FAQs About Mass Gainer Protein
What is mass gainer?
Mass gainers are supplements that combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats to help increase muscle mass and body weight by assisting in reaching a daily calorie surplus.
Is mass gainer good?
When considering whether mass gainers are good, we have to look at what your individual body goals are. If you’re looking to put on size and muscle mass, then a mass gainer is equipped with the nutrients to assist you with your goals.
Typically, mass gainers are high in protein and carbohydrates, giving you the best chance at maximising your potential and workout regimes. Given that they are high in calories, it’s important to note that mass gainers are most effective when used in conjunction with a solid and consistent workout routine (Thomas, M et al. 2016).
Thomas, M et al. 2016 ‘Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training’ Int J Exerc Sci, accessed 6 September 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4836564/
Typically, mass gainers are high in protein and carbohydrates, giving you the best chance at maximising your potential and workout regimes. Given that they are high in calories, it’s important to note that mass gainers are most effective when used in conjunction with a solid and consistent workout routine (Thomas, M et al. 2016).
Thomas, M et al. 2016 ‘Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training’ Int J Exerc Sci, accessed 6 September 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4836564/
Are mass gainers safe?
Mass gainer proteins are safe for most healthy people. When taken in excess and/or not taken in conjunction with a healthy exercise routine, many products could cause things such as an unsettled stomach or weight gain (Delimaris, 2013).
We advise you to always check with your medical practitioner before starting a new supplement regime and always check the product labels for any allergens. We also welcome you to consult with us to ensure we can assist with your individual dietary needs and weight goals.
Delimaris, I. 2013 ‘Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Adults’ ISRN Nutr, accessed 6 September 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045293/
We advise you to always check with your medical practitioner before starting a new supplement regime and always check the product labels for any allergens. We also welcome you to consult with us to ensure we can assist with your individual dietary needs and weight goals.
Delimaris, I. 2013 ‘Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Adults’ ISRN Nutr, accessed 6 September 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045293/
What does mass gainer do?
If you’re looking to gain some serious mass, then using a mass gainer protein will help you achieve your weight and muscle mass goals. Mass gainers are an effective and convenient tool to increase your daily calorie surplus, providing both the fuel and nutrient profile to get you in the right spot to hit your benchmarks.
When should you take mass gainer?
When it comes to mass gainers, there are a few factors to consider before taking a mass gainer supplement. Whether you are looking to gain mass, are struggling to meet your daily calorie intake or want to gain lean muscle, mass gainer is most effective when taken after a workout.
How long does mass gainer last?
Mass gainer expiries can vary, but most stores generally advertise one-year expiration dates when sold in retail. Factors like when you open them and how you store them can affect the expiry differently. If you’re unsure, you can gauge whether it is consumable by the smell and texture. If you mix it with water and it remains in clumps instead of dissolving, it might be time to throw it out (Sreedaran, R. 2022). If you’re still unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Regarding how long the product will last you after each purchase, it generally depends on how frequently you use it. Container sizes will differ, and most will generally have the serving amount on the label. With an average serving being between 70mg & 150mg, the amount of serves and the serving size that you use may affect how long the product lasts you.
Sreedaran, R. 2022, ‘Does Mass Gainer Expire? - Full Guide’, The Gym Companion, accessed 8 September 2022, https://thegymcompanion.com/does-mass-gainer-expire/
Regarding how long the product will last you after each purchase, it generally depends on how frequently you use it. Container sizes will differ, and most will generally have the serving amount on the label. With an average serving being between 70mg & 150mg, the amount of serves and the serving size that you use may affect how long the product lasts you.
Sreedaran, R. 2022, ‘Does Mass Gainer Expire? - Full Guide’, The Gym Companion, accessed 8 September 2022, https://thegymcompanion.com/does-mass-gainer-expire/
Does mass gainer make you fat?
As the name suggests, mass gainer protein powders are supplements that aid in meeting a greater calorie intake, helping to increase weight gain and muscle mass. Subsequently, due to a high carbohydrate loading, mass gainers are designed to increase body weight and provide extra fuel for your workouts (Cintineo, H et al. 2018).
However, if you want to gain lean muscle mass or maintain your current body weight, you may prefer a standard or lean protein powder over a mass gainer.
Cintineo, H et al. 2018 ‘Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training’ Front Nutri, accessed 6 September 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142015/
However, if you want to gain lean muscle mass or maintain your current body weight, you may prefer a standard or lean protein powder over a mass gainer.
Cintineo, H et al. 2018 ‘Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training’ Front Nutri, accessed 6 September 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142015/
Is mass gainer good for building muscle?
Mass gainers may be suitable for fuelling muscle growth if used in conjunction with a relevant workout routine.
Mass gainers provide your body with large volumes of protein, carbs and fat to maximise your calorie intake. If you’re trying to build muscle, using a mass gainer can help in coordination with a specific workout routine that will stimulate your muscles. Your workouts need to be frequent enough that your body will send those extra calories toward building your muscles.
