Due to the importance of protein in building muscle, a seemingly limitless number of protein-rich supplements are available to help enhance your athletic performance. Two such supplements are GNC Wheybolic Extreme 60 and CytoSport Muscle Milk. Although the two products do have some similarities, there are nutritional differences that may make one significantly more appropriate for your goals than the other. Consult a doctor before using these or any other supplements.
Suggested Use
GNC recommends that you consume two servings of Wheybolic Extreme 60 for optimal results: once prior to your workout and once afterward. CytoSport recommends consuming Muscle Milk after your workout, but notes that it may also be taken prior to exercise and prior to bedtime.
Calories
Each serving of Muscle Milk contains slightly more calories than Wheybolic Extreme 60, as the former contains 310 calories, while the latter provides 280 calories. If you are consuming these supplements to aid in weight and muscle gain, Muscle Milk may be the better choice, as it is higher in calories, and a calorie surplus is required for muscle growth.
Protein
Both products are rich in protein, although Wheybolic Extreme 60 is much higher in protein, with 60 g per serving, compared to 32 g in Muscle Milk. Protein can be beneficial for building muscle, but MayoClinic.com notes that too much may exacerbate kidney and liver problems. Additionally, research published in December 2010 in the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" suggests that a dose of 20 g of protein may be optimal for post-workout recovery.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy, so you may find Muscle Milk more useful for pre-workout use, as it contains 18 g of carbohydrates, compared to 7 g in Wheybolic Extreme 60. Muscle Milk may also be preferable for post-workout use, as carbohydrates are a driving factor in muscle recovery, according to the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism."
Fat
Wheybolic Extreme 60 is low in fat, with 1 g of total fat and .5 g of saturated fat per serving, while Muscle Milk contains 12 g of fat, with 6 g of saturated fat. The saturated fat comes from medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat that may aid in increasing the amount of fat your body burns for energy, which can help improve your body composition, according to research from the November 2010 edition of the "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition."
Vitamins and Minerals
Wheybolic Extreme 60 does not contain many vitamins and minerals, although it does provide 28 percent of the daily suggested intake of calcium. CytoSport Muscle Milk contains 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D and E, as well as calcium, iron and magnesium.
Available Flavors
Wheybolic Extreme is available in five flavors: Banana Cream, Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry and Vanilla. Muscle Milk is available in 20 flavors, including Blueberries n' Creme, Brownie Batter, Cake Batter, Cookies n' Creme and Vanilla Creme.
References
- GNC Pro Performance® AMP Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60™ - Chocolate
- CytoSport: Muscle Milk
- Mayo Clinic; High-Protein Diets: Are They Safe?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; June 2010
- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Nutritional Strategies to Promote Postexercise Recovery; M. Beelen et al.; December 2010
- "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition"; Medium-Chain Triglycerides Are Advantageous in Promoting Weight Loss Although Not Beneficial to Exercise Performance; M.E. Clegg; November 2010
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