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Muscle Milk Product Information

Jun 2, 2011 | By Shannon George
Muscle Milk Product Information
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Muscle Milk is the brand name of a line of protein-enhanced foods and supplements produced by CytoSport, Inc. Muscle Milk products include protein supplements in the form of protein powders and pre-packaged shakes, as well as some foods, including protein bars. Products are aimed at both athletes and dieters. Be sure to consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements, including protein supplements.

Products

The Muscle Milk product line includes a variety of protein powders, pre-mixed protein shakes and other protein-enriched foods. Some of these products include: Muscle Milk Powder, Muscle Milk Light Powder, Muscle Milk Ready-To-Drink, Muscle Milk Naturals, Muscle Milk Bars and Bars Light, Muscle Milk 'n Oats and Muscle Milk Protein H20. Muscle Milk products come in various flavors including Chocolate Milk, Vanilla Crème, Strawberries n' Crème, Brownie Batter, Banana Crème and many more. Muscle Milk products are marketed as "functional" foods that help promote muscle growth, enhance physical performance and aid weight loss by delivering high-quality protein and other nutrients; however, such claims have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Nutritional Facts

Muscle Milk products, including the popular line of Muscle Milk protein powders and pre-mixed shakes, contain a patented blend of protein from whey, milk protein and casein sources, along with a "lean lipids" blend of non-saturated fats, and 20 essential vitamins and minerals. Depending on the product, Muscle Milk also contains other various ingredients such as artificial flavors and sweeteners, salt, hydrogenated oils and other ingredients. Products are lactose and high fructose corn syrup free. According to CytoSport, a one-scoop serving of Vanilla Crème-flavored Muscle Milk Powder supplies the following nutrition: 150 calories; 16 g protein; 6 g fat, half of which is saturated; 9 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 2 g sugar and 160 mg sodium. One serving also provides 15 to 40 percent of the daily needs for 20 various essential vitamins and minerals, including 20 percent of the daily iron needs and 15 percent of vitamin C needs.

Directions and Use

For athletes using Muscle Milk for recovery purposes, CytoSport recommends consuming Muscle Milk 30 to 45 minutes after a workout. Muscle Milk can also be consumed anytime throughout the day as a snack in between meals or as a meal replacement, says CytoSport. While some Muscle Milk products are pre-made and ready to consume, Muscle Milk Powder must be prepared with water -- 5 to 6 oz. per scoop -- before consuming. Muscle Milk should not be used as a sole source of nutrition, cautions CytoSport. CytoSport also qualifies its health claims regarding Muscle Milk by stating that Muscle Milk must be consumed in the context of a healthy diet and exercise routine in order to promote weight management and muscle recovery.

Research and Controversy

Some research suggests Muscle Milk ingredients whey and milk protein may promote muscle growth through protein synthesis. According to a review published in "Nutrition and Metabolism" in 2010, studies indicate that supplementation of dairy protein and whey protein in particular may stimulate muscle protein synthesis and promote post-workout muscle recovery. In the July 2010 issue, "Consumer Reports" published an article stating that their investigation found potentially unsafe levels of lead and cadmium in two Muscle Milk Powder samples; CytoSport fired back with its own report calling the "Consumer Reports" data "skewed" and insisting that Muscle Milk does not contain unsafe levels of heavy metals, per United States Pharmacopeia standards, when consumed in amounts not exceeding two servings per day.

References

Article reviewed by JudithT Last updated on: Jun 2, 2011

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