Although supplements are not necessary for muscle building, protein is required to build muscles. Protein contains amino acids, which help build tissues throughout your body--everything from hair and nails to skeletal muscle. For this reason, protein supplements are popular among strength-training athletes and bodybuilders. Certain protein supplements offer advantages that may be hard to find in food sources, and can be more convenient than protein-rich foods because they do not have to be cooked. However, supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and quality varies. Before using any supplements, understand the ingredients and consult a doctor for advice.
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey is a protein powder supplement comprised of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. This supplement is low in fat, with 1g per serving, and low in carbohydrates, with 2g per serving. Platinum Hydrowhey is sugar-free and rich in protein, with 30g per serving. Hydrolyzed whey protein is derived from dairy and some claim it is preferable to non-hydrolyzed whey proteins. However, according to research from the February 2009 issue of the "Journal of Perinatology," hydrolyzed whey protein may not promote improved growth compared to non-hydrolyzed whey protein, so the differences may be negligible.
CytoSport Monster Milk
CytoSport Monster Milk is a supplement that contains protein, but also contains added fats and carbohydrates purported to promote improvements in recovery and exercise performance. Each serving of CytoSport Monster Milk contains 350 calories, 9g of fat,18g of carbohydrates and 50g of protein. In addition, the product contains 5g of fiber per serving. CytoSport Monster Milk also contains creatine, which may improve muscle gain and strength. Research from the November 2003 issue of the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" found that creatine supplementation improves muscle strength, but notes that the response to creatine varies on an individual basis.
Universal Hi Protein Bar
Universal's Hi Protein Bar is intended to be a meal or snack replacement, as each bar contains 296 calories and does not require refrigeration, so it can be convenient for travel. Universal Hi Protein Bars contain 33g of protein per serving, with 33g of carbohydrates and 6g of fat. Although these bars contain just 1g of sugar, the bars do contain 26g of sugar alcohols. The Yale-New Haven Hospital explains that sugar alcohols are sweeteners that have a lower impact on blood sugar than sugar, and do not promote tooth decay. However, excess consumption of sugar alcohols may lead to a laxative effect, according to the Yale-New Haven Hospital.
References
- "Journal of Perintology"; Growth in preterm infants fed either a partially hydrolyzed whey or an intact casein/whey preterm infant formula; KN Florendo et al; February 2009
- "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; Effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and weightlifting performance; ES Rawson, JS Volek; November 2003
- Yale-New Haven Hospital: Sugar Alcohol
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