CytoSport Monster Mass Review
Said to deliver the "biggest blast of multi-source sustained release proteins in history," Monster Mass is becoming one of the highest recommended mass gainers available.
Yet despite the glowing customer reviews and convincing advertising, I can't help but be a little skeptical of CytoSport Monster Mass. Supposedly this supplement helps you pack on pounds of lean muscle, but can it really give you the gains you're looking for?
Monster Mass Ingredient Information
The secret to supplemental success is to find a product with reliable, clinically proven ingredients. To find out if Monster Mass could give reliable results, I took a closer look at its formula.
Not surprisingly, Monster Mass' ingredients follow the same time-tested blend of protein and other nutrients as other protein powders and gainers. It doesn't take any risks with additional herbs or compounds, and many of its ingredients are backed with research:
Whey Protein. Monster Mass features various whey protein forms: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. Each form offers different protein and lactose concentrations. Studies show whey protein, when combined with regular exercise, stimulates protein synthesis.[1]
Casein Protein. Casein protein is derived from milk and is much slower to digest than whey protein. In addition to providing amino acids necessary for muscle building, casein protein promotes satiety and makes it easier to keep calorie consumption in check.
When combined with whey protein, casein protein increases muscle protein synthesis. Researchers conclude casein "may be an effective strategy to increase muscle size and strength." [2]
Glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid commonly used to build protein and fuel biological processes. It promotes glycogen storage and may reduce recovery time after exhaustive exercise. [3]
Leucine. Leucine is a branched chain amino acid that plays a key role in protein synthesis. Animal studies show leucine optimizes amino acid utilization in skeletal muscle. [4]
Medium Chain Triglycerides. Medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are partially man-made fatty acids that are easier to absorb than other fatty acids.
Researchers found MCTs improve body composition, energy expenditure, and fat oxidation when combined with regular exercise. They conclude MCTs "may be considered as agents that aid in the prevention of obesity or potentially stimulate weight loss." [5]
Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Often abbreviated to CLA, conjugated linoleic acid is a healthy fatty acid commonly used to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
According to recent studies, CLA offers minor effects on body composition and fat accumulation as well as a reduction in adiponectin and leptin levels. [6]
Waxy Maize Starch. Waxy maize starch is a slow-to-digest complex carbohydrate. It keeps insulin and glucose levels in check and is clinically proven to modify metabolic responses to prolonged exercise. [7]
Maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a digestive resistant fiber that suppresses appetite and eliminates harmful toxins. Maltodextrin studies reveal that it promotes carbohydrate oxidation when combined with regular exercise. [8]
Aminogen. Aminogen is a patented protein-digesting enzyme designed to optimize protein absorption while reducing bloating and constipation. However, studies are needed to confirm these effects.
While these ingredients are effective and reliable, don't let Monster Mass fool you into thinking it's the best money can buy. Many of the ingredients are commonly found in other protein powders and shakes, oftentimes for half the price.
Additionally, one CytoSport Monster Mass serving consists of 4 scoops (150 g) combined with 18-20 oz. of water. Other protein powders feature 1-2 scoops combined with 8-10 oz. of water.
If you were to cut Monster Mass' serving size to compare products, the formula would only feature 25 grams and 300 (+) calories per serving. This puts Monster Mass at about the same level as its competition: just effective enough to product results, but nothing particularly mind blowing.
Does It Contain Creatine?
CytoSport is widely known for creating flavorful protein powders and gainers. CytoGainer, for example, contains a mix of protein and creatine to not only increase protein synthesis but boost muscle volume, strength, and size, as well.
Monster Mass, however, is not designed for this purpose. Although it contains high protein and BCAA concentrations, it does not contain creatine or additional substances to boost physical performance.
How Is Monster Mass Different From Monster Milk?
Monster Mass and Monster Milk are both created by CytoSport. They both contain protein, fiber, carbs, and other nutrients for enhancing performance.
However, Monster Mass is designed primarily for users to gain weight while Monster Milk is more for building muscle.
For example, Monster Mass features .33 grams protein for every gram of powder, while Monster Milk contains .64 grams protein for every gram of powder. Consequently, a 10 oz. serving of Monster Mass would give you 25 grams of protein, while Monster Milk would give you 31.25 grams protein.
Although Monster Milk is higher in protein per serving, Monster Mass is higher in calories and carbohydrates.
A 10 oz. serving of Monster Mass would contain 300 (+) calories and almost 33 grams carbohydrates. Monster Milk on the other hand, would contain only 200 calories and 9 grams carbohydrates.
