixable.
Fat & Other Additives: While not present in such dense quantities as carbohydrates, the fat content in most mass gainers is markedly higher than standard protein powders, mostly coming in the form of dairy additives. A high amount of cholesterol and sodium are also worth mentioning, although that tends to be part and parcel of any dietary product with a high-calorie count.
Added Nutrients: The hallmark feature of a good mass gainer is a high-calorie count, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all nutritionally vacant. Some brands include beneficial additives such as vitamins, BCAAs, creatine monohydrate, etc., that help offer a more complete dietary package.
