BioTech USA
BioTech USA Hyper Mass, Chocolate Flavoured - 2270 g
€34.69Unit price€15.28 / kgUnavailableUniversal Nutrition
Universal Nutrition Gain Fast Gainer, Chocolate - 2260 g
€45.99Unit price€20.35 / kgUnavailablePVL
PVL Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 Gainer, Cream Cake - 5450 g
€51.99Unit price€9.54 / kgUnavailablePVL
PVL Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 Gainer, Cream Cake - 2720 g
€35.49Unit price€13.05 / kgUnavailableOptimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Vanilla - 2730 g
€39.99Unit price€14.65 / kgUnavailableDymatize
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, Rich Chocolate - 2943 g
€47.99Unit price€16.31 / kgUnavailablePVL
PVL Mutant Mass Gainer, Chocolate Fudge Brownie - 2270 g
€34.69Unit price€15.28 / kgUnavailablePVL
PVL Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 Gainer, Triple Chocolate - 2720 g
€41.09Unit price€15.11 / kgUnavailablePVL
PVL Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 Gainer, Vanilla Ice Cream - 5450 g
€61.79Unit price€11.34 / kgUnavailablePVL
PVL Mutant Mass Extreme 2500 Gainer, Vanilla Ice Cream - 2720 g
€36.09Unit price€13.27 / kgUnavailableUniversal Nutrition
Universal Nutrition Gain Fast Gainer, Vanilla - 2260 g
€46.99Unit price€20.79 / kgUnavailableOptimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Strawberry - 2730 g
€39.99Unit price€14.65 / kgUnavailableOptimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Chocolate Peanut Butter - 2730 g
€39.29Unit price€14.39 / kgUnavailableOptimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, Banana - 2730 g
€39.99Unit price€14.65 / kgUnavailable
For athletes aspiring to rapidly increase their weight and consequently, their muscle mass, a mass gainer stands out as one of the intriguing and safe options. Tied to controlled mass increment, mass gainers supplement one's diet with the essential nutrients found in solid foods, critical for muscle building.
Understanding Mass Gainers
A mass gainer is a powdered dietary supplement specifically formulated to aid in muscle gain while supplying all necessary anabolic elements required by growing tissues. It primarily consists of proteins and carbohydrates, and sometimes lipids (fats). In addition, it may include:
- Vitamins – For instance, B vitamins in gainers help the body adapt to increased caloric needs.
- Minerals – These assist the body in absorbing nutrients and contribute to accelerated bodily regeneration processes.
- Amino Acids – These are crucial building blocks of proteins, essential for muscle development.
The Utility of a Gainer
What purposes does a gainer serve? Generally, three primary functions are associated with the intake of mass gainers:
- Amplifying calorie consumption,
- Facilitating the quick provision of essential macro and micronutrients,
- Hastening the recovery of depleted muscles.
Therefore, mass gainers are beneficial for those wanting to add more calories to their daily meals. They are an excellent choice for bodybuilders in their bulking phase and athletes whose daily caloric intake is insufficient.
Moreover, mass gainers are incredibly practical. They are designed for individuals unsure about their dietary preferences or those who lack the time for meal preparation. Serving as an easy and quick substitute for traditional snacks and meals, they prevent the simultaneous consumption of unhealthy foods.
Can one recover health with a gainer? Absolutely. Mass gainers are an effective supplement during the pre-training period or right afterward. They prepare the body for recuperation, and the caloric surplus is beneficial during intense exercise when muscles expend more energy.
Gainer vs. Protein – Which is Superior?
Proteins from whey, plants, and eggs in powder form come from organic sources, comprising mainly proteins with minimal carbohydrates and fats. Conversely, a gainer is a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and sometimes fats.
Mass gainers are designed to meet higher caloric demands and promote healthy muscle mass growth. In contrast, protein is usually consumed to increase dietary protein levels (affecting lean muscle mass growth), while a gainer boosts overall calorie intake, thereby influencing body fat increase.
Selecting the Right Mass Gainer – A Brief Guide
When choosing the right gainer, it's vital to select based on its composition. As observed, gainers primarily contain carbohydrates and proteins. Each of these macro-elements can come from various sources, some of higher quality than others.
Carbohydrates in certain gainers include substances like maltodextrins, dextrose, fructose, and sometimes glucose. If present in high quantities, they can cause a substantial insulin spike, leading to fat tissue increase at the expense of muscle mass. Therefore, choosing gainers with a low glycemic index is advisable as they also raise insulin, a helpful agent in internal anabolic processes.
Regarding protein concentration in mass supplements, not all gainers are equal. A good gainer should contain at least one of the three essential proteins: casein, soy protein, or whey. Additionally, selecting gainers based on the inclusion of extra amino acids is beneficial. A gainer with creatine, glutamine, and BCAA significantly enhances healthy growth and muscle formation.
Optimal Time for a Gainer – Before or After Training?
Many wonder how and when to consume a gainer, before or after training? The best time to take a gainer depends on personal goals and established workout routines. Here are some suggestions regarding the optimal time for consuming a gainer:
- Before training – Taking a gainer as a pre-workout can provide the necessary energy for intense strength training and may help prevent muscle injuries during exercises.
- After training – Consuming a gainer post-workout aids in speeding up muscle recovery and replenishing lost glycogen stores. The nutrients in a gainer also support muscle protein synthesis.
- Between meals – For those looking to increase their daily calorie intake, a mass gainer between meals can be a convenient way to add extra calories without the need to consume large amounts of food.