Supplement Reviews

There are far too many options for your basic whey protein concentrate on the market. Naturally, when you first venture into your local supplement shop, you're overwhelmed by the choices. Few proteins have ventured into the field of thermogenic protein. Is it possible to burn fat WHILE you promote muscle gain? We looked at one of the most popular thermogenic proteins, Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped, to find out.

Pros of Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped

As soon as you flip around the label, you'll see that you have a quality protein supplement. It contains the following four types of elite quality protein:

• Instantised Whey Protein Concentrate
• Instantised Cross Flow Microfiltered (MF) Whey Protein Isolate
• Instantised Cross Flow Ultrafiltered (UF) Whey Protein Isolate
• Calcium Caseinate

These four types of protein allow for an immediate release of amino acids as well as an extended release due to delayed digestion. Studies suggest that these same amino acids support muscle building and protect current levels of muscle from breakdown. Hydroxy Ripped doesn't give you a one and done shot of protein. You're looking at hours of amino acids. (1, 2)

Now to the thermogenic side of things: Hydroxy Ripped contains a very impressive set of thermogenic compounds including African Mango Extract and L-Carnitine. Both of these ingredients have been shown to be two heavy hitters in the weight loss supplement industry. You'll find both in almost every fat burner on the market. Why are they so popular?

African Mango may be able to trigger your body's metabolic response, resulting in a higher level of fat burning. L-Carnitine is even better than that. It may be able to directly assist with transporting fat to the mitochondria where it is used as an energy source. Both of these ingredients are ideal for supporting weight loss. (3, 4)

Cons of Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped

The potential issues with Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped are more based on lifestyle choices than anything else.

First up is the addition of fructose to the ingredients. Depending on where you stand with the fructose debate, this may be an issue or you may not care. It's worth noting that it also contains artificial sweeteners, which may be the one-two punch to your buying decision. We encourage you to perform your own research to develop your opinion on fructose in supplements.

Our other issue with Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped is the addition of synthetic vitamins and minerals. Vital Strength's heart was in the right place but for those taking a multi-vitamin, this may be too much of a good thing. We highly recommend checking your current vitamin supplement to see if levels are dosed at the allowable maximum. If you don't supplement with a multi-vitamin, then you have nothing to worry about.

Should You Buy Pros of Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped?

Definitely. Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped is a high quality protein supplement that provides you with the added bonus of promoting thermogenesis and fat burning. Taken as directed, Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped may be able to support your fat burning AND muscle building goals.

Click here to buy Vital Strength Hydroxy Ripped.

References

1. Tsutsumi R, Tsutsumi YM. Peptides and proteins in whey and their benefits for human health. Austin J Nutri Food Sci 2014;1(1): 1002

2. 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.

3. Judith L Ngondi, Julius E Oben, and Samuel R Minka. The effect of Irvingiagabonensis seeds on body weight and blood lipids of obese subjects in Cameroon. Lipids Health Dis. 2005; 4: 12. Published online 2005 May 25.

4. Brandsch C, Eder K.Effect of L-carnitine on weight loss and body composition of rats fed a hypocaloric diet. Ann NutrMetab. 2002;46(5):205-10.

With the literally dozens and dozens of options for protein bars, it can be tough to decide which brand to go with. We've decided to pit two of the biggest names in protein bars against each other to see which one is a better investment. Today, we'll be exploring the pros and cons behind the Premier Nutrition Titan Protein Bar and the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar.

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Premier Nutrition Titan Protein Bar

Where can I buy it?

• Click here to buy the Premier Nutrition Titan Protein Bar.

Pros of Premier Nutrition Titan Protein Bar:

The Titan Protein Bar from Premier Nutrition contains a great blend of protein with Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, and Milk Protein Isolate. The benefit to having this type of blend is the extended release of amino acids. Having a greater amount of amino acids over a longer period of time may promote lean muscle gains while protecting current levels of muscle tissue. What's more, with 26 grams of blended protein, the Titan Protein Bar may be able to help suppress your appetite or at least keep your stomach quiet until you find a nutritious meal. (1-6)

Cons of Premier Nutrition Titan Protein Bar:

The two main concerns we have about the Titan Protein Bar is the amount of sugar alcohol and soy contained within. If you are avoiding soy, as many people seem to be doing, then the Titan Protein Bar is not going to fit in with your soy-free diet. Not only does it contain a soy isolate protein but it also contains soy lecithin.

As for the sugar alcohol, it contains 19 grams of the sugar alcohol called Maltitol. 19 grams! That is a lot for a sugar alcohol. For those with IBS or sensitive stomachs, Maltitol may cause a number of issues including stomach pains and diarrhea.

Quest Nutrition Protein Bar

Where can I buy it?

• Click here to buy the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar.

