The Trade-Offs of Using Mass-Tech Supplement to Gain Muscle
Some people go to the gym to build muscle and strength. Others want to get leaner and keep fit. The best diet for you depends on your goals. Gaining muscle requires a caloric surplus. If you find it difficult to eat more or you simply can't put on weight, mass gainers can help. However, these products are not free of side effects. Mass Tech, for example, promotes muscle growth and physical performance, but these benefits come at a price.
How Does Mass Tech Work?
Gym goers and bodybuilders worldwide rely on Mass Tech to gain mass and strength. Along with NitroTech, Phase 8 Protein and other supplements, this product fuels your muscles into growth. What makes it different from many others is its high carb and calorie content.
This Muscletech protein formula is designed for hard-gainers and those trying to bulk up. A single serving, which equals five scoops, provides 840 calories, 131 grams of fat, 63 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber.
Mixing the powder with cow's milk increases its caloric value. A serving of Mass Tech with milk delivers 1,010 calories; that's nearly half of the daily recommended calorie intake for men. This supplement also boasts large doses of amino acids, such as glutamine, leucine and valine, as well as digestive enzymes like papain and amylase.
Mass Tech makes it easier to add more calories to your diet and get the nutrients needed for muscle growth and repair. Whey protein, for instance, can increase lean mass and reduce body fat, according to a study by Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences. L-glutamine speeds up post-workout recovery and reduces muscle soreness. Carbs are the only nutrients that can be broken down rapidly enough to supply energy during high-intensity training.
Despite its positive impact on exercise performance and mass gains, Mass Tech has its drawbacks. Nausea, digestive distress, bloating and decreased insulin sensitivity are just a few. Furthermore, this Muscletech mass gainer's results vary from one person to another and depend largely on your workout routine, eating habits and metabolism. This supplement may or may not work for you.
Excess Weight Gain
Because of its high-calorie content, Mass Tech may cause excess weight gain. As Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise notes, most people either overestimate or underestimate their calorie intake and energy expenditure. Unless you weigh your food and track your macros, it's hard to tell how many calories you're actually eating.
If you use Mass Tech as part of a balanced diet, it's unlikely to cause you to gain excess weight. However, those who fail to accurately monitor their calorie intake can easily put on pounds. Additionally, this supplement is high in carbs, which further promotes weight gain.
Carbohydrates are converted to glucose after ingestion and then stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Each gram of glycogen holds approximately 3 grams of water, meaning that a high carb intake can lead to fluid retention. On top of that, if your glycogen stores are already full, any excess carbs will be stored as fat.
Bloating and Indigestion
In addition to carbs, Mass Tech contains whey protein, creatine and sucralose. These ingredients may cause bloating and ingestion. Whey protein is more likely to affect digestive function in those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. They may experience nausea, stomach pain, gas, changes in bowel habits and other symptoms.
The digestive enzymes in Mass Tech can help, but it may not be enough for people with lactose intolerance. It all comes down to how your body reacts. Sucralose only makes things worse. This artificial sweetener may alter the gut microbiome, affecting digestive health. A poorly functioning gut can lead to impaired immune function, constipation, diarrhea and metabolic problems.
Decreased Insulin Sensitivity
The carbs in Mass Tech may cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes. Sucralose raises insulin and glucose levels, increasing the risk of type II diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Researchers have also linked it to a higher risk of cancer.
While it's true that carbs support muscle growth and repair, it doesn't mean you should go overboard. Too much of anything can be harmful to your health. With 131 grams of carbs per serving, Mass Tech isn't the best choice for those who are prone to diabetes and hyperglycemia.
Allergic Reactions
The risk of allergic reactions shouldn’t be overlooked either. Mass Tech contains soy, eggs, milk, coconut and other common allergens. Additionally, it's manufactured in a facility that processes fish, wheat and peanuts. If you're allergic or sensitive to any of these ingredients, you may experience adverse side effects.
Also, beware that Mass Tech does not recommend this formula for those who are under 18 years old. The same goes for pregnant and nursing women and individuals with any known or suspected medical condition.
References
- USDA: Estimated Calorie Needs per Day by Age, Gender, and Physical Activity Level
- NCBI: The Influence of Oral L-Glutamine Supplementation on Muscle Strength Recovery and Soreness Following Unilateral Knee Extension Eccentric Exercise
- NCBI: High-Quality Carbohydrates and Physical Performance
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: Calorie Estimation in Adults Differing in Body Weight Class and Weight Loss Status
- NCBI: Relationship Between Muscle Water and Glycogen Recovery after Prolonged Exercise in the Heat in Humans
- NCBI: Artificial Sweeteners Produce the Counterintuitive Effect of Inducing Metabolic Derangements
- International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health: Sucralose Administered in Feed, Beginning Prenatally through Lifespan, Induces Hematopoietic Neoplasias in Male Swiss Mice
- Gut Microbes: Non-Caloric Artificial Sweeteners and the Microbiome
Resources
Writer Bio
Andra Picincu has been offering digital and content marketing / copywriting services since 2009. She holds a BA in Marketing and International Business and a BA in Psychology. Her interests include health, fitness, nutrition, and everything business related.