One of the newest crazes to hit the supplement market is thermogenic protein. Just like the name implies, thermogenic protein has a foundation of muscle building protein, which is supported by fat burning ingredients such as L-Carnitine and Yohimbe. Two of the biggest giants in the industry have grabbed on to the new protein craze: MuscleTech Performance series Nitro Tech Ripped vs. BSN Isoburn. Let's review the pros and cons of both of these brands to see which one has a better thermogenic protein product.
MuscleTech Performance Series Nitro Tech Ripped
Where can I buy it?
- Here's where you can buy MuscleTech Performance Series Nitro Tech Ripped.
Pros of MuscleTech Performance Series Nitro Tech Ripped
MuscleTech isn't messing around when it comes to this thermogenic protein. Right out of the gate, you're getting 30 grams of protein from a unique blend of Whey Peptides, Whey Protein Isolate, and Whey Protein Isolate. This means that MuscleTech is going to be ideal for a post-workout treat. The fast-acting amino acids may help to support recovery, trigger protein synthesis, and promote lean muscle tissue growth. (1-7)
MuscleTech also features a great line-up of some proven fat burning thermogenics. Some of these ingredients have been shown to promote fat loss while boosting your metabolic rate. (8-10) Here's the full list:
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
- CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
- canephora robusta extract (bean) (Robusta Coffee)
- Green Tea Extract (as Camellia sinensis) (leaf)
- Rose Hip Extract (as Rosa canina) (fruit)
- Kelp
Cons of MuscleTech Performance Series Nitro Tech Ripped
The only issue we have with MuscleTech Performance Series Nitro Tech Ripped is the dosage of some of the thermogenic ingredients is under-dosed. If you look at the study samples and how big of a dose they used to get those results, MuscleTech cuts it a bit short. With that said, this is a protein supplement first and foremost and a weight loss support second. It's like a protein shake with a little boost of fat burning but it's still a protein shake.
BSN Isoburn
Where can I buy it?
- Here's where you can buy BSN Isoburn.
Pros of BSN Isoburn
Just like MuscleTech, Isoburn from BSN focuses on fast digesting proteins. That means it's going to be ideal after your workout or first thing upon waking. Remember, as we mentioned above, those amino acids from the isolate may help to boost muscle building and recovery.
As to its thermogenic formula, it features a decent line-up of thermogenic compounds:
- Green Coffee Extract
- Blue-Green Algae Extract
- Beta-Carotene
- Pomegranate Extract
- L-Carnitine Tartrate
- Choline Bitartrate
- Banaba Extract
Just like MuscleTech, it's offering plenty of protein for muscle building goals and a select line of thermogenic compounds that may support weight loss.
Cons of BSN Isoburn
First, BSN doesn't compare with MuscleTech in the gram for gram category. MuscleTech provides 30 grams of protein while BSN is only giving 20 grams.
The bigger problem is the thermogenic formula. Since BSN uses proprietary blends, you have no idea how much of each ingredient you're getting. Considering the blend is only 1 gram, you can rest assured that it won't be much. One way to remedy this would be to double the dose. That would effectively give you twice the protein and fat burning agents but it would also burn through your wallet twice as fast.
Conclusion
Both brands are great examples of a real thermogenic protein but it's easy to see why we would go with MuscleTech Performance Series Nitro Tech Ripped. It has more protein and more fat burning ingredients than BSN. With that said, BSN Isoburn is still a decent protein that would be a good choice, especially if it was on sale. For a post-workout protein that supports fat burning, try one of these great thermogenic proteins.
References
- Phillips SM1, Van Loon LJ. Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation. J Sports Sci. 2011;29 Suppl 1:S29-38. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2011.619204.
- 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.
- Venables MC, Hulston CJ, Cox HR, Jeukendrup AE. Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):778-84.
- Brandsch C, Eder K. Effect of L-carnitine on weight loss and body composition of rats fed a hypocaloric diet. Ann Nutr Metab. 2002;46(5):205-10.
- Igho Onakpoya, Rohini Terry, and Edzard Ernst. The Use of Green Coffee Extract as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2011; 2011: 382852.