Consequently, if you're looking specifically to gain weight, then Monster Mass is the way to go. If you're looking for lean muscle mass and protein, Monster Milk is the better option.
Is Monster Mass Safe to Use Regularly?
Monster Mass is safe to use on a regular basis. However, it's best to approach Monster Mass with caution because it's high in calories, carbs, and protein.
If you're not careful, Monster Mass may end up packing on pounds of fat rather than lean muscle mass, which may be difficult to burn off later.
Furthermore, taking excess protein without adequate fiber may increase side effects such as nausea, constipation, and stomach upset.
How Many Servings Should You Take Per Day?
Manufacturers recommend combining 4 scoops (1 serving) with 18-20 oz. of water or milk. Depending on your dietary needs, you may decrease this dosage, or take an additional serving "at another strategic time during the day."
Can You Stack Monster Mass?
CytoSport Monster Mass can be stacked with additional muscle-building supplements. Experts at Bodybuilding.com recommend combining Monster Mass with the following supplements:
* Con-Cret
* Gold Standard 100% Casein
* BCAA 1000 CapsHowever, be careful when combining products. Using too much of the same ingredient may increase your side effect risk and inhibit your muscle-building results.
How Does Monster Mass Taste?
Monster Mass is available in 6 different flavors:
* Banana Cream
* Cake Batter
* Chocolate
* Cookies and Cream
* Strawberries and Cream
* VanillaWhile I love it when a protein powder branches out from the typical strawberry, chocolate, vanilla trio, it seems as though the flavor leaves much to be desired.
Some users found Monster Mass tasty, but others found the flavor to be a deal breaker and not worth buying.
Will You Really Gain Pounds of Muscle?
CytoSport Monster Mass provides a good source of protein and an easy way to consume extra calories. Many users recommend Monster Mass to those looking to gain weight quickly.
However, Monster Mass will not help you grow muscles on its own. Although protein is essential for muscle growth, it takes hard work and exercise to turn that protein into muscle.
If you don't use Monster Mass properly, the weight you gain will be in fat, not muscle.
Furthermore, Monster Mass doesn't work well for everyone, and some users find the taste unbearable. While Monster mass may be a good choice for some, it's better to shop around for a supplement that suits your individual needs rather than giving into hype.
References
[1] Kevin D. Tipton, Tabatha A. Elliott, Melanie G. Cree, Asle A. Aarsland, Arthur P. Sanford, and Robert R. Wolfe. "Stimulation of net muscle protein synthesis by whey protein ingestion before and after exercise." AJP - Endo January 2007 vol. 292 no. 1 E71-E76. Available from: http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/292/1/E71.short
[2] Tipton et al. "Ingestion of Casein and Whey Proteins Result in Muscle Anabolism after Resistance Exercise. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 36, No. 12, pp. 2073-2081, 2004. Available from: http://www.setantacollege.com/wp-content/uploads/Journal_db/Ingestion%20of%20Casein%20and%20Whey%20Proteins.pdf
[3] Bowtell JL, Gelly K, Jackman ML, Patel A, Simeoni M, Rennie MJ. "Effect of oral glutamine on whole body carbohydrate storage during recovery from exhaustive exercise." J Appl Physiol. 1999 Jun;86(6):1770-7. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10368336
[4] Joshua C. Anthony3, Tracy Gautsch Anthony, Scot R. Kimball, Thomas C. Vary, and Leonard S. Jefferson. "Orally Administered Leucine Stimulates Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle of Postabsorptive Rats in Association with Increased eIF4F Formation." J. Nutr. January 1, 2000 vol. 130 no. 2 139-145 Available from: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/130/2/139.short
[5] St-Onge MP, Ross R, Parsons WD, Jones PJ. "Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men." Obes Res. 2003 Mar;11(3):395-402. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12634436
[6] Pilar Parra, Andreu Palou, and Francisca Serra. "Moderate doses of conjugated linoleic acid reduce fat gain, maintain insulin sensitivity without impairing inflammatory adipose tissue status in mice fed a high-fat diet." Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010; 7: 5.Published online 2010 January 20. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-7-5. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2831902/
[7] Roberts MD, Lockwood C, Dalbo VJ, Volek J, Kerksick CM. "Ingestion of a high-molecular-weight hydrothermally modified waxy maize starch alters metabolic responses to prolonged exercise in trained cyclists." Nutrition. 2011 Jun;27(6):659-65. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.07.008. Epub 2010 Oct 15. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20951003
[8] Wallis GA, Rowlands DS, Shaw C, Jentjens RL, Jeukendrup AE. "Oxidation of combined ingestion of maltodextrins and fructose during exercise." Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005 Mar;37(3):426-32. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15741841
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