Muscle Milk is a brand of protein drinks produced by the CytoSport company based out of Benecia, California. Muscle Milk can be purchased as either a powder or a ready-to-drink, or RTD, shake in a wide variety of flavors. Athletes use Muscle Milk to increase their daily protein intake and as a recovery drink following bouts of intense exercise, especially resistance training, to promote muscle recovery and growth. Muscle Milk is considered safe for human consumption; however, high amounts of it may be associated with several side effects. Consult with your physician before using Muscle Milk -- or any other high protein nutritional supplement.
High Fat Content
Individuals supplementing with Muscle Milk may observe an increase in body fat due to its high caloric and fat content. One serving of Muscle Milk contains about 350 calories and 18 g of fat, including 8 g of saturated fat. A high calorie and fat intake may cause excessive weight gain. The high saturated fat content in Muscle Milk may also cause an increase in serum cholesterol levels, which may be harmful if you suffer from high cholesterol, or if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
Allergens
Muscle Milk contains ingredients that are derived from milk and soy products. It is also manufactured on the same equipment that processes milk, soy, eggs and wheat. Therefore, if you are allergic to any of these foods, you may experience a mild to severe allergic reaction from Muscle Milk supplementation. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Muscle Milk include the appearance of hives, itching, swelling of your face and throat, difficulty breathing, increased sweating, and nausea. If you experience any of these effects after ingesting Muscle Milk, seek medical attention immediately.
High Protein
Muscle Milk contains 32 g of protein per serving, which contributes to a high daily protein intake. According to the National Library of Medicine, a diet high in protein may contribute to an increase in cholesterol levels and gout. Excessive protein in your diet may also increase kidney strain -- and contribute to an increased risk of developing kidney stones due to an increase in the amount of metabolites present in your blood stream.
Vitamin Toxicity
Muscle Milk contains high amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E. High levels of fat-soluble vitamin intake may lead to vitamin toxicity because, unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins are not readily excreted from your body. Vitamin toxicity can cause a wide range of effects; however, the most common side effects of fat-soluble vitamin toxicity are gastrointestinal distress, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, and vomiting. More serious side effects may include joint pain, fatigue, blood thinning, decrease in blood pressure, muscular weakness, and constipation.
References
- "Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements"; Jose Antonio, Douglass Kalman, Jeffrey R. Stout, and Mike Greenwood; 2008
- "Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise"; Mike Greenwood, Douglas Kalman and Jose Antonio; 2010
- Medline Plus; Protein In Diet; 2009
Member Comments