MASS FORMULA MCT Gainer is a dietary supplement of carbohydrates, proteins, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), HMB, creatine, L-glutamine, taurine and vitamins.

GLUTEN FREE.

Mass Formula MCT Gainer is a supplement based on carbohydrates (maltodextrin, fructose) and proteins of high biological value obtained from milk (ultrafiltered whey proteins). The mixture of macronutrients is balanced from a nutritional point of view and particularly balanced to be easily digested and assimilated.

The product is designed for those who have to face intense competitions or workouts, who have to eat frequently or who want to add extra Kcal in their diet, with the aim of increasing muscle mass.

Among the added ingredients we find creatine (increases potency in anaerobicoalactacid exercise), glutamine (supports muscle protein anabolism; strengthens the immune system) and taurine (improvement of the excitability of muscle and heart membranes, antioxidant action).

The formulation also contains MCTs (medium chain triglycerides). They are particular saturated fatty acids: they have, in fact, from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, unlike the “classic” ones that have 14 and more. This characteristic means that they, once they reach the intestine, do not stimulate the secretion of bile and pancreatic juice and then easily enter the bloodstream and not the lymphatic one. In other words, they are absorbed and oxidized much more quickly than long-chain fatty acids (carnitine is not even needed). They represent, therefore, an alternative and complementary source to carbohydrates for energy. Some studies also seem to suggest that MCT consumption is associated with performance benefits (Wang Y et al., 2018, PLoS ONE).

Another ingredient of the product is HMB. It is naturally present in the body where it is produced from certain substances, mainly from L-leucine (branched amino acid). The properties and effects ascribed to HMB derive substantially from its ability to prevent and/or reduce the loss of lean mass (muscle mass).

Intense and prolonged exertion has important repercussions on the muscular system and many studies have shown that the administration of HMB is able to prevent or reduce these damages. In general, this prevention and/or reduction of muscle damage is associated with a significant improvement in performance of both aerobic and anaerobic nature and a decreased perception of muscle pain.

Mass Formula MCT Gainer can be included in the family of so-called “gainers”. The presence of high amounts of important nutrients creates the conditions to be considered also an excellent product for muscle recovery after exertion.

Indications for use:
SPORT: indicated in periods of muscle growth to provide nutrients and Kcal.
Doses: use the product about 2 hours before training or competitions. It is recommended to dissolve 5 scoops of product (corresponding to 50 g) in 200 ml of water or low-fat milk, twice a day. Divide the hirings during the day in relation to the activity carried out.

DAILY LIFE: the product could be useful and appreciated in elderly subjects (advanced third age) with problems of loss of appetite and / or chewing.
Doses: the intake of the product must be adjusted to the number of calories required.

Size: 2, 3, 7 lbs
Flavours: cocoa, hazelnut (only 2 and 7 lbs).

What is a Mass Gainer?

Before defining dietary supplements known as Mass Gainers, it is essential to provide a brief and schematic classification of supplements in general. To this end, we can consider the human body as a machine composed of a series of “tanks” for different types of “fuels” and a “structure” that operates thanks to the energy provided by these fuels.

This extreme simplification allows us to classify dietary supplements (and actual foods) into at least three categories:

1. Energy Sources: These are the fuels. Once ingested, they are metabolized to provide the body (our machine) with the energy needed for our activities, including sports performance. The most important energy substances are various types of carbohydrates and lipids. However, it is essential to note that these substances can also have structural (plastic) functions in addition to their energetic roles. For instance, carbohydrates (or glucides) contribute to forming glycolipids and glycoproteins, which are structural molecules par excellence in cell membranes. Lipids (fats) also play significant structural/plastic roles, such as forming adipose tissue in various compartments of the human body.
2. Plastic/Structural: These are the components that make up the structure of the “machine” and provide the necessary spare parts. The most important structural substances are proteins and the various amino acids that compose them. This definition of “plastic/structural” can be well understood by considering the body’s muscles, which are primarily made of proteins. Again, it is important to remember that proteins and amino acids can also have an energy function (in extreme cases). Consider the metabolic process of gluconeogenesis, where some amino acids (known as glucogenic) are transformed into glucose, the quintessential energy carbohydrate.
3. Mixed Function: These are substances not directly related to an energy or plastic function but are necessary for these functions to be carried out. In other words, they are substances that directly or indirectly catalyze all biological functions. This broad category includes vitamins, minerals, and nutrients with specific functions. Examples include creatine, which acts as a starter (sort of ignition) for carbohydrate energy metabolism, and carnitine, which is essential for producing energy from fatty acids.

Definition of Mass Gainers

Mass Gainers can be defined as comprehensive dietary supplements containing energy substances (carbohydrates), plastic substances (proteins from various sources), and various other substances to support energy production and structural renewal. In a single formulation, they provide everything needed to support the maintenance/increase of muscle mass and the associated energy costs.

Components of a Mass Gainer

The market offers a wide variety of Gainers. Practically speaking, a good Mass Gainer should contain:

• Carbohydrates: About 60-70%, with approximately 60% being complex carbohydrates (maltodextrins).
• Proteins: About 25-30%, derived from high biological value proteins (e.g., whey protein).
• Additional Components: The formulation can be completed with vitamins, minerals, and substances like creatine and carnitine (as discussed), anti-catabolic agents (e.g., glutamine), and antioxidants (e.g., taurine, lipoic acid).

Purpose and Timing of Mass Gainer Intake

The use of Gainers is almost exclusively confined to power sports, particularly Body Building. It is recommended to take them after particularly long and intense training sessions. The purpose of these intakes is:

• Energy Recovery: Carbohydrates’ action.
• Muscle Maintenance or Growth: The plastic action of proteins, in conjunction with exercise-induced endogenous anabolic hormones.
• Prevent Muscle Catabolism: Anti-catabolic agents.
• Reduce or Prevent Muscle Damage: Antioxidant agents.

Given their generally high digestibility, using a Gainer is preferable to a heavy intake of “regular” foods for the above purposes, as the latter would require significant energy expenditure for digestion. The dosages of a Gainer depend on the intensity and duration of the exercise performed and the athlete’s overall dietary strategy. Generally, these dosages range from tens to hundreds of grams of the product. The specific formulation of the product must also be taken into consideration.

It is clear that using Gainers in other sports fields, for the purposes outlined, could be desirable and highly beneficial. Their use is increasing in endurance and ultra-endurance sports (long distances in cycling and running).

“Undesirable Side Effects” of Mass Gainers

We put “undesirable side effects” of Gainers in quotes because there are essentially none unless their use is distorted. This could happen in at least three situations:

1. Overdosage: Like all foods, excessive use beyond needs and in particular conditions can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
2. Use as Meal Replacements: Gainers are inherently quite complete dietary supplements, but their formulation is not intended to be used as meal replacements or alternatives. Therefore, they may be suitable for occasional or very short-term meal replacement use, or the effects mentioned in point 1 may occur.
3. Unnecessary Use: Dissolved in water or milk, Gainers create particularly pleasant and ultra-caloric drinks. Their use should be limited to organic recovery after long, strenuous, intense exercise. Without the “physical exercise” component, your scale will register a weight gain due to increased adipose tissue deposition rather than muscle mass growth.