Tag: Reviews

Best BCAA Supplements For Muscle Growth & Recovery (Updated 2021)

These BCAA supplements are sure to enhance training and performance through their ability to grow muscle and increase recovery.
Branch chain amino acids, or BCAAs, have long sat on shelves as popular supplements for athletes of all experience levels to boost their training and improve all aspects of a workout and recovery regimen. Working to enhance muscle growth, reduce muscle soreness and exercise fatigue, and prevent muscle wasting, BCAAs hold a variety of benefits for your health and performance.
What Are BCAAs?
Amino acids are organic compounds which provide the foundation for protein. There are 20 amino acids that make up protein, but of those 20, nine are considered essential amino acids which are not produced by the body but are essential for muscle growth. Three of these essential amino acids are branch chain amino acids (BCAAs): isoleucine, leucine, and valine. Differing in their chemical structures, BCAAs work to stimulate protein synthesis and increase that much desired muscle growth.
The three branched-chain amino acids are:

Leucine: Helps with protein synthesis and boosts growth hormone which promotes muscle gains and support of healthy muscles (3).
Isoleucine: Tackles some fat burning needs to aid in that desired change to body composition by using stored fat for fuel (4).
Valine: Works against tryptophan, an amino acid producing serotonin, to delay fatigue and keep you working hard (5).

BCAAs matter because they work to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, along with help from essential amino acids (EAAs). As a great supplement to use for intra-workout needs, all of the benefits to growth, recovery, delayed fatigue, and body composition changes will work to give you the most out of every workout. We all know we need a protein supplement and pre-workout and having an intra-workout product to boost our gains during the workout is icing on top.

Benefits Of BCAAs

Increase muscle growth: Repair, grow and add new muscle tissue and aid in the process of protein synthesis (1).
Reduce fatigue: Decrease levels of tryptophan in the brain and raise levels of serotonin.
Decrease muscle soreness: Lowers levels of key enzymes that play a role in exercise-induced muscle damage to improve recovery (2).
Prevents muscle wasting: Restores lost amino acids in the muscles to keep them primed.

We put together a list of the top BCAA supplements out there to give you the best chance at finding one that works for you and all of your performance goals. From reputable and high-quality brands, these will surely work for your muscle-building and performance enhancing goals.
Best BCAA Supplements For 2021

Best Overall BCAA
When looking for the best BCAA supplement around, it can hard to find one with great ingredients, an advanced formula, and proven benefits. But with a supplement like this from Performance Lab, it is possible to have the best of all worlds.
Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

Total BCAAs
3,000mg

Calories
0

Carbs
0g

Number Of Servings
20

Serving Size
6 NutriCaps

Best Way To Take
Take 2-4 capsules 45-60 minutes pre-workout and reload with 2-4 capsules immediately post-workout.

Performance Lab SPORT BCAA is a versatile performance and muscle boosting supplement in the convenience of a capsule. SPORT BCAA can elevate strength and endurance, block muscle breakdown and soreness, and optimize muscle growth and recovery. For healthy daily use, it can support immune defenses and is a safe, natural way to support your overall training regimen. Performance Lab’s NutriGenesis technology is innovative and mirrors the natural processes found in nature in their lab to produce high quality and easily absorbed nutrients.
With a solid ratio of 2:1:1 of L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine, it makes this supplement very easy to absorb and makes it versatile for all athletes. L-leucine works with protein synthesis and muscle growth, L-isoleucine helps transport oxygen to muscles and support healing, while L-valine optimizes muscle tissue growth and repair. As a result of the easy absorption and ability to refuel quickly, Performance Lab SPORT BCAA is a great supplement for that boost in performance.

Performance Lab BCAA is a versatile and muscle boosting supplement perfect for optimizing growth. A ratio of 2:1:1 makes this easy to absorb and all around effective.

Pros

Great ratio of BCAAs
5 ingredients total
Clean and vegan friendly formula
Innovative NutriGenesis process ensures all of those nutrients are properly absorbed

Cons

Premium priced option
Can only buy directly from their website

Price: $35.10

Best For Repair & Recovery
While BCAA supplements can work for a number of benefits, repair and recovery are vital benefits to keep in mind. This can ensure you see growth and bounce back faster for better workouts.
Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine

Total BCAAs
8,000mg

Calories
10

Carbs
2g

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Take 1 scoop with 10-12 oz. of water before or during your workout.

Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine offers all the benefits of a BCAA supplement with the added benefit of L-glutamine in the formula. Designed for the best BCAA for repair and recovery, Transparent Labs has crafted a 100% clean formula with a transparent label so you know exactly what you are getting. With active ingredients both clinically researched and dosed, there are zero harmful additives to this BCAA supplement. Each serving of 14 grams is designed to stimulate protein synthesis, reduce muscle fatigue, and enhance your overall performance, all while aiding in recovery and repair.
With 5 active ingredients, CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine works with a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs for all of the intended effects and benefits. The added bonus of this supplement is 5,000mg of glutamine. Glutamine is a naturally occurring nonessential amino acid and is the most abundant free amino acid in human muscle. It plays a major role in protein synthesis, inhibiting protein breakdown and muscle degradation, and reducing fatigue while providing immune health (5). Placed into this great formula is coconut water powder which is a rich source of electrolytes with a host of other overall health benefits. Transparent Labs CoreSeries BCAA Glutamine is a solid option for all of your recovery and repair needs.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine is designed for repair and recovery and is a 100% clean formula. With 5 great ingredients, the added glutamine works for better growth and reduced fatigue.

Pros

Fully transparent label
From a reputable company
Clinically dosed ingredients with no harmful additives
High amount of glutamine and additional coconut water powder are great

Cons

Premium priced option
Only available through their website
Must mix it well to avoid grittiness

Price: $39.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Best For Performance
While these supplements will all help with performance, having one specifically designed to optimize your goals is huge. With innovative formulas, these products like Pro Contest can seriously boost your gains.
National Bodybuilding Co. Pro Contest BCAA

Total BCAAs
4,000mg

Calories
0

Carbs
0g

Number Of Servings
45

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Mix 1/2 scoop with 9-10 oz. of your desired beverage pre- or post-workout, or between meals.

National Bodybuilding Co. Pro Contest BCAA is one of those supplements you need to upgrade strength, endurance, and recovery faster than before. Naturally sourced ingredients and a side effect free guarantee, this formula will work to build muscle and recovery, stop muscle breakdown, boost athletic performance, and is great for all types of training. Tested and formulated from clinical studies, this supplement is safe for all your performance and recovery needs.
A great ratio of the BCAAs L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine will work for muscle endurance and hypertrophy in the gym. Containing 1,000mg of glutamine, this will prove to be more than beneficial in repair, recovery and fighting off inflammation. The added bonus of this BCAA supplement is vitamin B6, one of the key players in muscle growth. It can promote red blood cell count, boost the amount of oxygen in your muscles, and enhance nitric oxide for performance and endurance (3). By elevating your overall athletic lifestyle and keeping you going, National Bodybuilding Co. Pro Contest BCAA is the best for reducing fatigue and keeping you going strong.

National Bodybuilding Co. Pro Contest BCAA is great for improving strength, endurance, and recovery. Naturally sourced ingredients are put into an awesome formula for the best results.

Pros

A clean ratio of BCAAs
45 servings is appealing with added glutamine and vitamin B6
Non-GMO and gluten free
No harmful additives

Cons

Only sells directly from their website
Only ships to American and Canadian customers
The only flavor is fruit punch

Price: $38.00
Check out our individual review for National Bodybuilding Co. Pro Contest BCAA here!

Best Vegan BCAAs
For those looking for vegan options either by lifestyle choice or curiosity, it is possible to find them. Working with certain ingredients and manufacturing processes ensure these supplements are conducive to any diet.
Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

Total BCAAs
3000mg

Calories
0

Carbs
0g

Number Of Servings
20

Serving Size
6 NutriCaps

Best Way To Take
Take 2-4 capsules 45-60 minutes pre-workout and reload with 2-4 capsules immediately post-workout.

Performance Lab BCAA is a versatile and muscle boosting supplement perfect for optimizing growth. A ratio of 2:1:1 makes this easy to absorb and all around effective.

Pros

Great ratio of BCAAs and 5 ingredients total
Clean and vegan friendly formula
Innovative NutriGenesis process ensures all of those nutrients are properly absorbed

Cons

Premium priced option
Only available directly from their website

Price: $35.10

Best For Muscle Gain
Along with recovery, you want your BCAA supplement to assist you with muscle gains. Kaged Muscle has a great product designed for your toughest workouts to really boost muscle.
Kaged Muscle In-Kaged

Total BCAAs
5g

Calories
5

Carbs
1g

Number Of Servings
20

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Take 1 scoop with desired beverage.

Kaged Muscle In-Kaged is solid intra-workout supplement to fuel even your toughest workouts. Formulated to maximize endurance, provide unstoppable energy, and provide for muscle pumps, this product will keep you going strong all the way through training. As a health forward brand, Kaged Muscle keeps performance in mind for both men and women who want results with a clean product. Award winning and third party tested, this supplement is accurate and comes from a reputable company.
No artificial additives or fillers is matched with 9 ingredients each placed in one of three powerful matrix mixes. A ratio of 2:1:1 BCAAs powers the Muscle Fuel Matrix to give you all the growth and strength gains you hope to see. The Endura-Pump Matrix contains L-citrulline, beta-alanine and coconut water powder, while the Neuro-Energy Matrix consists of taurine, L-tyrosine, and caffeine.

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Kaged Muscle In-Kaged is a great intra-workout product for endurance, energy, and muscle pumps. Nine ingredients and a 2:1:1 ratio assist with all your strength goals.

Pros

Solid ingredients have great effects on your muscles and energy
Three matrices are nice to effectively use the ingredients

Cons

Price is slightly higher compared to others
Often times doesn’t mix the best
The label doesn’t fully disclose any added ingredients

Price: $27.99
Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Best Intra-Workout
While you can take BCAA products on either end of your workout, having one that is geared for those mid-workout needs is awesome. This will ensure no gains go to waste as you work those muscles hard.
NutraBio Alpha EAA

Total BCAAs
6g (plus 2,200mg EAAs)

Calories
5

Carbs
1g

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 8-10 oz. of water before, during, or after exercise.

NutraBio Alpha EAA is unlike any other amino acid product out there, for it not only delivers a healthy dose of EAAs and BCAAs, but also includes ingredients to round out a novel formula to promote focus, recovery, and hydration. This supplement can improve brain function, enhance mental acuity and memory, balance cortisol levels, and increase power output and muscle contractions so you maximize your supplement routine as best you can.
A non-stimulant source of energy, this product ensures superior hydration and recovery with increased amino uptake and absorption. At a great price with five amazing flavors, Alpha EAA is a sure bet to bring your training, performance, and recovery to the next level. NutraBio is a high-quality sports supplement company designing and producing top tier products for athletes everywhere. Their mission is to maximize the quality of life for all consumers by providing advanced nutrition products with science-backed research to enhance training and performance.

NutraBio Alpha EAA is a novel formula to promote better focus, recovery, and hydration. A non-stimulant source of energy offers the best benefits with quality amino uptake and absorption.

Pros

Full of clean and effective ingredients at great dosages
Promotes focus, recovery, and hydration
Reasonably priced product with five great flavors to choose from
From a reputable, transparent, and honest company in NutraBio

Cons

It does contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium

Price: $34.99
Check out our individual review for NutraBio Alpha EAA here!

Best For Fatigue Reduction
Busting through fatigue can enhance any workout. This will keep you going longer and harder for increased gains all around.
Enhanced Anabolic IV

Total BCAAs
8,000mg (plus 1,750mg EAAs)

Calories
0

Carbs
0g

Number Of Servings
20

Serving Size
2 scoops

Best Way To Take
Take 2 scoops any time of day.

Enhanced Labs Anabolic IV is a great BCAA supplement for those serious about muscle gains. Providing everything you need from a muscle-building and recovery supplement, Anabolic IV ensures you get all of those critical BCAAs as well as additional essential amino acids. Other great benefits of Anabolic IV are increasing fat burning, supporting optimal hormone balance, and decreasing fatigue while elevating endurance performance.
Packed with 23 highly effective ingredients, this product can promote protein synthesis and decrease fatigue to keep your workouts as ferocious as they need to be to see great gains. This advanced formula has six blends to really deliver all of the benefits. They include: clinically dosed amino acid blend, nitric oxide blend, non-stimulant nootropic blend, electrolyte blend, B vitamin blend, and a fat oxidation and muscle insulin sensitivity blend.

