REVIEW - BSN BSN SYNTHA-6 REVIEW

SUMMARY

OUR REVIEW

One of its main benefits is its timed protein release, in order to deliver a constant supply of nutrients needed to increase lean muscle mass and help reach your nutritional goals. In a nutshell Syntha-6 is an extended release protein supplement made up of fast, medium and slow absorbing proteins combined to maximise the amount of time in which protein and amino acids are supplied to the body. This means that Syntha-6 is not a post-workout protein, but instead designed for use throughout the day either in between or in place of meals, before a workout or before bedtime. Ideally the way in which Syntha-6 may be of benefit depends on your fitness and lifestyle goals. With this in mind I’ve tested out BSN’s Syntha-6 to find whether it effectively fits its purpose.

Taste

When it comes to taste BSN’s Syntha-6 is hands down the best tasting protein on the market. Not to mention it comes in a number of flavours – Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Cookies and Cream, Banana Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter. For the purpose of this review I’ve been privy enough to experience (and it can only be described as an experience) Vanilla and Banana, both flavours are simply outstanding. Syntha-6 markets itself both as an ultra-premium protein and ultra-premium taste which you’ll find no argument from me. Mixed in water the Vanilla and Banana both taste like a top quality milkshake, mixed in milk and it will simply blow your taste buds, I’ve never tasted a protein as good as this.  All I need now is to get my hands on the remaining flavours and I would be a very happy gym-goer.

Ease of Mixing

Syntha-6’s mixability is of a premium, whether mixing with water or milk, blender or shaker I never experienced any clumps, chalkiness, or gritiness. How BSN make something that tastes this good mix so effortlessly is beyond me.

Effectiveness

Designed as an extended release protein I rated syntha-6’s effectiveness in terms of being able to assist in meeting my daily protein requirements, yet leaving me full enough to sustain myself to my next meal. With a quality protein blend and a single scoop supplying 23g of fast, medium and slow digesting protein the first half of the equation was essentially covered. In terms of hunger I found I was generally full enough to last me about 2.5-3 hours which is normally the timeframe in which I try to consume regular meals. I did probably get a little hungrier than if I had consumed a full meal in place of syntha-6, but that is really due to the nature of consuming liquids vs whole foods. Importantly I also never experienced any bloating even when utilising 2 or more scoops.

In terms of specific goals syntha-6 is really a universally designed supplement, and should well serve those looking to either build muscle through additional supplementation between (or on behalf of) meals, in order to maximise calorie requirements; or those looking towards weight management through  utilising syntha-6 in  terms of a convenient and balanced meal replacement. Of course it can never really live up to the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that can be obtained from whole foods, but at times when a whole meal isn’t easily available syntha-6 serves a more than amicable job as a substitute.

Nutritional Analysis

A quick glace at BSN’s Syntha-6  nutrition panels read as follows: Sustained release ultra-premium protein matrix comprised of (ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate (milk) rich in lactalbumin, microfiltered whey protein isolate (milk) rich in whey isolate peptide fractions, calcium caseinate, micellar alpha and beta caseinates (milk), milk protein isolate (milk), and egg albumen (egg), glutamine peptides), richmix sunflower powder, Litesse II Polydextrose, natural and artificial flavors, nutrisperse MCT powder, cellulose gum, natural vegetable colour, sucralose (splenda), acesulfame potassium, lecithin soy, aminogen, and papain.

Dealing first with the protein matrix syntha-6 appears to have a good blend of fast release (whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate), medium (egg albumen) and slow release (caseinates and milk protein isolate) proteins all of which I’m a big fan, as they serve their purpose in providing a steady stream of protein to the body. This is accompanied by a range of goodies including Multi-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oils which are processed by the liver and immediately burned to produce energy, help preserve muscle glycogen and are less likely to become stored in the body fat. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) which are required for healthy heart functionality and promote good circulation throughout the body, and Glutamine Peptides to assist in recovery and protein synthesis. The formula is further fortified with essential amino acids and fiber which should assist in drawing out digestion and uptake of nutrients. BSN have also included Aminogen and Papain enzymes to aid in digestion and should serve to minimise bloating. It’s also worth noting the entire formula is entirely aspartame free.

Snytha-6’s macronutrient breakdown of a single (44g) scoop is a follows:

-200 calories (50 from fat)

-6 grams total fat (2 grams saturated)

-13 grams total carbohydrates (5 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar)

-23 grams total protein

Plus 100mg phosphorus and calcium and 190mg sodium and potassium.

With this in mind you can easily tailor syntha-6 to your dietary needs, for example those focused on building lean muscle and looking to increase calories might consider utilising 2 or more scoops to reach their nutritional requirement, where as those looking to ‘cut’ might consider just a single serve between meals. One minor gripe is BSN advertises it as ‘low carbs’, while this is partially true with only 13grams of carbohydrate per serve it is more than other types of protein options available on the market and those looking to adopt a low carb approach to their fitness goals might be a little disappointed. However, carbs aside syntha-6 offers a rock solid nutrient protein.

Value for Money

Syntha-6 Is available in two sizes 2.27kg and 1.35kg, each tub will set you back $107 and $59.95 respectively.  The bigger (2.27kg) tub should be good for about 75 serves each equating to $1.43 a serve, while the smaller (1.35kg) tub offers only 30 serves and works out to be slightly more expensive at $2.00. Considering Syntha-6’s target as meal ‘type’ replacement formula this isn’t too bad, however when bumping up to two scoops or so the serving price does start to jump up a little. One slight annoyance with the smaller tubs, is if you consistently take 2 scoops per serve then you’re likely to go through the tub within 2-3 weeks, so it might be worth stocking up with a couple of tubs at purchase, or considering getting the larger tub. The other main drawback is that all the flavours aren’t available in the larger tub, so for those who have a liking for the Banana Cream or Chocolate Peanut butter (which my housemate assures me is ‘off the chain’ in terms of taste) will have to make do with the smaller tub and higher serving price. 

Conclusion

When it comes to protein supplements BSN’s syntha-6 perfectly fits the niche in which it was created. Designed along the lines of a meal replacement/sustained release protein its combination of high quality fast, medium and slow release proteins, healthy MCT and EFA, glutamine peptides, added digestive enzymes and fiber, excellent mixability and phenomenal taste make it the top competitor in its field. I’ve tried other meal replacement type powders in the past but none as of yet have come close in terms of taste and quality to what syntha-6 offers.