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.

What is Dymatize ISO 100?

Dymatize ISO 100 is an advanced protein supplement that focuses on the fastest digesting forms of protein: hydrolysed whey and whey isolate proteinamino acids they need for repair and recovery.

 

One of the best things about Dymatize ISO 100 is the fast rate of digestion and the perfect bioavailability score. A protein source that digests extremely fast AND is almost completely bioavailable with minimal waste is a powerful weapon for post-workout nutrition.

 

EHP Labs OxyWhey, on the other hand, is a protein blend. This doesn't mean it's a bad post-workout choice; rather, it can be better utilized at different times. It has several sources of protein, meaning extended amino acid release. This is great for promoting a longer anabolic environment but not as useful when your muscles needed an immediate supply of amino acids post-workout.

 

Things to Watch Out for With Dymatize ISO 100

Aside from artificial flavouring and artificial sweeteners, there isn't much to be cautious of with Dymatize ISO 100. As mentioned above, Dymatize ISO 100 is ideal for post-workout supplementation. You can also use it to kickstart your day with a rapid boost of protein after the 8 to 12 hours you spend fasting each night.

 

If you're looking for a protein supplement that can support a longer period of amino acid delivery, a protein blend, like EHP Labs OxyWhey, may be the better choice.

 

 

What is EHP Labs OxyWhey?

OxyWhey by EHP Labs is a protein blend that also features a fat burning formula. It is a combination of isolate, concentrate, and casein protein. These three types of protein offer three varying rates of digestion, which is important for promoting an environment of repair and growth for a longer period of time.

 

Highlights:

• Provides 24 grams of highly bioavailable protein - While it may have a high bioavailability score, it cannot compare with the digestibility of ISO 100
• Features several fat-burning ingredients such as Green Tea Extract and Chromium Picolinate

 

Why You Should Use EHP Labs OxyWhey

OxyWhey is an excellent protein supplement that features a higher-than-average protein amount per serving, a unique protein blend, and a thermogenic blend. If you are looking for a way to add in extra protein to your diet WHILE you support fat burning, OxyWhey is the ideal supplement for you.

 

When it comes to supplement timing, it's important to understand that OxyWhey is going to qualify for nearly every occasion that you can think of with the exception of post-workout nutrition. While you can use it as a post-workout supplement; however, it wouldn't perform as well as ISO 100.

 

Things to Watch Out for With EHP Labs OxyWhey

It's also important to realize that OxyWhey is a protein supplement and NOT a fat burner. Despite the thermogenic compounds within, OxyWhey does not contain the needed dosages of those fat burners to make a real impact. It's great support but not dosed at a level that would promote high level fat burning benefits.

 

Conclusion

ISO 100 is designed to be the perfect post-workout protein source. OxyWhey isn't bad; it's just not as great as ISO 100 solely for the post-workout time period. With that said, OxyWhey is ideal for literally any other point during the day or night.

 

We would recommend using both proteins. Use ISO 100 to break your morning fast and for post-workout nutrition. Use OxyWhey as a morning snack, pre-workout, or afternoon snack. Together, these two protein supplements will make a huge impact in 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.

Although whey protein is still the most popular and purchased supplement on the market, casein protein has received a lot of attention in the recent years. As a muscle builder, casein protein is an essential part of any resistance training workout. Studies show that the amino acids found in casein protein help to support muscle building and recovery, especially when taken before bed. (1-7) Let's take a look at two of the best brands in the business to see which one is worth the buy.

 

Optimum Nutrition Casein

Where can I buy it?

• Here's where you can buy Optimum Nutrition Casein.

 

Pros of Optimum Nutrition Casein

Optimum Nutrition keeps it simple with its casein protein. Right away you'll notice on the label that the first ingredient is Micellar Casein. Companies wanted to create an effective and affordable substitute to native casein, which is the best casein protein in the industry. The result was micellar casein protein. It's able to be ingested and once in the stomach, it is slowly digested, providing a steady stream of amino acids over the course of hours.

 

Optimum Nutrition delivers 24 grams of micellar casein and that is an excellent dosage per serving as most studies have subjects using serving size of 20 to 30 grams of protein. These amino acids may be able to help support your fitness goals in regards to muscle building and recovery time. (1-7)

 

Optimum Nutrition also provides you with Aminogen, which may allow protein to be broken down and utilized more efficiently.

 

Cons of Optimum Nutrition Casein

There isn't much that you can say against Optimum Nutrition's Casein. Yes, it does contain artificial sweeteners and there is a bit of soy lecithin but at the price point you're getting it, you can't go wrong.