Enhanced Anabolic IV is for those serious about building muscle and boosting recovery. With 23 highly effective ingredients, six blends work to tackle all of your needs.

Pros

Effective ingredients and great blends
Contains EAAs as well to encourage muscle growth
Price is good

Cons

There are a lot of ingredients for a BCAA product so diligent research is required

Price: $54.99
Check out our individual review for Enhanced Labs Anabolic IV here!

Best For Women
Finding the right product for women is important for your needs may be slightly different than men. With certain ingredients at specific dosages, it is great to have top tier options out there.
IdealFit Ideallean BCAAs For Women

Total BCAAs
3,000mg

Calories
10

Carbs
3g

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 8-16 oz. of water.

IdealFit Ideallean BCAAs for Women is a solid women’s BCAA supplement to provide high quality BCAAs with a great fat loss blend. Zero carbs, fat, or calories is a great benefit to this supplement to keep you dedicated to your fitness journey. Specifically designed for women, this BCAA supplement will maximize weight loss and kickstart lean muscle growth and is perfect for those looking to improve muscle recovery, burn fat, and build that lean muscle.
Full of vitamins and minerals, as well as those desired BCAAs, the Fat Loss Blend consists of 8 ingredients including CLA, L-citrulline, and L-glutamine. CLA works to aid in weight loss as well as improve exercise performance, while L-citrulline can decrease fatigue and muscle soreness while also increasing exercise capacity. L-glutamine has a huge role in protein synthesis for that lean muscle growth and also stops muscle degradation and reduces fatigue. With great ingredients and proven results, IdealFit Ideallean BCAAs For Women is a great supplement designed for her.

IdealFit Ideallean BCAAs For Women provides high quality BCAAs with a unique fat loss blend. Packed with vitamins and minerals, 8 ingredients work well with this advanced formula.

Pros

Good ratio of BCAAs and great dose of B vitamins
Designed specifically for women
Benefits of weight loss and improved circulation are an added bonus

Cons

Price is okay
Some of the ingredients are under-dosed

Price: $24.94

Best Long-Lasting Results
You want your gains to stay and BCAA supplements can help keep those results long lasting. Premium products like Intra Surge are perfect for achieving that.
Jacked Factory Intra Surge

Total BCAAs
5g

Calories
0

Carbs
0g

Number Of Servings
20

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 12-20 oz. of water and consume during your workout.

Jacked Factory Intra Surge is a premium intra workout supplement backed by science designed to boost muscle tissue growth and inhibit muscle tissue breakdown. Other benefits include increasing energy, focus, and stamina, as well as workout performance. Great for anyone from every day gym-goers to elite athletes, Intra Surge can be taken before, during, or after training to really peak performance.
With 8 ingredients, this formula is great when mixed with water and has a good tasting flavors included as well. Premium ingredients and quality research are backed by a money back guarantee and the promise of quality care. Manufactured in the United States, their facilities are cGMP certified and able to support their mission to bring good quality supplement to athletes.

Jacked Factory Intra Surge is a premium intra-workout supplement designed for focus, energy, and stamina. With 8 ingredients, this formula is designed for peak performance.

Pros

Five grams of BCAAs
Tastes great
Effective for muscle soreness and recovery

Cons

Very powdery and chalky in texture
May be overhyped as a product
Those tolerant to stimulants won’t feel much of an increase in energy

Price: $25.99

Best For Focus
With increased focus, your level of alertness towards your workout is greatly enhanced. This will keep you motivated and determined to get the most out of every workout.
Evlution Nutrition BCAA Energy Powder

Total BCAAs
5,000mg

Calories
0

Carbs
0g

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
2 scoops

Best Way To Take
Mix two scoops with desired beverage.

Evlution Nutrition BCAA Energy is a complete formula for energy, lean muscle, and recovery. Perfect for before, during, or after your workout, this formula is packed with 5 grams of BCAAs, as well as natural energizers, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can use anytime for serious benefits to your training and performance including muscle building, endurance training, and enhanced focus.
With many ingredients packed into this advanced formula, all of your bases are covered from growth, recovery, hydration, and reduced fatigue. With 5 grams of pure BCAAs, as well as natural stimulants and antioxidants, your health and wellness just got a serious boost along with your performance. Zero sugar, carbs and calories makes this conducive to any diet and worth your money to advance your gains.

Evlution Nutrition BCAA Energy Powder is a complete formula for energy, lean muscle, and recovery. With natural energizers, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, this advanced formula is perfect for training and performance.

Pros

Good taste
No irritable feelings that cause anxiety
No sugar or carbs is great for all diets
Fairly great taste, although some flavors may be a touch sweeter than expected

Cons

Doesn’t provide as much energy as it could
Stimulant doses could be slightly higher
Does contain sucralose

Price: $21.99

How We Choose
Looking at a long list of BCAA supplements, the driving factors behind this list was reputability of the brand, price, and the amount of BCAAs included in the product. You should absolutely have the best brands representing your supplementation routine and it can be challenging to find the right supplements for you. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to get the best products and most reputable companies onto this list. For price, we looked for options that wouldn’t break the bank, but still offered the best in terms of product. For the amount of BCAAs, we wanted to make sure there was enough in the product, as well as a good ratio, to ensure this supplement works for your benefit. Too little of dosages and it wouldn’t seem worth it, so we sought the best for you to get the most.
FAQ Section
What is the best BCAA supplement to take for safety and effectiveness?
National Bodybuilding Co. Pro Contest BCAA. This supplement comes from an amazing company in National Bodybuilding Co. and is great for enhancing strength, endurance, and recovery faster. Clean ingredients and an effective formula makes this an amazing BCAA product.
What does BCAAs stand for and what are they?
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The three branched-chain amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three are essential amino acids (EAAs) that are structured differently than the other six EAAs. In all, there are 20 amino acids that make up the foundation of protein. Of those 20, nine are essential amino acids, and of those nine, there are three branched-chain amino acids.
Why do I need a BCAA supplement?
BCAAs have serious value in enhancing your training and performance. Benefits include increasing muscle growth, reducing fatigue, decreasing muscle soreness, and preventing muscle wasting so your gains are not totally destroyed.
When should I take a BCAA supplement?
You can take a BCAA supplement before, during, or after your workout. Typically, athletes enjoy using these as an intra-workout beverage and BCAAs pair nicely with a pre-workout supplement for energy and pumps and a protein supplement for promoting growth and recovery.
Wrap Up
Supplementing with BCAAs will really work to enhance your overall performance as an intra-workout tool. With benefits like muscle growth, maintenance, and preservation, increased recovery, and reducing muscle soreness, BCAAs can work to improve your overall strength and performance to keep you seeing great gains and staying on top of your game. Check out these BCAA supplements from great companies who produce high quality products for your personal growth and development and watch your muscle-building and performance enhancing goals elevate to new levels.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References

Negro, M.; Giardina, S.; Marzani, B.; Marzatico, F. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
Shimomura, Yoshiharu; Yamamoto, Yuko; Bajotto, Gustavo; Sato, Juichi; Murakami, Taro; Shimomura, Noriko; Kobayashi, Hisamine; Mawatari, Kazunori (2006). “Nutraceutical Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on SKeletal Muscle”. (source)
Blomstrand, Eva; Eliasson, Jorgen; Karlsson, Hakan K. R.; Kohnke, Rickard (2006). “Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise”. (source)
Luo, Yanhong; Zhang, Xin; Zhu, Zhengpeng; Jiao, Ning; Qiu, Kai; Yin, Jingdong (2018). “Surplus dietary isoleucine intake enhanced monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis and fat accumulation in skeletal muscle of finishing pigs”. (source)
Tsuda, Yuichi; Iwasawa, Kaori; Yamaguchi, Makoto (2018). “Acute supplementation of valine reduces fatigue during swimming exercise in rats”. (source)

By Presser

July 13, 2021

20 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Best Men’s Multivitamins For Optimal Health (Updated 2021)

These multivitamin supplements can enhance your overall health so you thrive both inside and out of the gym.
A multivitamin is one of those supplements that should absolutely be in your diet and supplementation routines. Especially for active men, too often do we find ourselves deficient of those essential vitamins and minerals that we desperately need in order to stay on top of our game. Packed full of valuable vitamins and minerals, as well as other essential nutrients, multivitamins have extremely helpful benefits to our health functions, cognitive abilities, and physical maintenance of our bodies. These top multivitamin supplements are exactly what you need as active men seeking to support a healthy lifestyle.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Men’s Multivitamins for 2021 so you can work to improve your overall health and wellness and really start to grind in the gym.

Best Overall Multivitamin
When looking for the best multivitamin supplement, it is possible to find an incredible overall product. With great ingredients and effective benefits, those gains are right around the corner.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is another great option as a multivitamin for men specifically formulated for bodybuilders to help with your supplement needs. Being non-GMO, as well as additive and allergen free, we found this to be a very appealing and healthy multivitamin. By working to restore nutrients missing from your diet, it supports healthy cell performance across all body systems.
Ensuring all of those vital nutrients make it into your body is super important for enhanced performance and overall health. This multivitamin uses a NutriGenesis technology to mimic nutrient genesis found in nature so their capsules are easily absorbed for all of your health and wellness needs. From improving cardiovascular health, metabolic performance, immune function, energy metabolism, muscle growth and function and many more benefits, this multivitamin has 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals to round out a solid list of top-tier ingredients. With whole food cofactors for optimal absorption, all of these nutrients work for your benefit.

Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is a specifically formulated multi for bodybuilders to help with all their needs. With 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals, this top tier formula is great for overall health and wellness.

Pros

Contains a diverse group of vitamins to cover your overall health
An ultramodern design with patented technology
All natural ingredients
Vegan-friendly formula.

Cons

It is only available directly from their website
Low in calcium and magnesium

Price: $39.00 for 120 capsules
Check out our individual review for Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Men here!

Best Multivitamin For Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders looking to optimize their health and wellness should absolutely have a multi on their shelf. One that is geared towards those specific needs can take you very far in training and performance.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is for anyone looking to boost performance, improve physique and/or improve daily wellbeing and immunity. The effects and benefits will be perfect for anyone looking to take their health seriously and develop their physique. Suitable for men of any age, this multivitamin will make you feel great so you can look great as you keep those muscles strong while shedding off fat knowing you are also improving your joint, immune, and overall health.
Getting the right vitamins and minerals into your body can develop new muscle and aid in performance and this multivitamin is a great formula for bodybuilders to add to your list for a well rounded vitamin. From increased immune support, the promotion of hormonal vitality, all the way to supporting recovery, National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multi is a natural and safe multivitamin geared towards athletes to optimize all of their health and wellness needs. As a clean formula with 20 essential vitamins and minerals, you can be sure this has no harmful fillers or chemicals to ruin all of your hard work or put you in an unhealthy state.

National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is great for those bodybuilders looking to optimize performance. With 20 essential vitamins and minerals, this is a safe and natural multivitamin for all of your needs.

Pros

Quick results to feel improvements and perform better
Advanced blend of ingredients perfect for athletes
Has parallels with some t-boosters
Simple to use and stack with other supplements for great results

Cons

Only available directly from their website

Price: $29.00/ 60 capsules
Check out our individual review for National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin here!

Best Blend & Ingredients
Looking for quality ingredients is a must. When many ingredients are put into a powerful blend, the options for your overall health are endless.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is another great option as a multivitamin for men specifically formulated for bodybuilders to help with your supplement needs. Being non-GMO, as well as additive and allergen free, we found this to be a very appealing and healthy multivitamin. By working to restore nutrients missing from your diet, it supports healthy cell performance across all body systems.
Ensuring all of those vital nutrients make it into your body is super important for enhanced performance and overall health. This multivitamin uses a NutriGenesis technology to mimic nutrient genesis found in nature so their capsules are easily absorbed for all of your health and wellness needs. From improving cardiovascular health, metabolic performance, immune function, energy metabolism, muscle growth and function and many more benefits, this multivitamin has 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals to round out a solid list of top-tier ingredients. With whole food cofactors for optimal absorption, all of these nutrients work for your benefit.

