Muscle Milk Facts

Protein aids in the production of muscle mass and helps with diet and weight maintenance by satisfying hunger. Dairy products, white meats, eggs and beans are healthy sources of protein. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women ages 19 to 70-plus need 46 g of protein a day while men in the same age range need 56 g. Americans typically get more than their recommended amount each day. A product known as Muscle Milk by CytoSport is a protein supplement available for those who want to add more protein to their diet.

What Is Muscle Milk?

Muscle Milk is a dietary supplement used to aid in muscle development. Body builders and athletes use this product to help regulate their protein intake and to build stronger, lean muscle mass. The protein in Muscle Milk also helps sustain your body full of energy, which is essential for endurance during a workout. Whether it's a long or a short workout, the goals of Muscle Milk include a stronger, bigger, better, healthier, leaner and livelier individual who can go further with his workout.

Pre-Workout Supplements

Some Muscle Milk products can be consumed prior to working outs or activities. Snacks such as Muscle Milk Bars deliver a pre-workout boost of energy packed with 25 g of muscle-building protein. Used before workouts, Muscle Milk helps sustain energy during those long practices or workouts, thus fighting fatigue. For individuals who do not work out regularly, these bars are a nutritious and easy on-the-go protein-packed snack.

Post-Workout Supplements

Muscle Milk includes products that can be consumed post workout or sports activity. Particularly, Muscle Milk Powder and Muscle Milk Naturals Powder can be used in this way. These products contain 32 g of proteins and 20 vitamins and minerals that aid in the muscle recovery process. These two Muscle Milk products should be taken within 30 to 45 minutes of completed activity to help shift the muscles from catabolic to anabolic state, which helps muscles grow larger and stronger.

Weight Loss Supplements

Muscle Milk's line of "light" products have been specifically designed to help those who wish to shed a few extra pounds. In addition to increasing the amount of protein intake to support lean muscle growth, the light products also help control hunger. Muscle Milk Light is packed with vitamins and minerals and can be used as a protein snack in between meals. Muscle Milk Light products are similar to the original Muscle Milk products but contain about 40 percent fewer calories.

FDA Regulations

The benefits of obtaining protein through natural food sources outweigh those of supplement proteins. Although protein aids in the production of lean muscle mass, too much can lead to dehydration and digestive problems. The June 2010 issue of "Consumer Reports" found some of Muscle Milk's products contained high contents of heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead and cadmium. Currently the Food and Drug Administration does not support Muscle Milk products and consumers should be cautious of the ingredients used in these products. The company provides each of its products with a disclaimer stating that these supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and they do not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.