What is BSN Syntha 6?

Syntha 6 is one of the most popular protein supplements from BSN. Having a noticeably higher than average caloric content, Syntha 6 is an ideal supplement for several fitness goals including lean mass gains and weight loss meal replacement.

 

Highlights:

• 22 grams of protein per serving
• Offers a variety of protein types for varying speeds of protein digestion (Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumin, And Glutamine Peptides)
• Also includes fatty acids, fibre, and carbohydrates

 

Why You Should Use BSN Syntha 6

Syntha 6 is an ideal protein supplement for anyone who wants to pack on solid lean muscle mass and has no restrictions on carbohydrates in their diet. You'll immediately notice that Syntha 6 has 200 calories per serving and this number is higher than most other protein supplements including Optimum Nutrition Casein Protein, which only has 120 calories.

 

These extra calories are coming from a combination of protein, fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates, making this ideal as a lean mass gainer or someone who wants to pack on muscle and minimize fat gain. Syntha 6 is also a great option for meal replacement when your goal is weight loss.

 

Syntha 6 utilizes a protein matrix, which consists of several types of protein sources. This is excellent for ensuring amino acid release over the course of several hours. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle tissue and promote protein synthesis, lean mass growth, and recovery. (1-6)

 

Casein from Optimum Nutrition also offers an extended amino acid release; however, Syntha 6 provides an immediate supply of aminos from whey isolate. Casein, on the other hand, takes more time to start breaking down.

 

Things to Watch Out for With BSN Syntha 6

If you are on a low-carbohydrate diet, Syntha 6 may interfere with that as it contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

 

The only other issue with BSN Syntha 6 would be nutritional preferences. If you are someone who wants to avoid artificial flavouring, fillers, and sweeteners at all cost, then Syntha 6 may pose a problem as it contains all of these things. Then again, you'll be hard pressed to find a supplement in this industry that doesn't contain those things. Even Optimum Nutrition Casein has artificial sweeteners; however, it has less additives than Syntha 6.

 

 

What is Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Gold Standard Protein?

Optimum Nutrition Casein is a leading brand of casein protein, primarily used by those who want to protect muscle mass and support its growth. O.N. Casein can also be useful for anyone who is looking to curb their appetite and support a healthy weight loss due to its slow digestion rate.

 

Highlights:

• Provides 24 grams of protein
• Ideal for low carbohydrate diets with only 3 grams per serving – With the 1 gram of fiber, the net carb content would only be 2 grams per serving
• Slowest rate of digestion, which allows for extended release of muscle building amino acids

Why You Should Use Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Gold Standard Protein

Once exclusively used by bodybuilders, casein protein has become a fitness staple for those who are muscle-focused. Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Gold Standard Protein is a unique supplement in that it is designed to take hours to digest. This means that the amino acids that you need for muscle maintenance and growth are going to be released over the course of several hours as opposed to one quick shot like with an isolate.

 

The 120-calorie serving makes O.N. Casein ideal for muscle building especially for those on a low carb diet.

 

Things to Watch Out for With Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Gold Standard Protein

Due to the extremely slow digestion rate, Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Gold Standard Protein would not be a great choice for immediate post-workout nutrition. BSN Syntha 6 features whey isolate in its protein matrix, making it the better choice for an immediate post-workout shake.

 

Conclusion

Both of these protein brands are excellent choices for muscle building and weight loss. It is not a question of quality, as they are both of elite equality; rather, it is a question of nutritional timing.

 

BSN Syntha 6 can be used at any point throughout the day; however, we wouldn't recommend using it at night because of the higher caloric content. In this case, Optimum Nutrition Casein would be the better choice. It will release amino acids throughout the night and it only has 120 calories per serving, helping you to promote muscle growth and avoid fat gain.

 

If you're serious about your fitness goals, you can use both of these supplements to support your results.

 

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.

For the last decade, BSN has been considered one of the top supplement brands. Whether you need a protein, a pre-workout, or a post-workout supplement, BSN has you covered. Syntha 6 is one of the best-selling products from BSN, proving itself to be an elite brand of protein powder. Not long after the monumental success of Syntha 6, BSN released Syntha 6 Edge, claiming that while the original was still an incredible product, Syntha 6 Edge was the upgrade. Let's take a look at both Syntha 6 and Syntha 6 Edge to see which one is truly worth the buy.

 

BSN Syntha 6

Where can I buy it?

• Click here to buy BSN Syntha 6.

 

Pros of BSN Syntha 6

If you've been taking supplements for a while, then you're no stranger to BSN Syntha 6. It features a unique blend of protein including Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumin, And Glutamine Peptides. Notice the three protein types that have been highlighted as that will come into play in the next section.

 

These protein types offer a range of immediate and extended release amino acids. When used as a part of a well-planned training program, these amino acids may support protein synthesis, protect muscle from breakdown, and promote new growth. (1-6)

 

Cons of BSN Syntha 6

Overall, Syntha 6 is your textbook example of a great protein blend to support a range of goals; however, due to the calorie and fat content and depending on what your goals are, Syntha 6 may not be your ideal option.