Pros

Contains a diverse group of vitamins to cover your overall health
An ultramodern design with patented technology
All natural ingredients
Vegan-friendly formula

Cons

It is only available directly from their website
Low in calcium and magnesium

Price: $39.00 for 120 capsules
Check out our individual review for Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Men here!

Best For Active Men
Even those men who are simply active should take a multi because your body goes through a lot. One that is geared towards your everyday needs will work wonders for your busy lifestyle.
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for both men and women with an advanced formula to ensure your body gets all of the essential micronutrients. Created from bioavailable forms of key vitamins and minerals, it also ensures easy absorption of these key nutrients. From top to bottom, WellnessSeries Multivitamin will support your overall wellness and is iron-free for ease on the stomach.
With 22 active ingredients, WellnessSeries Multivitamin includes vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as B1 and B12. Solid minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium, and copper are just a few of the many vital nutrients Transparent Labs has added to this formula. For those looking to stay healthy and on top of their game with a great multivitamin, this supplement will ensure you absorb all of the nutrients in order to maximize each and every benefit.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for those looking to optimize their health. With 22 active ingredients, this will pump you with vital nutrients with easy absorption.

Pros

Honest and accurate labels ensure that each ingredient is clinically dosed
A great immune booster with key vitamins and minerals
Gentle on your stomach
Great for both men and women

Cons

Only available directly from their website
Four pills is a large serving size

Price: $29.00/ 120 capsules
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin here!

Best For Immunity
While multis work for a number of things, immunity should be a priority. Staying away from illness keeps you healthier overall and in the gym much longer.
Enhanced Super Human Immunity
Enhanced Super Human Immunity is a 3 in 1 formula designed to maximize immunity and defeat sickness to keep you in the gym and seeing those gains. Each dose is calculated and properly dosed to give you the best chance at seeing great results. With scientifically proven herbal botanicals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, this supplement can also improve digestion and reduce fatigue.
With great ingredients like vitamin C and D, Echinacea, elderberry, and probiotics, all of these will work together to create a superhuman supplement for all of your gains. A money back guarantee ensures that Enhanced knows the true value of this product and that you will be sick less often, feel better overall, and recovery faster for serious growth.

Enhanced Super Human Immunity is a 3-in-1 formula designed to maximize immunity and defeat sickness. Great ingredients include vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

Pros

Great mix of ingredients including vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
No proprietary blends
Money back guarantee is great

Cons

Three capsules is a lot compared to others on the market of similar value with just one pill per serving

Price: $25.99/ 90 capsules
Check out our individual review for Enhanced SuperHuman Immunity here!

Best Multivitamin For Men Over 50
Men over 50 may need certain vitamins and minerals more than others. A multi that tackles this issue can make you feel great so you perform at a high level.
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for both men and women with an advanced formula to ensure your body gets all of the essential micronutrients. Created from bioavailable forms of key vitamins and minerals, it also ensures easy absorption of these key nutrients. From top to bottom, WellnessSeries Multivitamin will support your overall wellness and is iron-free for ease on the stomach.
With 22 active ingredients, WellnessSeries Multivitamin includes vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as B1 and B12. Solid minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium, and copper are just a few of the many vital nutrients Transparent Labs has added to this formula. For those looking to stay healthy and on top of their game with a great multivitamin, this supplement will ensure you absorb all of the nutrients in order to maximize each and every benefit.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Pros

Honest and accurate labels ensure that each ingredient is clinically dosed
A great immune booster with key vitamins and minerals
Gentle on your stomach
Great for both men and women.

Cons

Only available directly from their website
Four pills is a large serving size

Price: $29.00/ 120 capsules
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin here!

Best For Fitness
Even those involved in general fitness should take a multi to tackle all those wants and needs. Exercise can deplete us but it is important to have all of those things handled as best you can.
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men
Optimum Nutrition is a leading brand because they have always delivered products which stood above the rest. This is a good daily multivitamin for bodybuilding that includes many ingredients worth taking. Opti-Men is nothing incredibly special but it’s a good quality multivitamin which will meet your bodybuilding needs.
It has a complete vitamin and mineral profile so there’s nothing to miss there. And it interestingly has a Phyto blend similar to the EVL multi with green tea extract to really boost energy. The “Viri Men Blend” has some nice additional ingredients to support men’s health as well. Saw Palmetto may be beneficial for improving urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate. And Ginkgo Biloba extract is added for its antioxidant properties.

Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men is a solid daily multi with a complete vitamin and mineral profile. With unique blends, this powerful formula can assist with all of your health and wellness needs.

Pros

Has powerful blends that are great for foundational immune health in bodybuilders
Its complete vitamin and mineral profile offers a wide array of benefits for men’s health
Good choice to help you function properly.

Cons

The vitamin forms are not 100% ideal for absorption by your body once ingested
It is a good quality multivitamin but there is nothing obviously special about it

Price: $19.99 / 90 capsules
Check out our individual review for Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men here!

Best With Complete Amino Acid Profile
A complete profile of amino acids can assist with overall health and all your training needs. For those hardcore fitness folks, definitely look to Animal Pak for a serious boost.
Animal Pak
Animal came out with the Animal Pak in 1983 and has since evolved into a leading multivitamin manufacturer for the hardcore fitness addicts and this is a solid daily multivitamin for bodybuilding and building muscle. Their name (Animal) and packaging will no doubt hype you up before you even take your first serving, and that’s another reason “beasts” choose Animal!
With this pack (Pak), there’s no shortage of vitamins and minerals plus you’ll get a top-notch liver blend, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme complex full of beneficial ingredients. For those hardcore athletes looking for a complete profile and seriously effective multivitamin to pair with their other top notch supplements, Animal Pak is the way to go.

Animal Pak is for those hardcore fitness folks looking to build muscle and a shredded physique. This complete profile of ingredients is loaded with everything you need to succeed.

Pros

Great for supporting lean muscle mass and constant anabolism
The unique blend also provides a good source for energy for those into hardcore fitness
Good to build muscle and have great overall health from their daily intake

Cons

The pills are large in size
Could have more ingredients

Price: $18.95/ 44 packs
Check out our individual review for Animal Pak here!

Benefits Of Multivitamins
The benefits of multivitamins cover a wide range of areas including valuable health functions, cognitive capabilities, and physical maintenance and care of our bodies (1). These benefits include:

Increased energy: Offer that vital boost of energy to power you through your day and any workout.
Better immunity: Offer support to your immune system to fight off any nasty viruses (2).
Muscle maintenance: Give your body time to repair those muscles you work so hard for.
Nutritional support: Fill in any areas where you may be deficient, so your diet is well-rounded and balanced (3).
Cognitive assistance: Help improve mood and focus, while raising your level of alertness.

Key Vitamins & Minerals To Look For In Your Multivitamin Supplement

Vitamin D For Muscle Growth & Strength

Vitamin D has proven to benefit muscle function and strength in numerous clinical studies; a study by Dr. Hassan-Smith actually found a link between lower muscle mass and lower Vitamin D levels (4). Another study by the University of Birmingham concluded that increased levels of active Vitamin D can help optimize muscle strength.

B Vitamins For Growth & Recovery

You probably didn’t know that Vitamin B6 and B12 both affect protein metabolism. In fact, a study by Okada M found that a high protein diet increases your requirement of B6.
As all bodybuilders know, you need to consume a certain amount of protein to either maintain or build muscle mass. But there will be many of you that don’t keep an eye on their Vitamin B6 intake. Not only that, consuming the recommended intake of Vitamin B6 has also shown to upregulate the gene expression of a number of factors that promote the growth and repair of skeletal muscle in a clinical study too (5).

This is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s known for its ability to support your immune function and vision. It can also play an important role in the normal formation of organs including your heart, lungs, and kidneys (6).

Vitamin C has also shown to play an important role in supporting your immune system, as well as in the absorption of other micronutrients such as iron. Additionally, Vitamin C is also known for its antioxidant properties and is a co-factor in collagen synthesis to help support your joint tissue and bone.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form of Vitamin D found in supplements. It’s shown to be much more beneficial than the cheaper Vitamin D2 found in some multivitamins (7). Known as ‘the sunshine vitamin’ it’s become known for its ability to support testosterone levels, as well as protein synthesis and your immune system

A powerful antioxidant that’s able to scavenge loose electrons that can damage cells and also boost your immune system. Vitamin E is also known for its ability to prevent clots from forming in heart arteries (8).

Vitamin K is known for being able to help your body make proteins for healthy bones and tissues, as well as helping with blood clotting too. Also, taking Vitamin K2 while supplementing Vitamin D3 will ensure that calcium is absorbed optimally and reaches bone mass while preventing arterial calcification.

Best Time To Take A Multivitamin
Different multivitamins will come with different instructions in terms of how frequently to take them so be sure to check out the label on each. You might find one multivitamin with 1 daily serving, with others recommending up to 3-4 servings per day.
We believe the ‘sweet spot’ is 2 servings daily; this will make sure your body isn’t overwhelmed with a whole day’s worth of micronutrients in one serving, without making supplementation of a multivitamin too much of a hassle.
In terms of the best time to take multivitamins, whether it’s for general health, weightlifting or bodybuilding, most people consume their multivitamin in the morning and mid-afternoon. It is recommended to consume fat-soluble vitamins and minerals with food. And since the best multivitamins contain them, taking your first multivitamin serving with breakfast is a good idea.
How We Choose
When it comes to your multivitamin, it is important to have something that will only benefit your overall health and wellness to the max. We look at the brand and the reputation of the company backing each product. It is important to have a company that works for you and your goals and each of these on the list are reputable and honest with their products. We also look at the ingredients included because that is what can have real effects on your health and gains inside and out of the gym. We also know how expensive these supplements can get so we look at price because it is possible to get great multivitamins while still being affordable.

FAQ Section
What is the best multivitamin for men?
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin. Not only is this supplement from a great company who cares about their consumers and the quality of their ingredients, but it is highly effective for great results. This multi can boost energy, provide for better workouts, support immune health, and keep key hormones in check.
Why should I take a multivitamin?
Too often do we miss essential nutrients, even when we follow a good, clean diet. A multivitamin can ensure we fill in any nutrient gaps, as well as promote areas we may be lacking in support, like immune health and hormone balances.
What is the difference between a multi for men and women?
Much of the difference lies in the nutritional needs for each gender. While both men and women need similar nutrients, certain ingredients like iron or calcium may be increased in a women’s multi due to certain needs of their bodies. The same goes for men. However, there are multivitamins, such as Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin that is suitable for both men and women.
When is the best time to take a multivitamin?
This depends on the supplement and brand you chose. It is very common to take a multivitamin in the morning when you wake you up, or before bed. But some products require 4-6 capsules as a serving size and you may space these out throughout the day. Reading the label is important to know exactly what to do to maximize your results.

Check out our list of the Top Multivitamin Supplements for other great multivitamin products!

Wrap Up
Multivitamins are effective in replenishing lost nutrients after intense training sessions. But, they also make a good daily supplement for maintaining good health and the right multivitamins for bodybuilding can make your training that much better and give you what your body needs. It is important to find the right multivitamin for you so you can tackle anything that comes your way. Check out this list of the Best Men’s Multivitamins and see which one can advance your goals today.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References

Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins?”. (source)
Oregon State University (2020). “Multivitamin, mineral supplement linked to less-severe, shorter-lasting illness symptoms”. (source)
National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. “Multivitamin/mineral Supplements”. (source)
Rejnmark, Lars (2011). “Effects of Vitamin D on Muscle Function and Performance: A Review of Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials”. (source)
Nutrition Reviews (1987). “Dietary Protein and Vitamin B6 Requirements”. (source)
National Institutes of Health. “Vitamin A”. (source)
Tripkovic, Laura; Lambert, Helen; Hart, Kathryn; Smith, Colin P.; et al. (2012). “Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. (source)
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. “Vitamin E”. (source)

By Presser

July 9, 2021

19 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Best Men’s Meal Replacements For Muscle Mass & Weight Loss 2021

These meal replacement supplements are perfect for muscle mass and weight loss and will pump athletes with whole foods for the perfect replacement shake.
Any good meal replacement will work to give you whole foods and things like fiber to aid in muscle mass and weight loss to give you and athletes everywhere the best out of a replacement shake. Our lives can get busy and sometimes we need that extra boost to really pump our bodies with only the best ingredients. With a well-balanced diet and proper training routine, the right meal replacements are just around the corner to aid in your overall training, performance, health, and wellness. With dairy and non-dairy protein sources, the options are endless for you to get the most out of an awesome replacement supplement.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Men’s Meal Replacements for 2021 to make your life a bit easier when it comes to all of your nutritional needs. With great tasting and effective products, the right balance of macronutrients and ingredients can offer amazing benefits to your muscle growth, recovery, and health in general as you seek the best for yourself.
Best Meal Replacements For Men 2021

Best Meal Replacement Overall
Finding the right all-around meal replacement can be challenging for athletes, but something like Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is everything you want and more out of a solid meal replacing option for weight loss and muscle mass.
Kaged Muscle Clean Muscle

Calories
240

Protein
28g

Carbs
18g

Fat
4.5g

Sugar
1g

Flavors
Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Cake

Best Way To Take
Mix 2 scoops with 10-12 ounces of cold water.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is for those active individuals and athletes who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, this meal replacement has 123% better amino absorption to help build muscle and strength while also keeping you full throughout the day. Fueled with a formula including whey protein isolate, clean carbs, BCAAs, MCT oil, and zero added sugar, this meal replacement is perfect for fueling athletic performance while providing for a protein rich option for weight loss, digestion, recovery, muscle mass, and other nutritional needs. As a great bodybuilder meal replacement, Kaged Muscle is an awesome option.

