Mass gainers are calorie-rich supplements for those looking to gain muscle mass and weight. Mass gainers help them to increase their daily calorie intake in an easier way. Usually, these supplements are in vogue among bodybuilders, sportspeople, and individuals seeking to bulk up and give themselves a fuller look. But exactly how much do you know about mass gainers, what are they and how do they work?
What are Mass Gainers?
Known by different names such as weight gainers, weight gain supplements, or muscle builders, mass gainers are nutritional products that aim at increasing your calorie intake, typically for those seeking to get bulky. They are a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats with added vitamins and minerals.
For those aiming to gain lean muscles, mass gainers can’t be much of a choice. The reason is that unlike standard protein powders, which have more protein content, mass gainers are high in carbohydrates and fats. They are specifically designed for those who want to gain weight but don’t get enough calories from their normal food sources and have high energy expenditure, such as sportspersons.
A standard serving of mass gainer contains around 1250 calories or more. The caloric content may change with the formulations of each brand. If we take account of each nutrient present in the mass gainer, it would be something like this:
Carbohydrates: The basic macronutrient present in mass gainers is carbohydrates which give a lot of calories. They are needed to replace glycogen stores in muscles usually after heavy workouts. They supply energy for exercise and support the healing of muscles. Oats or other complex carbs are the sources of carbohydrates in most of the mass gainers.
Fats: To add more calories to your daily intake, fats are included. They also support hormone production, which is essential for muscle development. Flaxseeds, avocado oil, soybean, etc. are the usual sources of fats in mass gainers.
Proteins: protein is a vital component in mass gainers. They are essential for muscle healing and growth. Whether you want to gain lean muscles or add bulk, protein is the key nutrient required. Mass gainers have a balanced amount of protein which is usually anywhere from 20 g to 50 g per serving.
Minerals and Vitamins: Micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamins are vital for bone health, energy levels, and overall health. Mass gainers are designed in a way to ensure that your body gets all the essential minerals and vitamins.
How Do Mass Gainers Work?
Create caloric surplus
Mass gainers offer an instant, concentrated source of calories that you don’t get from your regular food. They create a caloric surplus in your body which is needed while you try to bulk up. Usually, a serving of mass gainers offers calories 1250 or above calories and this helps those who struggle to consume large amounts of food. Individuals who are hard gainers and find it difficult to gain weight due to high metabolism find mass gainers highly beneficial.
Supports muscle protein synthesis
Protein is known as the building block for muscle growth. Protein is needed for muscle growth and repair, especially after workouts. Mass gainers supply a large amount of protein enough to facilitate this process. When rigorous physical activities such as resistance training are added into your routine, the protein in mass gainers aids in a gradual increase in muscle mass and endurance.
Overall nutrient consumption
Mass gainers provide a balanced boost of calories and macronutrients along with vitamins and minerals that support immunity, energy levels, and overall health. They fill the nutritional gap making it easier for those who find it difficult to have a well-rounded diet.
Who Should Use Mass Gainers?
Mass gainers can benefit almost everyone, but it is especially beneficial for those who are hard gainers, sportspersons, and those who are looking to gain weight.
Hard gainers who have a high metabolism rate find it challenging to gain weight. They burn calories much faster than what they consume. This makes it hard to achieve calorie surplus, supporting weight gain and muscle growth. Mass gainers help them maintain calories enough to build muscles and bulk up without needing to fill them with large quantities of solid food the whole day.
Sportspersons such as athletes are required to do a lot of physical activities and their bodies demand large caloric needs. Mass gainers support them in maintaining a surplus of calories that help in the healing and growth of muscles after their rigorous physical activities. Bodybuilders and those with goals to get bulky can use mass gainers.
Final Thoughts
We can conclude that mass gainers are an easy yet effective way to repair and grow muscle mass. They not only supplement the daily intake of calories but also create a caloric surplus that is not generally gained by the consumption of normal food. Hard gainers, athletes, and those who are seeking to bulk up can actively benefit from mass gainers. Mass gainer if not combined with adequate physical activity may not give the desired result. There may be side effects like allergies to some herbs, lactose intolerance, or stomach upsets while using some mass gainers. Hence, consulting a medical practitioner before starting any supplement is always a wise decision.