It’s also essential to ensure that your body gets enough rest to allow your muscles to recover. It may take some experimentation to find what works best for you, but the general idea is to continually challenge your muscles so that your body sends the nutrients from your mass gainer to your muscles (Naked Nutrition, 2020).
Naked Nutrition. 2020. ‘How to Build Muscle Mass Using Weight Gainer Protein’, Naked Nutrition, accessed 8 September 2022, https://nakednutrition.com/blogs/fitness/build-muscle-mass-weight-gainer-protein
Mass gainers provide your body with large volumes of protein, carbs and fat to maximise your calorie intake. If you’re trying to build muscle, using a mass gainer can help in coordination with a specific workout routine that will stimulate your muscles. Your workouts need to be frequent enough that your body will send those extra calories toward building your muscles.
It’s also essential to ensure that your body gets enough rest to allow your muscles to recover. It may take some experimentation to find what works best for you, but the general idea is to continually challenge your muscles so that your body sends the nutrients from your mass gainer to your muscles (Naked Nutrition, 2020).
Naked Nutrition. 2020. ‘How to Build Muscle Mass Using Weight Gainer Protein’, Naked Nutrition, accessed 8 September 2022, https://nakednutrition.com/blogs/fitness/build-muscle-mass-weight-gainer-protein
Can mass gainers replace meals?
As you can imagine, this depends on what your goals are. If you are trying to gain mass, and need to increase your calorie intake each day, then using a muscle gainer instead of an extra meal can help. If you are not a big eater and are finding it difficult to get enough calories to support your body goals, then mass gainers can be effective when used in place of a meal (Sreedaran, R. 2022).
However, mass gainers aren’t effective as entire meal replacements. They don’t contain a source of vital micronutrients and are much more acceptable as a source of calories (English, N. 2019). It is recommended that mass gainers are consumed in conjunction with your meals throughout the day or week, rather than as a complete substitute. A meal replacement supplement might be more effective if you have a busy lifestyle that prevents you from consuming enough proper meals throughout the day.
Sreedaran, R. 2022, ‘Can Mass Gainers Replace Meals?’ The Gym Companion, accessed 7 September 2022, https://thegymcompanion.com/can-mass-gainers-replace-meals/
English, N. 2019, ‘The Real Pros And Cons Of Mass Gainers’, BarBend, accessed 7 September 2022, https://barbend.com/mass-gainer-pros-cons/
However, mass gainers aren’t effective as entire meal replacements. They don’t contain a source of vital micronutrients and are much more acceptable as a source of calories (English, N. 2019). It is recommended that mass gainers are consumed in conjunction with your meals throughout the day or week, rather than as a complete substitute. A meal replacement supplement might be more effective if you have a busy lifestyle that prevents you from consuming enough proper meals throughout the day.
Sreedaran, R. 2022, ‘Can Mass Gainers Replace Meals?’ The Gym Companion, accessed 7 September 2022, https://thegymcompanion.com/can-mass-gainers-replace-meals/
English, N. 2019, ‘The Real Pros And Cons Of Mass Gainers’, BarBend, accessed 7 September 2022, https://barbend.com/mass-gainer-pros-cons/
Can you drink mass gainer without working out?
You can, but it depends on what results you are trying to achieve.
Generally, if you drink mass gainer without working out, you are more likely to gain weight rather than muscle. If you are trying to gain lean muscle instead of fat, you should balance your consumption of mass gainer with exercise and a balanced diet.
If you’re underweight and looking to correct that, then consuming mass gainer without working out may assist in increasing your size. However, working out and eating correctly is still essential if you are looking to gain weight in the form of muscle (Tremblay, S. 2019).
Tremblay, S. 2019, ‘Can I Drink Weight-Gain Shakes to Gain Weight Without Exercise?’ How To Adult, accessed 6 September 2022, https://howtoadult.com/can-i-drink-weight-gain-shakes-to-gain-weight-without-exercise-8227410.html
Generally, if you drink mass gainer without working out, you are more likely to gain weight rather than muscle. If you are trying to gain lean muscle instead of fat, you should balance your consumption of mass gainer with exercise and a balanced diet.
If you’re underweight and looking to correct that, then consuming mass gainer without working out may assist in increasing your size. However, working out and eating correctly is still essential if you are looking to gain weight in the form of muscle (Tremblay, S. 2019).
Tremblay, S. 2019, ‘Can I Drink Weight-Gain Shakes to Gain Weight Without Exercise?’ How To Adult, accessed 6 September 2022, https://howtoadult.com/can-i-drink-weight-gain-shakes-to-gain-weight-without-exercise-8227410.html
Can I take mass gainer before bed?
Just like most proteins, studies have suggested that if you consume a reasonable amount before bed, you will take full advantage of this spike in growth hormone and can maximise your muscle gains. Your body achieves this because you provide the amino acids required for muscle repair and growth (Bowling, N. 2018).
Keep in mind that these studies apply to people who are regularly participating in physical exercise. If you’re drinking a mass gainer before bed or consuming a protein snack without any physical activity, it is possible that this could lead to more weight gain as opposed to lean muscle gain - particularly because of the extra carbohydrates found in mass gainers. The benefits of a late-night mass gainer are best seen in daily exercisers or athletes (Bowling, N. 2018).
Bowling, N. 2018, ‘How Protein Before Bed Can Promote Muscle Growth’, Healthline, accessed 8 September 2022, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/protein-before-bed
Keep in mind that these studies apply to people who are regularly participating in physical exercise. If you’re drinking a mass gainer before bed or consuming a protein snack without any physical activity, it is possible that this could lead to more weight gain as opposed to lean muscle gain - particularly because of the extra carbohydrates found in mass gainers. The benefits of a late-night mass gainer are best seen in daily exercisers or athletes (Bowling, N. 2018).
Bowling, N. 2018, ‘How Protein Before Bed Can Promote Muscle Growth’, Healthline, accessed 8 September 2022, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/protein-before-bed
Can you take mass gainer and creatine?
Should you take mass gainer with creatine? You can, but it might not be necessary.
Both mass gainer and creatine support the same goals but use different means of assisting them. You can combine them in the same shaker if it suits you, and both can assist your muscle growth and performance. Creatine combines well with the protein and carbs in mass gainers to support your body’s energy levels and cell genetics, which can assist with weight gain (Arora, R. 2022).
But how necessary is this combination? While you can mix the two supplements, studies have shown that combining protein powder and creatine (protein powder contains fewer fats and carbs than mass gainer, which may have different effects when combined with creatine) doesn’t have any extra impact on muscle mass growth and strength (Preiato, D. 2019).
The bottom line is that while it is safe to take them together, it may not actually be necessary. If you did want to use both, though, there would be no side effects, so it would be an acceptable option.
Arora, R. 2022, ‘Creatine or Mass Gainer: Can You Take Both?’ Gaining Tactics, accessed 8 September 2022, https://www.gainingtactics.com/creatine-or-mass-gainer/
Preiato, D. 2019, ‘Creatine and Whey Protein: Should You Take Both?’ Healthline, accessed 8th, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/creatine-vs-whey
Both mass gainer and creatine support the same goals but use different means of assisting them. You can combine them in the same shaker if it suits you, and both can assist your muscle growth and performance. Creatine combines well with the protein and carbs in mass gainers to support your body’s energy levels and cell genetics, which can assist with weight gain (Arora, R. 2022).
But how necessary is this combination? While you can mix the two supplements, studies have shown that combining protein powder and creatine (protein powder contains fewer fats and carbs than mass gainer, which may have different effects when combined with creatine) doesn’t have any extra impact on muscle mass growth and strength (Preiato, D. 2019).
The bottom line is that while it is safe to take them together, it may not actually be necessary. If you did want to use both, though, there would be no side effects, so it would be an acceptable option.
Arora, R. 2022, ‘Creatine or Mass Gainer: Can You Take Both?’ Gaining Tactics, accessed 8 September 2022, https://www.gainingtactics.com/creatine-or-mass-gainer/
Preiato, D. 2019, ‘Creatine and Whey Protein: Should You Take Both?’ Healthline, accessed 8th, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/creatine-vs-whey
Does mass gainer cause acne?
Mass gainers generally contain a combination of protein powder, carbohydrates, and sometimes fats that are mixed to assist in weight gain and bulking (Byrne, S. 2021).
Acne can be caused by a number of outside factors including your lifestyle, diet, hormonal imbalance, sugar intake, allergens and other medical conditions. Intolerances to dairy can sometimes lead to acne, so if you’re looking to stay on the safe side, we do have a range of vegan plant protein that may reduce any potential acne risks.
If you’re mixing your mass gainer with milk, then you should try using water as a mixer to see if that helps reduce the symptoms. Additionally, you could search for a vegan or dairy-free mass gainer to try and reduce the symptoms of acne.
If you’re suffering with acne and reducing dairy isn’t helping, it might be best to visit a dermatologist and get an expert opinion on the causes of your symptoms.
Byrne, S. 2021, ‘Can Mass Gainer Cause Acne? (Explained)’ Bodies by Byrne, accessed 6 September 2022, https://bodiesbybyrne.com/can-mass-gainer-cause-acne/
Acne can be caused by a number of outside factors including your lifestyle, diet, hormonal imbalance, sugar intake, allergens and other medical conditions. Intolerances to dairy can sometimes lead to acne, so if you’re looking to stay on the safe side, we do have a range of vegan plant protein that may reduce any potential acne risks.
If you’re mixing your mass gainer with milk, then you should try using water as a mixer to see if that helps reduce the symptoms. Additionally, you could search for a vegan or dairy-free mass gainer to try and reduce the symptoms of acne.
If you’re suffering with acne and reducing dairy isn’t helping, it might be best to visit a dermatologist and get an expert opinion on the causes of your symptoms.
Byrne, S. 2021, ‘Can Mass Gainer Cause Acne? (Explained)’ Bodies by Byrne, accessed 6 September 2022, https://bodiesbybyrne.com/can-mass-gainer-cause-acne/