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Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is a great meal replacement for those looking to prioritize nutrition while still getting a solid on-the-go meal. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, all of the essentials are covered.

Pros

Whole food ingredients
21 organic vitamins and minerals
Quick and nutritious meal replacement
$2.25 per meal

Cons

Slightly low on number of servings

Price: $44.99
Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Best Meal Replacement Shake For Muscle
Meal replacements shouldn’t just be about replacing a meal. Working on those gains you want most, like muscle mass and growth, are important to consider and a formula can reflect your intended goals. For those looking for a mass gainer, Transparent Labs has the best option on the market for athletes and a bodybuilder meal replacement.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer

Calories
790

Protein
53g

Carbs
114g

Fat
14g

Sugar
17g

Flavors
Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream (Not Gluten Free), Sweet Vanilla, Chocolate Glaze

Best Way To Take
Mix with milk or water.

This pure, protein rich formula from Transparent Labs is loaded with essentials to give you serious growth and better overall health and wellness. Designed to enhance lean muscle mass and growth and athletic performance, this is a safe and effective way to pack on muscle and healthy weight. With 750 calories for a two scoop serving size, this mass gainer is loaded with 53 grams of protein per serving. With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or harmful additives, this product is transparent with its label and high quality with ingredients great for pairing with whey protein or other protein drinks so you feel full while getting the right protein content with this powder for recovery and a well-balanced diet for athletes.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is great for packing on muscle and healthy weight. Perfect as a meal replacement or a mass gaining supplement, this product is pumped with protein and no added artificial substances.

Pros

Great for lean muscle mass and growth as a mass gainer
Perfect for a meal replacement or paired with a grass fed whey protein supplement
Great ingredients and no artificial additives for a transparent label
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs

Cons

A premium priced option only available directly through their site

Price: $65.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer here!

Best Keto Meal Replacement
Depending on your lifestyle, there are options to reflect whatever your dietary needs are as athletes. Whether you are vegan or like the keto diet, meal replacements do exist to give you the most when it comes to perfecting all of your goals.
HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement

Calories
400

Protein
27g

Carbs
13g (4g net carbs)

Fat
27g

Sugar
2g

Flavors
Chocolate Macadamia, Creamy Vanilla

Best Way To Take
Keep in a cool, dry place and add water

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich nutritional shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the simplest way possible for a well-balanced diet and all nutritional needs. Formulated by a top metabolic scientist, this meal replacement has the right combination of macronutrients at the right ratios to make every ingredient count. With 27g of protein and a 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein, this meal replacement will keep you full while providing you with the best macronutrients possible, something all athletes need. Also included are grass-fed collagen, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber to help your gut, and the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. With a great taste, no GMOs or artificial ingredients, and an awesome taste, HLTH Code is exactly what you need out of a top meal replacement for athletic performance, weight loss, muscle mass, and recovery.

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the most simple way possible. With the right combination of macronutrients, as well as collagen, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, this meal replacement is perfect for any on-the-go needs.

Pros

A 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein packed with amazing macronutrients to help you succeed
Digestive enzymes and probiotics, as well as collagen and a great ratio of omega-3 to omega-6
No artificial and non-GMO from a reputable and honest company in HTLH Code

Cons

A premium product, it is a bit expensive.

Price: $59.95
Check out our individual review for HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement Shake here!

Best Meal Replacement Shake For Weight Loss
Weight loss may be on the minds of many and meal replacements can help with that. Able to keep you full and still pump you with essential nutrients will prove to be worthwhile when you want to eliminate snacking and drop fat.
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal

Calories
240

Protein
28g

Carbs
18g

Fat
4.5g

Sugar
1g

Flavors
Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Cake

Best Way To Take
Mix 2 scoops with 10-12 ounces of cold water.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is for those active individuals and athletes who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, this meal replacement has 123% better amino absorption to help build muscle and strength while also keeping you full throughout the day. Fueled with a formula including whey protein isolate, clean carbs, BCAAs, MCT oil, and zero added sugar, this meal replacement is perfect for fueling athletic performance while providing for a protein rich option for weight loss, muscle mass, recovery, and other nutritional needs.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Pros

Whole food ingredients
21 organic vitamins and minerals
Quick and nutritious meal replacement
$2.25 per meal

Cons

Slightly low on number of servings

Price: $44.99
Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Best Vitamin-Rich Meal Replacement
With the right ingredients and formula, you can get the most out each product depending on how rich it is in vitamins and minerals. By allowing your body to absorb all the essentials, you work to optimize your health as best you can, giving athletes the best chance at seriously enhancing their gains from a bodybuilder meal replacement.
HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement

Calories
400

Protein
27g

Carbs
13g (4g net carbs)

Fat
27g

Sugar
2g

Flavors
Chocolate Macadamia, Creamy Vanilla

Best Way To Take
Keep in a cool, dry place and add water

HLTH Code Complete Meal is a protein rich nutritional shake made with real whole food ingredients to give you a real meal in the simplest way possible for a well-balanced diet and all nutritional needs. Formulated by a top metabolic scientist, this meal replacement has the right combination of macronutrients at the right ratios to make every ingredient count. With 27g of protein and a 1:1 ratio of healthy fats to protein, this meal replacement will keep you full while providing you with the best macronutrients possible. Also included are grass-fed collagen, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber to help your gut, and the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. With a great taste, no GMOs or artificial ingredients, and an awesome taste, HLTH Code is exactly what you need out of a top meal replacement for athletic performance, weight loss, muscle mass, and recovery.

Pros

Cons

A premium product, it is a bit expensive.

Price: $59.95
Check out our individual review for HLTH Code Complete Meal Replacement Shake here!

Best Organic Meal Replacement Shake
You want the most healthy option out there and one made with whole foods is a huge plus, especially for top athletes in their bodybuilder meal replacement. If the ingredients are organic, like those at Ample, then you can’t go wrong with an awesome meal replacement free of any additives or artificial nonsense.
Ample Complete Meal Shake

Calories
400 or 600

Protein
25g or 34g

Carbs
11g or 15g

Fat
28g or 45g

Sugar
2g or 3g

Flavors
Vanilla (high protein), Berry (dairy free), Chocolate (keto-friendly), and Vanilla Cinnamon (keto-friendly)

Best Way To Take
Shake and enjoy.

Ample brings this protein rich, low-carb, complete meal shake to you made from whole food for the optimal breakfast or lunch replacement shake to maximize your nutritional needs. Made from 20+ superfoods, this shake can pump you full of premium fats, proteins, fibers, antioxidants, electrolytes, and probiotics for gains to a well-balanced diet. There are two options for this product including a 400 calorie bottle and a 600 calorie bottle. Ample Complete Meal Shakes are gluten, soy, and BPA free and contain zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, or sugar alcohols. A great plant-based product for muscle growth and athletic performance, increased focus, weight loss, muscle mass, and gut health, this is one of the best meal replacements for a whey protein shake to drink without sweeteners for your diet.

Ample Complete Meal Shake Bottles are protein-rich, low-carb, complete meal shakes made from whole foods to optimize your nutrition. Made with 20+ super foods, these will pump you with all the essentials for performance and overall health.

Pros

A solid balance of macronutrients and no artificial ingredients is a huge plus
Good probiotic bacteria for gut health and amazing choices for ingredients to give you what you need
Low calories with nutrient value

Cons

Lacks some vitamins and minerals we would like to see
No mention of omega-3’s is disappointing
It is also a fairly expensive product

Price: Two options: 400 calorie bottle is $90.00 for 12 meals and the 600 calorie option is $108.00 for 12 meals.
Check out our individual review for Ample Complete Meal Shake Bottles here!

Benefits Of Meal Replacements For Men
When it comes to knowing what meal replacements can do, it is important to know that these are perfect for those on-the-go needs and can really give you all the essentials you need most to thrive inside and out of the gym.
Benefits of meal replacements for men and other athletes include:

Contain great ingredients

Offering a variety of whole foods and other essential ingredients, including vitamins and minerals, meal replacements have the ability to aid in muscle mass, recovery, and your overall health with things like fiber as well. Some protein sources used as ingredients include whey, pea, and brown rice protein giving you dairy and non-dairy options great for a mass gainer or to keep you full.

Perfect for on-the-go needs

Our schedules can get busy and having a solid meal replacement can ensure our busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles as athletes get the most nutrients possible to keep our performance high while aiding in weight management and muscle mass. A bodybuilder meal replacement worth your while will work for all of your needs.

Support weight management

Being high in protein, these supplements offer great ratios of macronutrients so all the essentials are covered. For weight loss and management, these will keep you full so you don’t have the desire to snack and fiber can be a great aid here also (1,2).

Affordable and convenient options

These are great for that quick fix when hungry or when you need a meal and are affordable in price. Finding good quality meal replacements can be challenging but companies have done their best to give you the best options possible.

What To Look For In A Meal Replacement For Men

Good ratio of macronutrients: You want to make sure you get enough nutrients while also having enough protein to keep you full and aid in muscle mass and growth and recovery (3).
Extra ingredients: Formulas will include things like fiber, omega-3s, collagen, and vitamins and minerals to add to the great benefits of meal replacements and can make them a good mass gainer as well if that is your intended route.
Calories: While the calories may be high, keep in mind that you are replacing a meal and that these will still assist with weight loss, management, and recovery.
Taste and amount of sugar: These supplements do taste great and offer sugar substitutes to have healthier options. Things like stevia and monk fruit are very common (4).

How We Choose The Best
Finding the right products can be difficult and we know that, especially for health conscious athletes looking for the best bodybuilder meal replacement. This list reflects our diligence in finding the right products so you can thrive inside and out of the gym with high quality companies backing you. We first look at the brand and the honesty and reputability behind it. A formula and the included ingredients should be clean and effective and the company should work for you to give you the best when it comes to the right meal replacement. We also look at the ratio of macronutrients because that is important to your health and wellness. The amount of calories, amount of sugar, and balance of macros should all reflect the lifestyle you want to live. Lastly, we look at price because we know this stuff can get expensive. This reflects those supplements that are great options yet affordable at the same time.

