Mass gainers, also known as weight gainers, are high-calorie supplements that come in powdered form and are intended to help athletes outpace their metabolisms and gain muscle. While mass gainers typically help those with fast metabolisms by providing more calories than their bodies can burn quickly, the products do not actually slow metabolism. In fact, some ingredients in mass gainers may actually speed up your metabolism, or at least the speed at which your body metabolizes fat.
Typical Mass Gainer Profile
While a mass gainer will provide an ample amount of protein -- perhaps 40 or 50 grams per serving -- these supplements differ greatly from simple protein powders. Mass gainers have added carbohydrates and fat, which help increase the calorie content dramatically. So while a protein powder might contain mostly protein and around 100 calories per serving, a mass gainer typically is mostly comprised of carbohydrates, and may offer 500, 800 or 1,000 calories per serving. Mass gainers may also contain added amino acids, creatine, or vitamins and minerals.
Protein
Having a high protein content is one way in which mass gainers may actually speed up your metabolism rather than slow it down. As research from the May 2008 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates, protein encourages more energy expenditure -- in other words, a more active metabolism -- than other nutrients. Because of this, high-protein diets may help promote an improved ratio of muscle to body fat.
Medium-Chain Trigylcerides
Because fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, with 9 calories per gram, fats are a logical choice for high-calorie mass gainers. The supplements typically include mostly unsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered beneficial for health. Mass gainers may also contain medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat that may help boost your metabolic rate. Research from the November 2010 edition of "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition" indicates these fats can help increase calorie burning and facilitate the burning of fat for energy.
Fiber
Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy, so mass gainers include plenty to fuel your workouts and to add calories. One type of carbohydrate mass gainers may include is fiber. Fiber helps provide feelings of fullness and assists in colon health. Additionally, research from the March 2008 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" indicates fiber may help promote a healthy metabolism and promote a healthy body weight. Thus, fiber is another mass gainer ingredient that would not slow your metabolism and might actually do the opposite.
References
- Genesis Articles: Weight Gainers Explained
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Protein, Weight Management, and Satiety
- International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition: Medium-Chain Triglycerides are Advantageous in Promoting Weight Loss Although Not Beneficial to Exercise Performance
- The Journal of Nutrition: Metabolic Effects of Dietary Fiber Consumption and Prevention of Diabetes
Writer Bio
Brian Willett began writing in 2005. He has been published in the "Buffalo News," the "Daytona Times" and "Natural Muscle Magazine." Willett also writes for Bloginity.com and Bodybuilding.com. He is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer and earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina.