Nothing says muscle building quite like a tough workout and the follow-up protein shake. Protein has become synonymous with the gym and muscle building and with good reason: the amino acids within protein are the very building blocks of muscle tissue. Let's review two of the biggest names in protein, Cellucor COR Performance Whey and Muscle Pharm Combat Powder, to see which one can help you achieve your fitness goals.
Cellucor COR Performance Whey
Where can I buy it?
- Here's where you can buy Cellucor COR Performance Whey.
Pros of Cellucor COR Performance Whey
The great thing about Cellucor COR Performance Whey is that it is a straight forward protein supplement. It contains 25 grams of a unique blend of isolate and concentrate, allowing for an immediate and extended release of amino acids. It doesn't have an unnecessary vitamin blend like you'll find in most other protein supplements but it does have helpful digestive enzymes. This will be a big help for those who have digestive issues with whey.
When used as a part of a healthy diet and training program, Cellucor COR Performance Whey may be able to boost protein synthesis, support muscle building, and provide a convenient meal replacement solution.
Cons of Cellucor COR Performance Whey
The only thing that there is to complain about would be the use of artificial sweeteners in the whey protein blend. The thing is, these artificial sweeteners are commonly used and you'd be hard pressed to not find them in supplements. The only concern would be if you have a digestive issue with these particular sweeteners: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) and Sucralose. So long as you aren't chasing after a completely natural lifestyle or have a digestive problem, these sweeteners shouldn't be an issue.
Muscle Pharm Combat Powder
Where can I buy it?
- Here's where you can buy Muscle Pharm Combat Powder.
Pros of Muscle Pharm Combat Powder
Just like with Cellucor COR Performance, Muscle Pharm Combat Powder gives you a high-quality protein that is free of unnecessary additives like synthetic vitamins and minerals. In fact, it's an eerily similar formula to the Cellucor brand with concentrate and isolate at 25 grams per serving. Again, just like its rival, Combat Powder is best used as a part of a well-planned training program as it may be able to support muscle building and fat loss. (1-6)
Cons of Muscle Pharm Combat Powder
Also, just like its rival, Combat Powder contains artificial sweeteners, which would be the only negative thing that we can spot in this bare essential formula.
Which One Should You Buy?
These two protein giants are the top brands for a reason: they are elite quality products with a huge fan following. Supplying you with equal amounts of isolate and concentrate whey protein, this supplement battle ends with a draw. We'd recommend buying both and seeing which one you favor. You could also just wait for each one to go on sale. Either way, they will both help you reach your fitness goals.
References
- Tsutsumi R, Tsutsumi YM. Peptides and proteins in whey and their benefits for human health. Austin J Nutri Food Sci 2014;1(1): 1002
- Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R. Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):269S-73S.
- Norton, Layne, Layman, Donald. Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle after Exercise. J. Nutr. February 2006 vol. 136 no. 2 533S-537S.
- Negro M, Giardina S, Marzani B, Marzatico F. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2008 Sep;48(3):347-51.
- Mourier A, Bigard AX, de Kerviler E, Roger B, Legrand H, Guezennec CY. Combined effects of caloric restriction and branched-chain amino acid supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in elite wrestlers. Int J Sports Med. 1997 Jan;18(1):47-55.
- De Lorenzo A, Petroni ML, Masala S, Melchiorri G, Pietrantuono M, Perriello G, Andreoli A. Effect of acute and chronic branched-chain amino acids on energy metabolism and muscle performance. Diabetes Nutr Metab. 2003 Oct-Dec;16(5-6):291-7.