FAQ Section
What is the best meal replacement supplement for men?
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal. This meal replacement is for those active individuals who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, this meal replacement has 123% better amino absorption to help build muscle and strength while also keeping you full throughout the day.
Are meal replacements really healthy?
Meal replacements, on the whole, are generally healthy options. While it is best to try and get a home cooked meal, companies have really begun to take meal replacements seriously as healthy and affordable options. With the right diet and proper training, meal replacement supplements can work wonders for your gains by promoting weight management and muscle mass by providing great benefits as a mass gainer.
What are the differences in meal replacements?
Meal replacement supplements come in either powder or pre-bottled form. With the powder, you can mix with your desired liquid of choice and drink like a shake. If it is pre-bottled, then you can shake as is and enjoy.
Wrap Up
Meal replacement products are perfect for active men and male athletes looking to get the most out of their products and performance. As great on-the-go options with tons of benefits, these supplements can support any lifestyle and make sure you get all the essential nutrients to thrive. With a well-balanced formula of macronutrients, all of your gains will be right around the corner. Give these meal replacements a try and see what they can do for all of your gains.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References

Treyzon, Leo; Chen, Steve; Hong, Kurt; Yan, Eric; et al. (2008). “A controlled trial of protein enrichment of meal replacements for weight reduction with retention of lean body mass”. (source)
Kulovitz, Michelle; Kravitz, Len. “Do Meal Replacements Deliver Results?”. (source)
Lambert, Charles P; Frank, Laura L.; Evans, William J. (2004). “Macronutrient considerations for the sport of bodybuilding”. (source)
Goyal, S. K.; Goyal, R. K. (2010). “Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) a bio-sweetener: a review”. (source)

By Presser

July 9, 2021

16 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Cira Nutrition Shine Stim-Free Fat Burner Review

Support energy and fat loss with a great stim-free option.
Product Overview
For active women and female athletes, finding the right fat burner can be a game changer when it comes to boosting all of your goals. Stubborn belly fat can be a nightmare when looking to get that shredded physique and sometimes we need a helping hand from supplements to help get us there. With the right ingredients and a quality company backing you, the best fat burner to help tone and lose weight is right around the corner. Cira Nutrition Shine Stim-Free Fat Burner is a great fat burning supplement to support fat loss and boost energy all while being stimulant free.

What a good fat burner can do is offer great benefits when it comes to burning away all that stubborn fat. It will work to boost your metabolism to burn stored fat and provide for increased energy so nothing else can be stored. Also with benefits like appetite suppression and maintaining lean muscle mass, your chances of looking great and changing your body composition are closer than you think.

Cira Nutrition Shine is a great stim-free fat burner able to enhance the health and performance of all female athletes and active women. It can boost energy levels, promote a healthy metabolism, and support fat loss while being free of any stimulants.

Shine Stim-Free Fat Burner Highlights
Shine is the perfect stimulant free fat burner for female athletes looking to give themselves the best boost for fat loss. For active women, it is also a great option as a safe and effective supplement to support fat loss, boost energy levels, and maintain a healthy metabolism. For all of those workout and body composition needs, Shine will make you the best version of yourself.
With 7 powerful and effective ingredients, this awesome formula is one to offer all of the benefits that a great fat burner can provide. Cira Nutrition knows the needs of women and how important having a quality supplement can be and this product is the best example of a top-ranked supplement. For all of your fat loss and performance enhancing goals, look to Shine to get the job done.

Ingredients
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Helps metabolize fat to decrease body mass and assist with weight for that desired body composition change to take effect. (1).
Dandelion Root Extract: This can help you lose water weight, lower fat absorption, and may promote fat breakdown while also being used as a coffee substitute (2).
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate): Helps increase calorie burn and allows the body to use stored fat for energy. This will also assist with appetite reduction for less snacking.
Coleus Forskohlii Extract: Helps stimulate the breakdown of fat stored in fat cells which can enhance weight loss (3).
Grains of Paradise: Can cause a transition of body fat thus supporting weight loss to see those desired results (4).
Capsimax Cayenne Pepper Fruit Extract: Helps speed up your metabolism, curb appetite, and burn more calories for those desired weight loss results.
Bioperine Black Pepper Fruit Extract: Stimulates the breakdown of fatty cells thereby promoting fat loss and working for the desired outcome (5).
Other Ingredients
Plant Cellulose Capsule, Rice Flour, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
2 Capsules

Stim Or Non-Stim
Non-Stim

Best Way To Take
Take 2 capsules 1-2 times daily with a glass of water shortly before eating.

Price & Effectiveness
Cira Nutrition Shine Stim-Free Fat Burner is a great fat burning supplement to help boost all areas of your health and wellness by promoting fat loss, boosting energy, and offering a stimulant free option with optimal effectiveness. With 30 servings per container, 2 capsules will pump you with these powerful ingredients so you see the results you want most.
Pros

Great ingredients and a powerful formula
Supports fat loss, energy levels, and a healthy metabolism
Stimulant free for those sensitive or avoiding caffeine
From a reputable and honest company in Cira Nutrition

Cons

Only available directly from their website
Stim-free for those looking for a stimulant boost

Price: $39.99

Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners For Women for more great fat burning supplements!

Overall Value
Cira Nutrition Shine is a great stim-free fat burner to promote and boost all of your fat loss needs. Able to support fat loss, boost energy levels, and promote a healthy metabolism, all of those fat burning wants and needs can all be achieved with an awesome stimulant free option. Cira Nutrition is a company that seeks the best for women and female athletes because they know how important a good quality supplement is. What you are really getting is a top tier fat burner with great ingredients, a powerful formula, and an awesome company backing you. Check out Cira Nutrition Shine today and see the results you want come quickly.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Cira Nutrition and Envato
References

Pooyandjoo, M.; Nouhi, M.; Shab-Bidar, S.; Djafarian, K.; et al. (2016). “The effect of (L-) carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Dandelion”. (source)
Henderson, Shonteh; Magu, Bahrat; Rasmussen, Chris; Lancaster, Stacey; et al. (2005). “Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women”. (source)
Sugita, Jun; Yoneshiro, Takeshi; Sugishima, Yuuki; Ikemoto, Takeshi; et al. (2014). “Daily ingestion of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract increases whole-body energy expenditure and decreases visceral fat in humans”. (source)
Butt, Masood S.; Pasha, Imran; Sultan, Muhammad T.; Randhawa, Muhammad Atif; et al. (2013). “Black pepper and health claims: a comprehensive treatise”. (source)

By Presser

July 7, 2021

6 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Swolverine BCAA Review To Hydrate, Recover & Rebuild

Swolverine BCAA is a great supplement to help with hydration, recovery, and rebuilding after any grueling workout.
Product Overview
With a host of supplements growing in popularity, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have really made their claim as a necessity. A popular intra-workout supplement for athletes everywhere, BCAAs can help you hydrate, recover, and rebuild so no muscle and gains go to waste and you bounce back much faster than you would without them. Although there may be debate around the importance of BCAAs, this supplement can in fact enhance training and performance and shouldn’t be overlooked as a potential to help any and all of your gains. Swolverine BCAA is one such product to help get you there.
BCAAs are three of nine essential amino acids (EAAs). These nine EAAs cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from food. Since amino acids are important compounds that serve as the foundation of protein, and with protein being a building block for all muscle, both BCAAs and EAAs serve a vital purpose when it comes to your training and performance. With the formula in Swolverine BCAA, all your needs will be covered when you need them most.

Swolverine BCAA is synergistic combination of BCAAs, electrolytes, and L-glutamine all packed into one powerful formula. Great for muscle growth and recovery, this will help fuel every workout.

Swolverine is a lifestyle brand designed for endurance athletes and those always staying active. With products designed to fuel athletic performance, elite athletes and those seeking a goal flock to Swolverine for their top of line products and supplements. They live by the belief that everyone can optimize their athletic performance and human potential through transparency and honest products including those with proven ingredients and effective doses. As an honest and hard working company, Swolverine is there is to improve your human potential, and your athletic performance is just one piece of that larger mission.

Swolverine BCAA Highlights
Swolverine BCAA is a synergistic combination of BCAAs, electrolytes, and L-Glutamine packed into a powder form to help provide you with intra-workout hydration, fatigue reduction, and optimized recovery so you get the most out of your workouts. With tons of benefits, this supplement will help promote muscle growth, enhance recovery by reducing muscle breakdown and exercise-induced muscle soreness, maximize hydration for better muscle function and contraction, and keep you fueled for whatever workout or activity comes next.
A great 2:1:1 ratio of muscle building BCAAs is matched by a great dose in L-Glutamine and a seriously effective electrolytes and hydration formula. One scoop of this lemon lime flavored powder with pack you with everything you need for that intra-workout boost as you seek to hydrate, recover, and rebuild that lean muscle mass.
Ingredients
BCAAs: Work to increase lean muscle growth, reduce fatigue, decrease muscle soreness, and prevent muscle wasting (1). Can also hydrate and serve as a great intra-workout aid.
L-Glutamine: Helps rebuild and repair muscles after strenuous exercise to promote better recovery and prevent muscle breakdown (2).
Vitamin B6: Helps the body convert protein, carbs, and fat to energy to fuel performance. Also allows for the balance of body fluids and the normal functioning of the heart, nerves, and musculoskeletal systems (3).
Potassium: Helps keep your muscles healthy by repairing them faster and more efficiently. Also helps your muscles recover better (4).
Sodium: Helps improve performance by balancing fluids, aiding in muscle contractions, and serving as a natural source of electrolytes (5).
Other Ingredients
Natural & Artificial Flavors, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Sucralose, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride

Total BCAAs
4,000mg

Number Of Servings
50

Serving Size
1 scoop

Flavors
Lemon Lime

Best Way To Take
Mix one scoop with 8 oz. of water and drink during or after a workout.

Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Swolverine BCAA is a 2:1:1 powder that is perfectly designed for hydration, recovery, and rebuilding lean muscle mass so you never have to worry about your intra-workout needs again. With 50 servings per container, one scoop will pump you with everything you need to maximize each and every workout. A great tasting flavor in Lemon Lime keeps this product from being dull.
Pros

2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs
Perfect for hydration, recovery, and rebuilding
Great ingredients and taste

Cons

Slightly high in price
Does contain artificial flavors, like sucralose

Price: 42.99
Featured Swolverine Athlete
Mitch Wagner – CrossFit Athlete

Mitch Wagner is a CrossFit athlete and true competitor who relies on Swolverine to have his back with whatever comes his way. As a real contender in CrossFit, Wagner suffered a minor setback with an injury in 2017, putting him out for a number of months as the strenuous rehab process took place. After recovering and working to improve his performance, Wagner is ready to return and make his mark as he looks to be the best. With Swolverine on his side, anything is possible for Wagner who uses and promotes these great supplements.

Check out our list of the Best BCAA Supplements for more muscle building and recovery products!

Overall Value
Swolverine BCAA is that perfectly optimized intra-workout product you need most to make sure all your gains never go to waste. With great ingredients designed for hydration, recovery, and rebuilding, this BCAA powder is great for making sure you get the most out of all your fitness goals. Swolverine is a great company who knows the needs of athletes everywhere and seeks to design and create the best products around. What you are really getting is a high-quality BCAA supplement with great ingredients, clean benefits, and a company behind it to trust. Check out Swolverine BCAA today and see what this can do for all your goals.
Try Swolverine BCAA Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Swolverine and Mitch Wagner Instagram
References

Wolfe, Robert R. (2017). “Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality?”. (source)
Gleeson, Michael (2008). “Dosing and efficacy of glutamine supplementation in human exercise and sport training”. (source)
Manore, M. M. (1994). “Vitamin B6 and exercise”. (source)
Lindinger, M. I.; Sjogaard, G. (1991). “Potassium regulation during exercise and recovery”. (source)
McCubbin, Alan J.; Costa, Ricardo J. S. (2018). “Impact of Sodium Ingestion During Exercise on Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review”. (source)

By Presser

July 6, 2021

6 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Best Men’s Protein Powders For Bulking & Lean Muscle Growth 2021

A good protein powder for men can work to increase lean muscle growth and bulking by pumping you with vital nutrients.
For those of us men who lift big, taking a protein powder for men is something we absolutely need, for it can increase our lean muscle growth and bulking needs while pumping us with vital nutrients for other things like recovery. While many of us bodybuilders and athletes know that a well-balanced diet can do just that, having the right supplements to boost our gains is equally if not more important. Here is where a good protein powder can come into play, for it will pump you with vital amounts of protein, especially after a workout, to give your body everything it needs to succeed. Don’t neglect your gains and really look for the best when it comes to supplements, especially protein.

