Every hard gainer knows the struggle of trying to put on weight. For others, it may seem like that's a ridiculous thing to complain about. However, when you are consistently underweight and unable to attain a 'healthy' looking frame, the mental struggle quickly adds up. For those who have a hard time putting on weight, a high-quality weight gainer or mass gainer may be your answer. Loaded with excess calories and protein for muscle building, mass gainers can be life savers for hard gainers.
Let's take a look at two of the best mass gainers in the industry, Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Gainer and Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass to see which one is worth the buy.
Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Gainer
Where can I buy it?
- Here's where you can buy Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer.
Pros of Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Gainer
Providing 650 calories per serving along with 60 grams of an impressive protein blend, Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Gainer is a solid choice for weight gainers. In every serving, you'll get the following protein blend:
- Whey Protein Isolate
- Whey Protein Concentrate
- Calcium Caseinate
- Egg Albumin
- Hydrolyzed Whey Peptides
- Glutamine Peptides
Combine that blend with 85 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of healthy fats and you have yourself a ticket to weight gain support. You really should be using this product in conjunction with a training program as this will facilitate more mass gain, primarily from muscle, not fat. Used as directed, Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Gainer may be able to promote lean muscle gains, boost strength, enhance recovery and help you attain your goal weight. (1-6)
Cons of Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Gainer
As a weight gainer, Pro Complex Gainer is one of the best; however, one of the ingredients on the label was a bit disappointing. Pro Complex Gainer contains 'partially hydrogenated guar gum.' Guar gum isn't a problem. In fact, it's looked at as one of the safe food additives. However, the process of hydrogenation will add trans-fat, the worst fat to have in your diet, to a product. What's more, so long as the trans-fat content is no more than 0.5 grams per serving, it can be listed as 'trans-fat free.'
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Where can I buy it?
- Here's where you can buy Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass.
Pros of Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Serious Mass lives up to its name, providing you with 1,250 calories per serving. What's more, you'll be getting 50 grams of protein to support those muscle building goals. It has half the fat content of Pro Complex Gainer, which can easily be made up for if you add a healthy oil to your diet such as coconut oil. The mass of the calories is coming from the carbohydrate content, which is 254 carbohydrates per serving! That is a serious amount of carbs, making this an ideal weight gainer or even training supplement for runners who want to carb load.
Cons of Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Depending on your goals, this may be a pro or a con but let's talk about the carbohydrate content we just mentioned. 254 grams is a huge amount of carbohydrates. It is triple the amount you should be getting post-workout. For those seriously training at least 3 days per week, this carbohydrate content will be great. If you aren't training, this carbohydrate load may support fat gain, not muscle gain. In short, this is only a con if you aren't in the gym.
Which One Should You Buy?
The short answer would be both and here's why: Both mass gainers have separate strengths. Pro Complex Gainer, despite the partially hydrogenated guar gum, is a high-protein, low-carb mass gainer that would be ideal throughout the day. Serious Mass is the perfect post-workout supplement because of its high carbohydrate content. Buying both would allow you to stretch out your supplements for a longer period of time as you'd only need one serving from each.
References
- 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.