 

At 150 calories per serving, Syntha 6 also provides 3.5 grams of fat. Now this isn't a big deal if your goals are muscle building or bulking but if you are being extremely conscious of the calories you are ingesting, then these extra calories (when compared to an isolate, for example) may put you over your caloric limit.

 

The only other issue that we see with Syntha 6 is the addition of artificial sweeteners but you'd be hard pressed to find a product that doesn't have those.

 

BSN Syntha 6 Edge

Where can I buy it?

• Click here to buy BSN Syntha 6 Edge.

 

Pros of BSN Syntha 6 Edge

Glancing over the label for Edge, you can already see the improvements when compared to the original Syntha 6. It offers more protein per serving at 24 grams and you're getting less fat and cholesterol. BSN also changed up the protein blend. Edge provides you with Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, and Milk Protein Concentrate. The highlighted protein types are new additions in the blend.

 

Cons of BSN Syntha 6 Edge

Depending on how you feel about specific protein types, you may argue that the formula for Edge is lacking. It removed Glutamine Peptides, Egg Albumin and Milk Protein Isolate (the protein types highlighted in the first section). We think it was a great decision to ditch the Glutamine Peptides and replacing Milk Protein Isolate with Hydrolyzed Whey Protein is definitely the better move. With that said, getting rid of Egg Albumin is a hit or miss move, especially when it's been replaced by Milk Protein Concentrate. Egg Albumin is a much higher grade protein. Despite the change, this is still an excellent blend and one that is as worthy, if not more so, as its predecessor.

 

Conclusion

Both of these protein types are above and beyond. We think the way to choose which one to buy lies in your fitness goals. If you don't have caloric restrictions or if you are striving for a caloric surplus, definitely choose the original Syntha 6. If you want something closer to that of an isolate, then go with Syntha 6 Edge.

 

You can also purchase both, using Syntha 6 as breakfast or before a workout and then use Syntha 6 Edge post-workout. Regardless of the few changes that BSN has made, you still have two fantastic protein powders on your hands.

 

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.

If you know a thing or two about protein, you know that two of the biggest names in protein supplementation are Optimum Nutrition and BSN. In terms of marketing, fanfare, and variety, few companies can go head to head with these two. Both offer several types of protein but today we'll be reviewing each one's most popular seller: Gold Standard Whey from Optimum Nutrition and Syntha 6 from BSN. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both to see which one you should be buying during your next supplement store stop.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey:

Where can I buy it?
• Click here to buy Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey

Pros of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey:

The great thing about Gold Standard Whey from ON is the quality of the protein that you're getting. Not only is it micro-filtered, which ensures a high level of bio-availability, but it's also providing you with three different types of protein: Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, and Whey Peptides. This blend makes it ideal for the morning, afternoon, night, pre and post workout. With 24 grams of protein per serving, you're getting a steady stream of muscle supporting amino acids over the course of hours. Amino acids from whey protein may be able to promote the following benefits:

• May promote protein synthesis
• May support lean muscle tissue gains
• May be able to boost your recovery (1-6)

In terms of taste and variety of flavour, ON's Gold Standard Whey has plenty of delicious options including rocky road ice cream, birthday cake, and peanut butter chocolate.

Cons of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey:

The cons of ON's Gold Standard Whey Protein are few and far between. This is a really straight forward formula and the label shows just that. Aside from its protein blend of Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, and Whey Peptides, you'll see it contains natural as well as artificial flavours. It also uses the artificial sweeteners Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose. You shouldn't let that be a deal breaker for you unless you are allergic to these.

BSN Syntha 6

Where can I buy it?
• Click here to buy BSN Syntha 6

Pros of BSN Syntha 6:

BSN Syntha 6 has a formula that gets right down to business featuring 6 different types of protein: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, and Egg Albumin. This is going to be extremely beneficial for every type of fitness goal as you can utilize this as a meal replacement or for additional protein support such as bodybuilders need. (1-6)

I also like the fact that BSN threw in a healthy fat blend of MCT (medium chain triglyceride) powder and Sunflower Powder. Healthy fats are essential for supporting both muscle building and fat loss.

Cons of BSN Syntha 6:

Like ON, BSN uses artificial sweeteners and flavouring but if you're not allergic to it and you aren't living the completely natural diet lifestyle, then you shouldn't worry about it. The only other thing that may be of concern to testosterone focused guys and girls is the addition of soy lecithin in. It's not an overbearing amount but something to keep in mind if you are trying to avoid soy.

Which One Should You Buy?

When it comes to protein, BSN has ON beat. Its 6 protein type blend is going to be ideal for a long release of muscle supporting amino acids. With that said, ON has its own strength as a pre and post workout supplement. With its rapid digesting whey protein formula, it's going to be able to support muscles before and after a workout with minimal time for digestion. BSN, on the other hand, is going to need a bit longer to break down the protein to utilize those amino acids.

What we have here is a draw. Both of these proteins are fantastic for their own reasons. I'd recommend buying both. Use BSN in the morning and night or as a meal replacement. Use ON as a pre and post workout supplement.

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