If you are looking to increase your muscle mass or enhance your performance during workouts, you may consider supplementing your diet with a weight gainer or protein mix. CytoGainer and Muscle Milk are sports nutrition products that promise to increase the formation of lean muscle and promote healthy body mass. Knowing the facts about each product can help you make the right choice to meet your dietary needs.
What Is It?
CytoGainer is a weight gainer that contains three times the amount of calories per serving when compared to Muscle Milk. Cytosport, the manufacturer of Muscle Milk and CytoGainer, states that CytoGainer is intended for those who want to gain weight without eating large meals throughout the day. It is also used by bodybuilders during the bulking phase of their training to increase their mass, according to the manufacturer.
Muscle Milk is a protein supplement that promises increased strength, shorter recovery time and the development of lean muscle. Cytosport suggests that Muscle Milk is intended for use as a post-workout protein supplement to feed and refuel your muscles.
Supplementation
CytoGainer should be taken within 15 minutes of your workout. Muscle Milk can be taken within 30 to 45 minutes of your workout. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that your body switches from a catabolic state to an anabolic start during this time frame. Supplying your body with a protein or post-workout supplement immediately after your workout allows your body to begin the recovery process and hold on to hard-earned muscle gains.
Nutrition
Muscle Milk contains 32 g of protein per serving. CytoGainer, on the other hand, contains 54 g of protein per serving. Although this may appear to be a better supplement choice, the American College of Sports Medicine finds that your body can only process 32 g protein at one time. Your body will store the remaining 22 g of protein as fat. Muscle Milk contains 640 calories, 12 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of sugar per serving. CytoGainer has 580 calories, 79 carbohydrates and 6 g of sugar per serving.
Cost
CytoGainer and Muscle Milk can be purchased at your local vitamin shop or online through the manufacturer's website. A 2.47 lb. container of Muscle Milk costs $1.53 per serving, while a 3.31 lb. container or CytoGainer costs $3.60 per serving, as of 2010. When determining which of these supplements is best suited for your needs, you should consider the form in which they come. Muscle Milk is available in powder and ready-to-drink shakes. CytoGainer is only available in powder form.
Side Effects
Supplements that contain large or excessive amounts of protein, such as CytoGainer, can cause cramping, bloating and appetite loss, according to the American Dietetic Association. Although Muscle Milk does not contain a large amount of protein per serving, the American Council on Exercise suggests that consuming more than the recommended amount on the product's label can lead to a dangerous buildup of protein in your body. Protein and weight-gaining supplements are not recognized as a food or drug and are therefore not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The American Dietetic Association recommends that you follow the supplementation guidelines on the products label to avoid over consumption.
References
- "ACSM's Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment Manual"; The American College of Sports Medicine; 2008
- "American Dietetic Association: Complete Food & Nutrition Guide"; Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS; 2006
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals"; Cedric X. Bryant and Daniel J. Green; 2003
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