6 Side Effects of Nitro Tech Protein to Beware

Protein powder mixes have become increasingly popular with professional and recreational athletes. NITRO-TECH by MuscleTech remains a readily available product in this growing market. Made in different formulas, NITRO-TECH features several nutrients designed to enhance athletic performance and increase muscle size. Yet, some of these nutrients may cause side effects.

MuscleTech uses whey protein as the main ingredient in most of its protein powder mixes. This fast-digesting protein comes from milk. The authors of a 2015 report in the Journal of Food Science suggested that whey outperforms casein and soy as a muscle builder. They also noted the many populations that can benefit from using whey.

These beneficial effects may come at a price. Being a milk product, people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy may suffer various side effects. If you are lactose intolerant and supplementing with NITRO-TECH, you may experience stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea and gas. If you have a milk allergy, you must meet with your doctor before using NITRO-TECH due to the risks. Depending on the degree of your allergy, supplementing with NITRO-TECH could cause a life-threatening reaction.

MuscleTech uses different milk protein — casein — in some of its NITRO-TECH products. Scientists consider casein a slow-digesting protein. Casein can also cause milk-related problems. In addition, a 2016 paper in Annals of Biomedical Sciences showed that a high-casein diet damaged the kidneys of laboratory animals.

Branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs, play several roles in your body. MuscleTech has them in their NITRO-TECH products to build muscle, and they are touted to increase athletic performance and promote recovery.

The authors of a 2017 report in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition disputed the muscle-building effects of BCAAs. They claim taking BCAAs creates a competition between all amino acids for cellular access. This competition prevents some amino acids from reaching their target. Given the essential nature of BCAAs, this failure could have serious consequences like triggering the development of insulin resistance.

MuscleTech also features creatine monohydrate in some of their NITRO-TECH products. Creatine acts as a source of energy for your muscles, and bodybuilders and athletes use it to help improve athletic performance and build muscle. Athletes consider it very effective when combined with protein.

Creatine can, however, cause side effects. A 2017 paper in Neurology noted that 35 percent of subjects given creatine withdrew from testing. Participants often reported stomach discomfort. An animal study from Saint Peter's University showed that daily use of creatine caused kidney damage within a month.

MuscleTech adds boron citrate to NITRO-TECH as a testosterone booster. This essential mineral plays an important role in the development of these hormones, and it can increase testosterone and estrogen in people with low levels.

Yet, having too much boron in your body may lead to toxicity and damage your cells. Boron can also negatively affect the unborn child. The authors of a 2016 paper in Environment International showed that mothers receiving even incidental exposure — through drinking water — had low-birth weight babies.

MuscleTech also gives customers a standard warning. Protein products may get contaminated by other processing happening at their facility. So, people who have allergic reactions to shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, fish or eggs should speak with a doctor before using products from the NITRO-TECH line.