Pros of Quest Nutrition Protein Bar:

The ideal post-workout protein bar, Quest Nutrition has become very famous with these immensely popular supplements. Their protein bars contain an isolate blend of milk and whey protein. Other than that, there isn't much else to their bars. Unlike most protein bars, Quest has a very short list of ingredients. Along with 20 grams of protein, you'll also get 14 grams of fibre in every bar. Although you'll be getting plenty of amino acids with this protein bar, they are from an isolate source, meaning fast digesting. It's best to eat a Quest bar first thing in the morning, pre, or post-workout.

Cons of Quest Nutrition Protein Bar:

Quest shares the same problem that Titan does; however, Quest offers a remedy.

SOME Quest protein bars do contain sugar alcohol and/or the artificial sweetener, Sucralose. If you can't handle sugar alcohols, you're in luck as Quest offers a natural line of their protein bars. This natural line is free from sugar alcohol and artificial sweeteners, which means a few grams of sugar but that's cancelled out by the 14 grams of fibre!

Which One Should You Buy?

Hands down, Quest is the clear winner of this protein battle; however, we wouldn't rule out the Titan protein bar. The Titan protein bar features a more complex protein blend, allowing for immediate and extended release of amino acids into the body. If you can handle the sugar alcohols present in the Titan protein bar then it can definitely be a useful supplement in your line-up. If you want to stick to the more natural option, we highly recommend going with the Quest Nutrition protein bar.

REFERENCES

1. Tsutsumi R, Tsutsumi YM. Peptides and proteins in whey and their benefits for human health. Austin J Nutri Food Sci 2014;1(1): 1002

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

ProSupps is no stranger to the supplement industry. They burst on to the scene with their controversial pre-workout supplement, Mr. Hyde. Named after the literary wild man, Mr. Hyde is a hardcore (and potentially dangerous) pre-workout that contains a variety of hard hitting stimulants and thermogenics. ProSupps knew that Mr. Hyde wouldn't be for everyone. In fact, they explicitly warn consumers on their label that Mr. Hyde is far from an average pre-workout. Knowing that Mr. Hyde was bound to cause some trouble, ProSupps designed its counterpart and appropriately titled it Dr. Jekyll.

Dr. Jekyll is considered the responsible pre-workout from ProSupps. Despite being a low stimulant product, ProSupps claims that Dr. Jekyll is more than enough to get the job done. Let's take a look at Jekyll's formula to determine if it's a worthwhile buy.

PROS OF PROSUPPS DR. JEKYLL

A quick scan of the label shows that for what Dr. Jekyll lacks in stimulants, it makes up for in nootropics and quality pre-workout ingredients.

Each serving contains 2.5 grams of Beta Alanine! Try finding that amount in any other pre-workout. Beta Alanine may be able to help promote performance and strength levels intra-workout. It also contains 500 mg of Choline Bitartrate, which may be able to boost exercise performance while protecting the muscle tissue from catabolic breakdown.

Another great thing about Dr. Jekyll is the fact that it contains real cellular energy boosting ingredients such as Creatine Nitrate. Once ingested, creatine is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the preferred fuel source of muscle tissue, which means it may help to promote strength, power, and performance. Creatine may also help you see better results as it supports recovery. (1-4)

CONS OF PROSUPPS DR. JEKYLL

There are only two simple concerns with Dr. Jekyll and they are pretty easily remedied.

First, if you're not a fan of artificial colours and sweeteners, Dr. Jekyll is no different from the majority of products out there. With that said, the amount of artificial sweeteners and colours are so minimal that you should be able to make an exception.

The other concern is the lack of stimulants. Many people resort to pre-workouts because of the stimulants contained within. While Dr. Jekyll isn't stimulant free, it's certainly lacking in the stimulants you may want. With only 100 mg of caffeine, Dr. Jekyll pales in comparison to the big and bad pre-workouts out there. However, that's the whole point of Dr. Jekyll. It's a safe, low dose stimulant pre-workout for those out there who can't handle caffeine or likewise. Jekyll's specialty is nootropics, which helps to boost your mental clarity and focus. If you want a stimulant packed pre-workout, then check out its counterpart, Mr. Hyde.

SHOULD YOU BUY PROSUPPS DR. JEKYLL?

If you're looking for a quality pre-workout that provides the appropriate dosage of proven pre-workout ingredients with a very low dose of stimulants, then ProSupps Dr. Jekyll is the product for you. Dr. Jekyll truly is the responsible pre-workout counterpart to the wildly notorious Mr. Hyde. Click here to buy Dr. Jekyll from ProSupps. If you're no amateur to stimulants and you want to see if you can handle the beast, click here to buy Mr. Hyde from ProSupps.

REFERENCES

1. Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C. Effects of ?-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids. 2012 Jul;43(1):25-37. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z. Epub 2012 Jan 24.

2. Ralf Jäger, Martin Purpura, and Michael Kingsley. Phospholipids and sports performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007; 4: 5. Published online 2007 Jul 25. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-4-5.

3. Kreider RB. Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations. Mol Cell Biochem. 2003 Feb;244(1-2):89-94.

4. Robert Cooper, Fernando Naclerio, Judith Allgrove, and Alfonso Jimenez. Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012; 9: 33. Published online 2012 Jul 20. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-33.