 

Optimum Nutrition also contains polydextrose, which is a fiber substitute. Depending on your lifestyle and how you feel regarding this filler, Optimum Nutrition Casein may not be your first choice.

 

Dymatize Casein

Where can I buy it?

• Here's where you can buy Dymatize Casein.

 

Pros of Dymatize Casein

Dymatize Casein has nearly the same formula as Optimum Nutrition with the exception of the Aminogen, which may support protein digestibility. You're getting 25 grams of casein protein with each serving and as we mentioned above, this is the sweet spot for study-based dosages. Although Dymatize Casein doesn't have the trademarked Aminogen, it does contain three digestive enzymes to promote the proper digestion of the protein.

 

The one area where Dymatize really sets itself apart from Optimum Nutrition is in taste. User reviews show that all of the flavours in the Casein line-up are fantastic and fan favourites.

 

Cons of Dymatize Casein

 Like Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize has several artificial sweeteners and fillers. Again, this is more of a dietary and lifestyle restriction than it is a hit against the product.

 

Instead of polydextrose, Dymatize Casein contains maltodextrin, which is touted as a carbohydrate substitute. Again, this is going to be a preference thing on what you will allow yourself to consume.

 

Conclusion

With nearly identical labels, user reviews, and testimonials, Optimum Nutrition Casein and Dymatize Casein are understandably two of the best in the industry. We thoroughly recommend both brands but since neither is superior to the other one, the decision to buy may simply come down to price. If one is one sale, grab it then wait for the other brand to fall in price. Both brands will satisfy your protein needs and help you achieve success.

 

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.

7. Res PT, Groen B, Pennings B, Beelen M, Wallis GA, Gijsen AP, Senden JM, VAN Loon LJ. Protein ingestion before sleep improves postexercise overnight recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Aug;44(8):1560-9. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31824cc363.

 

In the protein supplement market, you have literally hundreds of options to choose from, which can understandably make you feel frustrated and confused. Two of the biggest names in the industry have been battling it out for years. Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey and Dymatize's ISO 100 are some of the best-selling proteins that you'll find but which one is better? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each to determine which one you should be buying.

 

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey

 

Where can I buy it?

• Buy it here

 

Pros:

• Micro-filtered quality (Very important)
• Highly bioavailable (No wasted protein)
• Blend of different protein types
• Naturally provides glutamine and BCAAs
• Veteran of the industry

 

Cons:

• Artificial flavoring
• Artificial sweeteners
• Cholesterol amount (depending on your dietary needs)

 

Optimum Nutrition has been around for years, providing you with a variety of fitness supplements and its most famous is Gold Standard Whey. This protein supplement features three protein types, giving you the advantage of amino acids for hours. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle and they also support weight loss. Gold Standard is the ideal protein to start your day, fuel up before a workout, and to ensure your muscle gains before bed.

 

Dymatize ISO 100

 

Where can I buy it?

• Buy it here

 

Pros:

• Uses cross-flow micro filtration
• Utilizes pre-hydrolyzed protein sources (this will ensure rapid digestion AND assimilation into the muscle tissue)
• Supplies BCAAs naturally with every serving
• No fat and low cholesterol
• Favorite amount bodybuilding crowd

 

Cons:

• Price (However, consider the fact that Protein Isolate will always be more expensive than Protein Concentrate)
• Soy lecithin
• Use of artificial sweeteners and flavoring

 

Dymatize ISO 100 quickly gained attention as THE isolate to go with when your goals include muscle and strength. Dymatize uses a unique filtration method to remove carbohydrates, fats, and unwanted elements from its product. What's more, the protein is pre-hydrolyzed. This means the protein is pre-broken down, allowing for unbelievably fast absorption and utilization by your muscle tissue. Without a doubt, it is the protein to be reaching for after an intense workout as your muscles will be demanding those amino acids and they don't want to wait.

 

Which One Should You Buy?

 

The short answer is both.

 

It shouldn't be looked at as which one is 'better.' You should be asking, 'How can I use both to maximize my goals?'

 

Each of these proteins can play an important role in your fitness journey. While Gold Standard Whey from ON makes for an ideal breakfast, pre-workout, or pre-bed protein choice, Dymatize ISO 100 is the only option post-workout. Gold Standard features a variety of protein types, which means different digestion speeds and a longer time release of amino acids. ISO 100 is for when your muscles need protein right away with no delay. Arm yourself with both and you'll reach those muscle building and fat loss goals before you know it.

Casein protein is an ideal supplement prior to bedtim due to its slow-release feature allowing for greater muscle preservation. Check out its three types in this featured article.