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