Whether it be a vegan or non-dairy protein, or something whey based, there are endless options for you to choose from to fit your diet and lifestyle. Taking in other important factors like weight loss is important as well because your protein powders should absolutely work for you.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Men’s Protein Powders For 2021 to seriously boost all areas of your lean muscle growth and performance. Also aiding in recovery, a good protein powder for men is a must have on your supplement shelf to seriously enhance your gains.
Best Men’s Protein Powders 2021

Best Protein Powder Overall
Finding a good all-around protein powder may seem daunting, but they do exist. With taste, texture, ingredients, and effectiveness, you can get the best of all worlds with Performance Lab.
Performance Lab Sport Protein

Calories
100

Protein
20g

Carbs
2g

Fat
1.2g

Sugar
1g

Flavors
Chocolate

Number Of Servings
20

Performance Lab SPORT Protein is much cleaner than other protein powders out there. Naturally flavored with organic cocoa, vanilla bean and ceylon cinnamon – this is the best tasting protein powder many customers have tried. Being a brown-rice protein powder, anyone can use it for lean muscle growth and weight loss for this powder contains great ingredients. Regardless of whether you’re dairy intolerant, vegan, allergic to soy or gluten, Performance Lab Protein contains no allergens at all. Supplying 20g protein and only 100 calories per serving, Performance Lab Protein can be easily included in your diet at all times, whether you’re cutting or bulking and is a great protein powder for men.

Performance Lab SPORT Protein is an impressive brown rice protein source that is cleaner than most other protein powders. Great for muscle growth, recovery, and weight loss, this is absolutely a top protein supplement.

Pros

Good, clean formula that is organic and vegan friendly
The chocolate flavor tastes amazing
Product includes Bacillus Coagulans, a beneficial probiotic
Good choice for weight loss and bulking
Has essential amino acids per serving and plenty of nutrients

Cons

Only uses a single source protein
Chocolate is the only flavor available

Price: $39.83
Check out our individual review for Performance Lab SPORT Protein here!

Best Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Many of the protein powders we love tend to have artificial additives that we just don’t want or need. Having an organic product, and one that uses grass-fed whey like Transparent Labs, is huge for our overall health.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Calories
120

Protein
28g

Carbs
1g

Fat
0.5g

Sugar
Less than 1g

Flavors
Cinnamon Pastry, Mocha, French Vanilla, Cookies ‘N Cream, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cereal Splash, Strawberry, Salted Caramel

Number Of Servings
30

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate boasts an impressive array of eco-friendly accomplishments as a solid protein powder for men to boost lean muscle growth. It’s organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are no artificial sweeteners — a rarity in a world full of whey protein powder, which are almost always filled with chemical flavorings to disguise the chalkiness of protein. There are also no artificial colorings or preservatives added. If you have a sensitive stomach, allergies, or just care about the environment, this is an excellent choice for you and your body weight goals and is easy to digest compared to a whey concentrate.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, boasting a great formula for a top protein powder. With nothing artificial added, this is a clean protein that is easier on your stomach.

Pros

No artificial ingredients and a transparent label
Third party tested
Organic and non-GMO
Good choice for those who tend to be sensitive to certain protein supplements
Contains essential amino acids and other vital nutrients
Right amount of protein per scoop per serving for bulking

Cons

Slightly high in carbs and cholesterol
Despite lactose, their are no digestive enzymes
Premium priced product

Price: $59.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate here!

Best For Bodybuilding
Those of us bodybuilders know exactly what it takes to succeed in this grueling sport. Having a company like National Bodybuilding Co. gear their products towards our specific needs is beyond beneficial for our bodybuilding progress.
National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan

Calories
117

Protein
20.5g

Carbs
2g

Fat
3g

Sugar
0g

Flavors
Chocolate

Number Of Servings
20

National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan Protein is designed to help bodybuilders progress faster in the gym and with their vegan goals as a stellar protein powder for men. A 100% natural and organic plant-based protein, this works to increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis, optimize nutrient utilization, boost metabolic efficiency, and enhance athletic recovery. Using organic rice and pea protein, this supplement does not produce inflammation and is more bioavailable than dairy. With 117 calories and 20.5 grams of protein, this powder will work for your overall protein benefit as it helps you adopt a healthy lifestyle while building muscle and providing amino acids from a protein shake.

National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan is designed for bodybuilders to hit their goals faster. A 100% natural and organic powder, this will work for a number of benefits like muscle growth and recovery, as well as enhancing overall performance.

Pros

100% organic and naturally flavored with stevia
Low in calories, high in nutrients
Designed for cleaner and faster absorption for better lean muscle growth and bulking
Manufactured to FDA standards and produced by a reputable company
Helps you lose weight and keep muscle while being easy to digest

Cons

Only 20 servings per container
Can only get it from their website directly
Chocolate is the only flavor

Price: $40.00
Check out our individual review for National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep here!

Best Whey Meal Replacement
For those of us on-the-go constantly, looking to a powerful meal replacement can be a game changer. Our busy lives deserve the best nutrients possible and Kaged Muscle certainly delivers with Clean Meal.
Kaged Muscle Clean Meal

Calories
240

Protein
28g

Carbs
18g

Fat
4.5g

Sugar
1g

Flavors
Snickerdoodle, Vanilla Cake

Best Way To Take
Mix 2 scoops with 10-12 ounces of cold water.

Kaged Muscle Clean Meal is for those active individuals who want to prioritize nutrition while still getting a complete and convenient meal for those on-the-go needs. With whole food ingredients and 21 organic vitamins and minerals, this meal replacement has 123% better amino absorption to help build muscle and strength while also keeping you full throughout the day. Fueled with a formula including whey protein isolate, clean carbs, BCAAs, MCT oil, and zero added sugar, this meal replacement is perfect for fueling athletic performance while providing for a protein rich option for weight loss, digestion, recovery, and other nutritional needs.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Pros

Whole food ingredients for optimal nutrients
21 organic vitamins and minerals
Quick and nutritious meal replacement
$2.25 per meal

Cons

Slightly low on number of servings

Price: $44.99
Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Best For Bulk & Size
Finally, what we’ve all been waiting for. Transparent Labs has a great mass gainer to really increase your strength and size as you look to bulk. That is why you grind in the gym after all, right?
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer

Calories
790

Protein
53g

Carbs
114g

Fat
14g

Sugar
17g

Flavors
Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream, Sweet Vanilla, Chocolate Glaze

Number Of Servings
15

Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Mass Gainer is loaded with everything you need to enhance lean muscle growth to safely and efficiently pack on muscle and healthy weight. This supplement is great for the perfect meal replacement, or a great weight gainer protein supplement to pair with a workout. The pure formulas included with this supplement provide amazing benefits for not only growth and bulking needs, but your overall health and wellness. Mass Gainer offers 53 grams of protein per serving, which is derived from 100% Grass-Fed Whey Concentrate. At 750 calories for two scoops, you get 12 grams of fat and 109 grams of clean and natural carbs derived from organic tapioca, oat, and sweet potato sources.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Pros

Great for lean muscle growth and bulking
Perfect for a meal replacement or paired with a protein supplement
Great ingredients and nutrients and no artificial additives
Transparent label
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs

Cons

A premium priced option
Only available directly through their site

Price: $65.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs Mass Gainer here!

Best Whey For Weight Loss
While many of us want to bulk, it is important to have an option for weight loss as well. Protein powders are unique in that, yes, they can bulk us up, but also slim us down with the right formula like NutraBio’s.
NutraBio Protein Isolate

Calories
120

Protein
25g

Carbs
2g

Fat
0g

Sugar
Less than 1g

Flavors
Miss American Pie, Dutch Chocolate, Alpine Vanilla, Strawberry Ice Cream, Bourbon Banana Nut, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss, Cinnamon Sugar Donut, Blueberry Muffin, Pancakes and Maple Syrup, Raw Unflavored, Ice Cream Cookie Dream, Root Beer Float

Number Of Servings
29.2

This 100% whey protein isolate is the ultimate powder to provide fast acting support, repair, and recovery while also working to promote muscle protein synthesis, encourage optimal nitrogen retention, and really enhance lean muscle growth so you see those huge gains come to life. A 100% transparent label ensures no banned fillers or additives ruin this product and honestly shows no soy, lactose, gluten, or hormones are in this protein. Packed with 25g of protein, this supplement contains 0g fat, 1g carbs, and sits at just 100 calories, conducive for any diet. This protein isolate is gram for gram the purest form of protein available and you won’t find any banned substances to harm you. A full profile of only the best ingredients, this clean, honest, and fast digesting protein is a perfect protein powder for men.

NutraBio 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a fast acting supplement to promote support, repair, and recovery to better muscle protein synthesis and make those gains come to life. A clean product, this is perfect for your protein needs.

Pros

Great tasting and fast acting to support recovery, repair, and bulking
100% transparent label
Great ingredients like 5g BCAAs and 4g Glutamine
From a reputable and trusted company in NutraBio

Cons

Some flavors do contain sucralose and acesulfame potassium

Price: $39.99
Check out our individual review for NutraBio Whey Protein Isolate here!

Best Vegan Whey Alternative
Plant-based options are huge, especially for those of us sensitive to dairy or on a vegan diet. National Bodybuilding Co. sought the best approach with this powder to not sacrifice any gains to your strength and recovery.
National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan

Calories
117

Protein
20.5g

Carbs
2g

Fat
3g

Sugar
0g

Flavors
Chocolate

Number Of Servings
20

National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep Vegan Protein is designed to help bodybuilders progress faster in the gym and with their vegan goals and is a great protein powder for men. A 100% natural and organic plant-based protein, this works to increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis, optimize nutrient utilization, boost metabolic efficiency, and enhance athletic recovery. Using organic rice and pea protein, this supplement does not produce inflammation and is more bioavailable than dairy. With 117 calories and 20.5 grams of protein, this powder will work for your overall protein benefit as it helps you adopt a healthy lifestyle while building muscle and providing amino acids from a protein shake.

Pros

100% organic and naturally flavored with stevia
Low in calories, high in nutrients
Designed for cleaner and faster absorption for lean muscle growth and bulking
Manufactured to FDA standards and produced by a reputable company
Helps you lose weight and keep muscle while being easy to digest

Cons

Only 20 servings per container
Can only get it from their website directly
Chocolate is the only flavor

Price: $40.00
Check out our individual review for National Bodybuilding Co. Full Prep here!

Best Protein Powder For Fast Digesting
The benefit of protein powders are that they hit your body fast to give you all those nutrients. Kaged Muscle knows how important this is and wanted to create a supplement to boost all areas of your gains by giving you the best for fast digesting.
Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate

Calories
130

Protein
25g

Carbs
6g

Fat
1g

Sugar
4g

Flavors
Coffee Latte, Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores, Chocolate, Vanilla

Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 5-8oz. of cold water or your favorite beverage.

Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate is perfect for anyone looking to build muscle with a fast-digesting, pure, whey protein isolate. With 25g of 100% whey protein isolate, this powder has increased protein absorption thanks to a digestive enzyme technology used to enhance all of these nutrients so they hit you better. This protein is perfect for those looking to amplify muscle recovery and lean muscle growth and is naturally flavored with an amazing taste. A premium quality and well formulated whey isolate, this is a great protein powder for men for those fast-digesting needs.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate is great for those looking to build muscle from a fast-digesting and pure protein. With an enhanced digestive enzyme technology, all those nutrients hit you harder to amplify muscle growth and recovery.

Pros

Fast-digesting with increased absorption for better bulking
25g of 100% whey protein isolate and other nutrients
Naturally flavored

Cons

Premium priced option

Price: $44.99
Use code GENIRON10 for 10% off!

Benefits Of Protein Powders
What a protein powder can do is aid in all areas of your physical and mental wellbeing by pumping you with protein and other valuable nutrients to aid in your overall health and performance. From things like lean muscle growth, recovery, and weight loss, a high-quality protein powder can work real wonders for your gains.
Benefits of protein powders include:

Great source of protein: Protein powders tend to be packed with protein to give you a serious protein boost. A simple and convenient way to get protein, you can’t go wrong with a great shake that is sourced from whey or something more plant-based.
Serious muscle growth: Since protein is essential for muscle growth, having a powder that gives you a serious boost of protein can work wonders for all your bulking and lean muscle growth needs (1).
Enhanced recovery: Protein not only enhances growth but can help repair those damaged muscles. With a top tier protein powder, your recovery goals are right around the corner (2).
Help keep you full: These can help keep you full since protein does a great job with that. It will eliminate your desire to snack and help curb hunger by pumping you with other nutrients.
Aid in weight loss: By keeping you more full and curbing hunger, it will help with weight loss and enhance all those goals so you see that desired physique unfold (3). This can also help with your body composition as well.
Added nutritional benefits: Protein powders contain other vital nutrients that will help you function and can work wonders when it comes to bettering your overall health and wellness.

