Muscle Milk Collegiate is the name of a line of protein supplement products made by Cytosport. The manufacturer boasts that this line of Muscle Milk is an excellent source of high-quality protein, carbohydrates and fats and is designed to help you increase lean body mass and enhance performance. Muscle Milk Collegiate protein powders are very high in protein and calories, while the ready-to-drink shakes and bars provide fewer calories and protein per serving.
Protein Powder and Beverage
Muscle Milk Collegiate protein powder comes in four flavors, including Vanilla Crème, Chocolate Crème, Cookies 'n' Crème and Peanut Butter Chocolate. One serving, or four scoops, of the Vanilla Crème flavor provides 590 calories, 40 grams (g) protein, 91 g carbohydrates, 7 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 5 g sugar, 4 g dietary fiber and 360 milligrams (mg) sodium. The Collegiate 11 fluid oz. of ready-to-drink shake also comes in four flavors: Vanilla Crème, Strawberries 'n' Crème, Banana Crème and Milk Chocolate. One Vanilla Crème shake provides 250 calories, 18 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, 8 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 4 g sugar, less than 1 g dietary fiber, 5 mg cholesterol and 230 mg sodium. Both are vitamin and mineral fortified.
Other Products
The Muscle Milk Collegiate line also includes protein bars and a hydration, electrolyte enhanced beverage mix. The protein bar comes in two flavors: Chocolate Peanut Caramel and Vanilla Toffee Crunch. One serving, or one 40 g Chocolate Peanut Caramel bar, provides 150 calories, 11 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 9 g sugars, 3 g dietary fiber and 135 mg sodium. One scoop of the hydration mix, which comes in three fruit flavors: Pomegranate Berry, Cool Citrus and Orange. One serving provides 90 calories, 0 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 0 g fat, 12 g sugars and 120 mg sodium.
Uses
These products are designed to meet the needs of athletes and body builders, who may wish to consume more calories and protein than the recommended daily allowance, to gain weight and build muscle mass. The protein powder is very high in calories, protein and carbohydrates, akin to consuming a meal; and taking this supplement will likely result in significant weight gain. The other products, including the shake and bar, also provide supplemental calories and deliver high-quality whey and casein protein, as well as carbohydrates for energy for the muscles. The hydration mix replenishes fluids and electrolytes, possibly necessary for exercise exceeding 60 minutes.
Medium Chain Triglycerides
In addition to containing high quality protein, Muscle Milk Collegiate protein supplements are rich in medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, which are a type of fatty acid. MCTs are popular among fitness enthusiasts and body builders. According to Hy-Vee's website, MCTs help increase endurance and are more easily absorbed and burned for energy than long-chain fats. In addition to being readily accessible and providing quick energy, MCTs have muscle-sparing benefits. There are risks associated with consuming a diet too high in MCTs, however, which include gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhea, and the possibility of elevated blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Expert Insight
According to Nancy Clark, M.S. R.D., sports dietitian and author, you can easily consume enough protein by eating high-quality foods, and, in her opinion, very few athletes need any type of protein supplement. Furthermore, Nancy states, "I have yet to meet a healthy athlete who is unable to consume adequate protein through his or her sports diet." Although athletes need more protein than their sedentary counterparts, hungry athletes tend to eat larger, higher protein meals.
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