Critical Mass Gainer

Applied Nutrition
78 Good
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Summary

This mass gainer supplement contains beneficial ingredients like protein, creatine monohydrate, and amino acids, which support muscle growth and recovery. However, it is moderately processed, which can affect the overall quality of the product. The presence of multiple additives, although not harmful, slightly reduces its score compared to cleaner formulations.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 15
Harmful ingredients 0
Category Protein Powders

Key ingredients 16

Protein
Good

Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making it a beneficial ingredient in mass gainers. The quality of protein can vary, but it generally provides a complete amino acid profile necessary for muscle synthesis. It is especially beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders looking to increase muscle mass.

Benefits

Supports muscle growth and repair, essential for athletes and those looking to increase muscle mass.

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Carbohydrates
Good

Carbohydrates provide a quick source of energy, which is crucial for intense workouts and recovery. The type and quality of carbohydrates can affect their impact on blood sugar levels. They are essential for replenishing glycogen stores post-exercise.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.

Benefits

Provides energy and helps replenish glycogen stores after exercise.

Creatine Monohydrate
Very Good

Creatine monohydrate is a well-researched supplement known to enhance strength and muscle mass. It is considered safe and effective for improving athletic performance. It helps in increasing phosphocreatine stores in muscles, aiding in ATP production during high-intensity exercise.

Benefits

Enhances strength, muscle mass, and athletic performance.

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Amino Acids
Good

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are crucial for muscle repair and growth. They include essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. Supplementing with amino acids can support muscle recovery and reduce exercise-induced muscle damage.

Benefits

Supports muscle repair and growth, essential for recovery.

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Hica
Good

Hica, or alpha-hydroxy-isocaproic acid, is a leucine metabolite that may help reduce muscle breakdown. It is used to support muscle recovery and growth. It can be beneficial for athletes looking to enhance recovery and reduce muscle soreness.

Benefits

May reduce muscle breakdown and support recovery.

Glutamine
Good

Glutamine is an amino acid that supports immune function and gut health. It is often used to aid recovery and reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. It plays a role in protein synthesis and can help maintain muscle mass.

Benefits

Supports immune function, gut health, and muscle recovery.

Chromium
Good

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and support blood sugar control. It is beneficial for individuals looking to manage blood sugar levels.

Benefits

Supports carbohydrate metabolism and may improve insulin sensitivity.

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Leucine
Very Good

Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) critical for muscle protein synthesis. It is one of the most important amino acids for muscle growth and repair. Supplementing with leucine can enhance muscle recovery and growth, especially post-exercise.

Benefits

Enhances muscle protein synthesis and supports growth and recovery.

HMB
Good

HMB, or beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, is a metabolite of leucine that helps reduce muscle protein breakdown. It is beneficial for preserving muscle mass during periods of muscle wasting. It can support muscle recovery and growth in athletes.

Benefits

Reduces muscle protein breakdown and supports muscle preservation.

ALA
Good

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and supports energy metabolism. It may improve insulin sensitivity and support glucose uptake in cells. ALA is beneficial for overall metabolic health.

Benefits

Acts as an antioxidant and supports energy metabolism.

Digestive Enzymes
Good

Digestive enzymes help break down food components, improving nutrient absorption. They can aid in digestion and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Including digestive enzymes in supplements can enhance the bioavailability of nutrients.

Benefits

Improves nutrient absorption and aids digestion.

Probiotics
Good

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and immune function. They can improve digestive health and balance the gut microbiome. Probiotics are beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Benefits

Supports gut health and immune function.

Waxy Maize Starch
Neutral

Waxy maize starch is a carbohydrate source that provides a slow release of energy. It is often used in sports supplements for sustained energy release. While it provides energy, it does not offer significant nutritional benefits beyond that.

Benefits

Provides a slow release of energy.

Essential Fatty Acids
Good

Essential fatty acids are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. They include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for overall health. Supplementing with essential fatty acids can support cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Benefits

Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

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Medium Chain Triglycerides
Good

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats that are rapidly absorbed and used for energy. They are beneficial for quick energy supply and may support weight management. MCTs are often used in sports nutrition for their energy-boosting properties.

Benefits

Provides quick energy and may support weight management.

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CLA
Good

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid that may support fat loss and improve body composition. It is often used in weight management supplements. CLA can help reduce body fat and support lean muscle mass.

Benefits

May support fat loss and improve body composition.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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