Protein Sources Used In Protein Powders
One of the decisions you as the consumer have to make is what kind of protein source you want for your protein powder. With so many to choose from it can be slightly overwhelming. But think about your goals and what you want most out of a good powder to really maximize the effects so your gains never falter.
Whey Sources

Whey Isolate: A more filtered form of whey, this will limit the amount of carbs and fat so you get little to none. An increased and almost pure source of protein, this is a great kind to keep on that lean muscle while looking to lose weight (4).
Whey Concentrate: This form gives you a healthy ratio of macronutrients while still pumping you with a large amount of protein. This is a great choice for those bulking up and looking for an increase in strength and size (5).

Non-Diary Sources

Pea Protein: A great plant-based option from yellow peas, this offers a complete profile of essential amino acids (EAAs) and will give you great benefits to lean muscle growth and recovery.
Brown Rice Protein: With a high amount of BCAAs, this will really give you a great boost to lean muscle growth and recovery. A source that tends to not have any irritants, it offers a clean source of protein (6).
Soy protein: Another source with a complete profile of amino acids, this source is great for fueling muscle protein synthesis. It does work best when paired with other sources of protein.

Other Non-Dairy Sources

Chia Seeds
Hemp
Sunflower Seed
Pumpkin Seed
Sprouts

Safety & Effectiveness Of Protein Powders
Protein powders are safe to consume and will be highly effective as you seek the best for your goals. Taking a protein supplement 15-60 minutes after your workout will allow for all those vital nutrients to really work on your behalf as you seek the best for your training and performance goals. By investing in high quality protein powders, you won’t be disappointed with the results.
How We Choose
When it came to choosing this list, we look at the best protein powders for men and ones that would really work to optimize both growth and recovery, as well as a host of other benefits these whey and non-dairy proteins can offer. We first looked at each brand and studied the ingredients, their reliability, and their mission. A good brand will work for you and the product you take should have a reputable company backing it. By focusing on the ingredients and the process which the product is made, we got a good sense for just how reliable and trustworthy each of these brands are. We know that supplements can be expensive but it is possible to find the right supplements at affordable prices so you get the best products around while still saving money for other things you love.

FAQ Section For Protein Powders
What is the best protein powder for men?
Performance Lab SPORT Protein. This protein is much cleaner than other protein powders out there. Being a brown-rice protein powder, anyone can use it for lean muscle growth and weight loss for this powder contains great ingredients. Regardless of whether you’re dairy intolerant, vegan, allergic to soy or gluten, Performance Lab Protein can be easily included in your diet at all times, whether you’re cutting or bulking.
How do vegan protein powders stack up against whey supplements?
Vegan and non-dairy supplements are great products especially when compared to whey. While whey tends to be the protein source most focused on, non-dairy sources have the potential to offer the same benefits while being great options for those sensitive to dairy or looking for a vegan option conducive to their lifestyle.

Check out our list of the Best Non-Dairy Protein Powders for great plant-based protein options!

Do I really need to take a protein supplement?
Taking a protein powder is totally up to you but for the benefits, it would be wise to take one. For those who work hard in the gym, a protein powder is perfect for giving you the best when it comes to your goals. For those looking to gain weight or increase lean muscle growth, a protein powder also serves as a great snacking option.
When is the best time to take one?
It is best to take a protein supplement in the window of 15-60 minutes after your workout. This will ensure all those vital nutrients hit your body so you don’t suffer any loss to your gains and continue bulking.
Wrap Up
Finding the best protein powder for men can be tough, but this list will hopefully help make that choice just a bit easier. A protein supplement has the ability to change all areas of your health and wellness, as well as training and performance and should not be an overlooked supplement for cutting or bulking. For the many benefits and great companies producing awesome powders, you should definitely consider putting a protein powder on your shelf for those post-workout needs. Check out our list above and see which supplement can work wonders for you.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References

Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; Lieberman, Harris R.; McLellan, Tom M. (2014). “Effects of protein supplements on muscle damage, soreness and recovery of muscle function and physical performance: a systematic review”. (source)
Leidy, Heather J.; Clifton, Peter M.; Astrup, Arne; Wycherley, Thomas P.; et al. (2015). “The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance”. (source)
Pal, Sebely; Ellis, Vanessa; Dhaliwal, Satvinder (2010). “Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individuals”. (source)
Tipton, Kevin D.; Elliott, Tabatha A.; Cree, Melanie G.; Wolf, Steven E.; et al. (2004). “Ingestion of Casein and Whey Proteins Result in Muscle Anabolism after Resistance Exercise”. (source)
Kalman, Douglas S. (2014). “Amino Acid Composition of an Organic Brown Rice Protein Concentrate and Isolate Compared to Soy and Whey Concentrates and Isolates”. (source)

By Presser

July 1, 2021

20 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Cira Nutrition Flare Fat Burner Review For Toning & Weight Loss

Work to tone, increase fat loss, and improve your mood with this fat burner from Cira Nutrition.
Product Overview
Even with a good diet and solid training routine, a fat burner may be in order to help alleviate some of those fat loss goals. Stubborn belly fat can be a pain and something you just don’t need or want. Even with hard training that fat may just not want to leave. But with a good quality fat burner, top tier ingredients mixed in with a great formula can work wonders for your gains. Cira Nutrition Flare Fat Burner is a high-quality and effective fat burning supplement that can seriously work to help you lose weight and boost your confidence.

A good fat burner will provide for a host of other benefits aside from burning away that stubborn fat. By kickstarting your metabolism, this will allow for increased energy so nothing can be stored as excess fat. Also working toward appetite suppression, you will eliminate the desire to snack so you stay on a more solid eating schedule. With the ability to maintain lean muscle and assist you cognitively, a good fat burner like Cira Nutrition Flare can offer you the best chance at succeeding with all your goals.

Cira Nutrition Flare is a great fat burner to tackle any of your toning, fat loss, and mood boosting needs. With powerful ingredients in an effective formula, that stubborn belly fat will go in no time.

Cira Nutrition is a supplements company that creates only the best products to help you reach your goals faster both inside and out of the gym. They are on your side, only producing the highest quality supplements around so you can lift more, feel better, and have the energy to still do other things you love. On a mission to help you grow in the gym and as a better person, Cira Nutrition is exactly what you need to succeed with all of your fitness and lifestyle goals.
Cira Nutrition Flare Highlights
Cira Nutrition Flare is an awesome fat burner to help you tone and feel good in your body. As an effective and safe supplement, this can help get rid of excess water weight, increase fat loss, boost energy, reduce stress, and improve your mood so you can keep doing the things you love and feel confident in doing so.
With 7 clean and effective ingredients, you can’t go wrong with this great fat burner from a highly reputable and honest company in Cira Nutrition. When it comes to your diet pills and the top ranked ingredients included in each, look no further than here for all your lean muscle maintenance and fat loss goals while still offering the best for performance.

Ingredients
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Works to help metabolize fat to decrease body mass and assist weight loss (1).
Ashwagandha: Through adaptogenic effects, it may encourage weight loss and help with things like stress, which can contribute to weight gain (2).
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate): Can increase calorie burn and help the body use stored fat for energy. It can also help reduce appetite.
Caffeine Anhydrous: Can speed up your metabolism and provide for energy boosts allowing for more fat burning during exercise (3).
L-Theanine: May help promote weight loss by preventing anxiety and stress, thus improving mood and reducing the urge to snack (4).
Cayenne Pepper Fruit Extract: Can curb your appetite, help speed up your metabolism, and allow you to burn more calories.
Black Pepper Fruit Extract: Helps stimulate the breakdown of fatty cells thus promoting fat loss (5).
Other Ingredients
Plant Cellulose Capsule, Rice Flour, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
2 Capsules

Stim Or Non-Stim
Stim

Best Way To Take
Take 2 capsules once daily with water, preferably in the morning or afternoon shortly before eating.

Price & Effectiveness
Cira Nutrition Flare Fat Burner is that fat burning supplement you need to help you tone, ditch excess water weight, increase fat loss, and improve your overall mood to be a better you. With 30 servings per container, 2 capsules as a serving size will give you these powerful ingredients so you get the best benefits possible.
Pros

Clean and effective ingredients
Great benefits to fat loss and lean muscle maintenance
From a reputable company in Cira Nutrition

Cons

Only available directly from their website
Premium priced option on the market

Price: $39.99

Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners For Women for more great fat burning products!

Overall Value
Cira Nutrition Flare Fat Burner is a great fat burning supplement to help with all your toning and fat loss needs. As a great product with awesome ingredients, this formula allows for toning, ditching excess water weight, increasing fat loss, boosting energy, and helping to improve your overall mood. Cira Nutrition is a company designing and creating supplements that reflect their consumers to better the lives of all. What you are really getting is a top tier fat burner with great ingredients and effective benefits from a company who cares about their consumers and products. Check out Cira Nutrition Flare Fat Burner today and see what this can do for all your weight loss goals.
Try Cira Nutrition Flare Fat Burner Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Cira Nutrition and Envato
Reference

Pooyandjoo, M.; Nouhi, M.; Shab-Bidar, S.; Djafarian, K.; et al. (2016). “The effect of (L-) carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)
Singh, Narendra; Bhalla, Mohit; de Jager, Prashanti; Gilca, Marilena (2011). “An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda”. (source)
Tabrizi, Reza; Saneei, Parvane; Lankarani, Kamran B.; Akbari, Maryam; et al. (2019). “The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)
Nobre, Anna C.; Rao, Anling; Owen, Gail N. (2008). “L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state”. (source)
Butt, Masood S.; Pasha, Imran; Sultan, Muhammad T.; Randhawa, Muhammad Atif; et al. (2013). “Black pepper and health claims: a comprehensive treatise”. (source)

By Presser

July 1, 2021

6 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Pioneer Custom Dyed Weightlifting Belts Review

Lift in style with these custom dyed lifting belts from Pioneer.
Product Overview
When it comes to lifting big and maximizing our gains, a weightlifting belt is one of those lifting tools that is essential in our gym bag. With many benefits to keeping us safe for longevity and more stable for better performance, it is no wonder why so many lifters have gravitated towards using a belt. As an efficient lifting tool to really maximize all gains, a weightlifting belt can change anyone’s mind once they pack on the weight. Pioneer Custom Dyed Weightlifting Belts offer a great quality belt that can be customized to whatever you like so you lift in style, but more importantly, your style.
While a weightlifting belt is not a back brace, with the increased engagement of your core and better stabilization when under so much weight, it will alleviate stress on your low back to allow for less pain and better range of motion. By using a weightlifting belt, it will allow you to worry less about that unwanted pain and more about form and your actual workout (1,2).

Shop at Pioneer
Pioneer is a division of General Leathercraft Manufacturing, Inc., a premiere company creating high-quality leather products including weightlifting belts and other exercise accessories and aids. With a great product line dedicated to assisting the needs of athletes everywhere, Pioneer has made it their mission to keep active individuals healthy and safe, especially as they lift big weight. Along with an amazing line of lifting belts, Pioneer also produces top tier knee wraps, wrist wraps, elbow wraps, and other equipment to keep athletes safe overall. Their mission is to provide great customer service and a product you will love to have and use. A company full of integrity and quality, Pioneer is a standout in the exercise equipment community.

Custom Dyed Belts Option
When it comes to Pioneer’s customization belt options, you can choose from five options to support your weightlifting needs.
Custom Dyed Lever Belts
This option comes in 3’’ or 4’’ all the way around and your choice of thickness to give you a durable and high-quality belt to last a lifetime. The adjustable lever allows for adjustment every half inch so your belt fits just right to offer the most versatility for your lifts.
Pioneer Cut Custom Dyed Power Belts
The Pioneer Cut is a patent pending design unique in that it allows for ½’’ increments as opposed to the traditional 1’’. That means you can find the best fit for you belt so you remain safe and with the correct tightness. This version is also available in 3’’ or 4’’ all the way around with your choice of thickness.
4’’ Custom Dyed Pioneer Cut Training Belts
Also including that patent pending Pioneer Cut design, these training belts are available with 4’’ in the back and taper to 2.5’’ on the sides and front. A great option for comfort and training, this belt is one to check out.
4’’ Custom Dyed Training Belts
Similar to the Pioneer Cut Training Belts, these are 4’’ in the back and taper to 2.5’’ on the sides and front. Perfect for training with the wider back and more narrow front, this allows for comfort and a great feel when under so much weight.
Custom Dyed Power Belts
These power belts are single pronged and are 3’’ or 4’’ all the way around with your choice of thickness. The rounded tongue option on these is only available in the 4’’ power belts, not the 3’’. Great for those looking for a more snug and secure feel, these power belts are awesome for lifting huge weight.

Customization Process
The custom dyed weightlifting belts are hand dyed by using a professional dye in house. For optimal quality, they are treated with a conditioner, polish, and sealant to really maximize look and longevity. These belts are built using the same 100% Vegetable Tanned Sole Leather that is used for all their belts and the customization is easy and allows for many options.
When looking to customize, you will start with your belt option and move onto custom dye options. From there you will choose your color and a fade option if you’d like to give the belt that extra dimension of style. For those looking to customize the outside and inside of their belt with a laser-burned message, you have that option as well to place it on the belt, on the loop, on the tongue, and to even laser-burn an image. Moving to the inside, you will have the option to embroider a message inside as well as choose your interior color. Next is the buckle type, belt tongue, buckle color, black edging, and stitch color to really round out your unique custom belt.
With so many options to choose from and an easy-to-use customization tool bar on their site, creating your unique belt is easy, fun, and will produce a great lifting belt for you.

Price & Effectiveness
As we look to the pricing of these belts, it is important to know that these prices listed below are solely for the starting cost of the belt. All customization options may have an additional price for each part of the above process so just be aware when customizing your own belt.
Custom Dyed Lever Belts: $152.00-$182.00
Pioneer Cut Custom Dyed Power Belts: $152.00-$182.00
4’’ Custom Dyed Pioneer Cut Training Belts: $152.00
4’’ Custom Dyed Training Belts: $132.00
Custom Dyed Power Belts: $132.00-$162.00
Pros

High-quality leather belts built to last
Great options in the lever belts and Pioneer Cut design
Awesome customization option throughout the whole process
From a reputable company in Pioneer

Cons

Premium priced options
Price can get more expensive with more customization options

Check out our list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for more great lifting products!

Overall Value
Pioneer Custom Dyed Weightlifting Belts are a great option for all your lifting belt needs. By using a weightlifting belt you work to tackle any issues when it comes to pain and strain, while also giving yourself the edge when it comes to performance. By offering more balance and stability, you can really tackle any big lift that comes your way. What you are really getting is a high-quality belt with awesome customization options for your style from a company who knows the needs of lifters. Check out Pioneer Custom Dyed Weightlifting Belts and see what these can do for your massive lifts today.
Try Pioneer Custom Dyed Weightlifting Belts Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Pioneer and Envato
References

Miyamoto, K.; Iinuma, N.; Maeda, M.; Wada, E.; Shimizu, K. (1999). “Effects of abdominal belts on intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure in the erector spinae muscles and myoelectrical activities of trunk muscles”. (source)
Finnie, S. B.; Wheeldon, T. J.; Hensrud, D. D.; Dahm, D. L.; Smith, J. (2002). “Weight Lifting Belt: Motivations For Use”. (source)

By Presser

June 28, 2021

6 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Unbound Unlock Beyond Fat Burn Review

Work for energy, appetite control, and fat burn with a fat burner proven to work.
Product Overview
Burning stubborn belly fat can be hard. That means toning and sculpting a shredded physique may seem just unobtainable. But take away the negative talk and really think about what needs to happen. A good diet, solid training plan, and an unphased mindset to get this fat loss done. Even with a lights out routine, some assistance is welcome and a fat burner is here to give you that vital boost you want most. Unbound Unlock is a seriously effective and powerful fat burning supplement designed to give you the best chance at fat loss so that shredded aesthetic is right around the corner.
A top tier fat burner will contain ingredients that are clean and effective to provide for benefits that actually work and results that are actually seen. A transparent label and fully disclosed ingredients list, matched by a powerful formula and one that is well-researched at that, can give you the best chance at fat loss so no doubt ever creeps into your mind again. Unbound Unlock does that and more as an awesome fat burning supplement to boost energy, offer better appetite control, and aid in that vital fat burn.

Shop at Unbound
Unbound is on a mission to help those self-starters get the gains they want most. They seek those who set the highest standards, not follow them, and whose demand for greatness is unparalleled by others. Unbound wants their athletes to be unequaled in a world of mediocrity and by designing and creating high quality supplements, they understand that those seeking to be the best, need the best when it comes to fueling their bodies and driving towards the top. A sister company to the amazing and top tier company NutraBio, their honesty and transparency shows through with every product.
Unbound Unlock Highlights
Unbound Unlock is an amazing fat burner created with the best ingredients to produce an all-star fat burning formula. With 11 effective and high-quality ingredients, Unlock has the power to enhance energy, support appetite control, and promote that vital fat burn you want most. With Unbound’s undivided dedication and uncompromising results, any athlete willing to push their limit will benefit greatly from Unlock’s true potential. Even though burning stubborn fat can be hard, Unbound Unlock makes it a reality.

Ingredients
MitoBurn L-BAIBA: Known to have benefits towards glucose uptake, free fatty acid oxidation, and changes in body composition. It can also support weight management by promoting greater energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity (1).
GBB: GBB is short for gamma-butyrobetaine and it can increase carnitine levels which support better fat burning and supports the body’s natural ability to mobilize and burn fatty acids for energy.
Grains Of Paradise: May help stimulate brown fat thermogenesis and increase whole-body energy expenditure while reducing body fat mass (2).
Cocoabuterol: A patented natural cocoa extract, this can support muscle protein synthesis, reduce muscle protein breakdown, promote fat utilization, and eliminate excess fluid in the body.
RhodioPrime: A quality form of Rhodiola, which is known for its mood-enhancing properties, this can support mood, motivation, focus, and energy for longer periods of time (3).
InnoSlim: May enhance glucose uptake into the muscle cells, support stable blood glucose levels and muscle energy production, and aid in weight loss.
Zum XR: Works to enhance the effects of other ingredients, like caffeine, for longer lasting effects in the body.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Help the body burn fat for energy, enhance mental energy, and support the production of key neurotransmitters (4).
L-Tyrosine: An essential amino acid used to produce neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and epinephrine which are vital for fat burning.
Caffeine Anhydrous: Increases energy, motivation, focus, and alertness while working to burst fatigue and kickstart your metabolism (5).
Flucoxanthin: Known to stimulate receptors in white fat cells and encourage a higher metabolic rate.
Other Ingredients
Citric acid, natural flavors, malic acid, sucralose, acesulfame potassium

Stim Or Non-Stim
Stim

Number Of Servings
20

Serving Size
1 scoop

Flavors
Raspberry Lemonade, Mojito, Melon Spice

Best Way To Take
Take 2 scoops with 12-16 oz. of water. To assess tolerance, take ½ scoop. Drink in the morning or any time before 5 p.m.

Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Unbound Unlock is the perfect supplement to boost your fat burning needs built around a great formula to enhance energy, support appetite control, and aid in that desired fat burn. With 20 servings per container, one serving size of 2 scoops will pump you with these amazing ingredients to give you everything from this powerful fat burner. Three flavors in Raspberry Lemonade, Mojito, and Melon Spice offer a delicious taste so you will never grow bored with it.
Featured Unbound Athlete

Erik Ramirez is an IFBB pro bodybuilder and Unbound athlete who uses their supplements to enhance his absolutely shredded aesthetic. With many competitions under his belt, he was crowned the 2015 North American Overall Champion and has competed in other events including the New York Pro, Toronto Pro, Tampa Pro 212, and the 2020 Chicago Pro Men’s Bodybuilding contest. Working with Unbound, Ramirez uses their high-quality supplements to fuel his workouts and recovery given their innovative formulas, clean ingredients, and advanced results for maximum gains.

Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners On The Market for more great fat burning supplements!

Overall Value
Unbound Unlock is that fat burning supplement you need to see those desired gains come to life. With 11 powerful and effective ingredients, Unlock works to boost energy, provide for better appetite control, and aid in that valuable fat burn you want most. Unbound works with those athletes who have an uncompromising approach to success, both physically and mentally, as they push themselves to the limit every day. What you are really getting is a top tier fat burning supplement with high-quality ingredients, great flavors, and real results. Check out Unbound Unlock today and unlock the fat burning potential you may not have known you had.
Try Unbound Unlock Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Unbound
References

Kitase, Yukiko; Vallejo, Julian A.; Gutheil, William; Vemula, Harika; et al. (2018). “B-aminoisobutyric Acid, l-BAIBA, Is a Muscle-Derived Osteocyte Survival Factor”. (source)
Sugita, Jun; Yoneshiro, Takeshi; Hatano, Takuya; Aita, Sayuri; et al. (2013). “Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract activate brown adipose tissue and increases whole-body energy expenditure in men”. (source)
Cropley, Mark; Banks, Adrian P.; Boyle, Julia (2015). “The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms”. (source)
Ferreira, Gustavo C.; McKenna, Mary C. (2017). “L-Carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine roles and neuroprotection in developing brain”. (source)
Tabrizi, Reza; Saneei, Parvane; Lankarani, Kamran B.; Akbari, Maryam; et al. (2019). “The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)

By Presser

June 25, 2021

6 min read

Muscle Chemistry Archive

Performance Lab SPORT Post Review For Growth & Recovery

Elevate your recovery and growth with this powerful and clean post-workout supplement.
Product Overview
For maximum muscle growth, you have a small window immediately after your workout ends. Since your muscles are the most sensitive to the anabolic effects of your training, your body needs to restore all of those vital nutrients for optimal recovery and the least amount of muscle damage. Eating a solid, high-protein meal is highly recommended, since this will offer many amazing natural benefits, but a good post-workout supplement will also do the trick. Performance Lab SPORT Post is one great post-workout supplement to target nutrients for a full recharge and serious muscle growth.
This post-workout supplement would make a great addition to a post-workout whey protein supplement, whether that be a whey isolate or a concentrate. What Performance Lab Post will do is ensure no essential nutrient vital for recovery and muscle growth is missed to give your body the best chance to see all of the gains from your workout.

Shop at Performance Lab
Performance Lab is a leader in nutritional supplements and with formulas that include industry-leading ingredients, their products combine nutritional technology with high-quality and innovative supplements to meet all of their consumers’ needs.
Their patented NutriGenesis process ensures clean, safe, and effective vitamins and minerals, and with clean labels that are non-GMO and 100% gluten-free, you can be sure that no hidden agendas lurk in your supplements. Their state-of-the-art facilities are current good manufacturing practices (CGMP) compliant and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
SPORT Post Highlights
Post is the world’s cleanest and smartest muscle-restoring post-workout supplement designed to meet all of your recovery and muscle-building needs. While working out causes damage to your muscles and inflammation, this can limit growth. SPORT Post works to counter these effects by pumping your body full of those depleted nutrients in efforts to optimize muscle growth and repair. For recovery, it works to give you faster support so you come back stronger to take on the next session.
This innovative sports-drink-in-a-capsule design is one way to ensure you efficiently rehydrate yourself when taken with water. As a clean, vegan-friendly, and easy to swallow capsule, SPORT Post is an efficient and convenient way to support healthy gains, faster recovery, and increased athletic performance.
Key Benefits:

Innovative sports-drink-in-a-capsule: Quickly rehydrates your body to give you the best chance at a solid recovery.
Promotes growth and recovery: Counters negative effects of working out by pumping you full of vital nutrients to maximize growth and repair.
A safe and effective supplement: SPORT Post is vegan-friendly, caffeine, gluten, and allergy free, and contains no additives or banned substances.
Ultramodern patented NutriGenesis process: Gives you all of the benefits of natural ingredients from the lab to ensure safe and effective supplements.

NutriGenesis Process
NutriGenesis is a patented process from Performance Lab where they mirror nutrient genesis found in nature. So while their vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are lab grown, this ultramodern technology allows for all the benefits of the natural process all while working from their state-of-the-art facilities. Through properly seeding and cultivating these nutrients, live cells metabolize and naturally grow new vitamins, minerals, and amino acids which include proteins, complex carbs, probiotics, and antioxidants. You can be sure your body will absorb these easily and effectively since NutriGenesis works to match whole foods’ natural structures.
Key Ingredients
These two key ingredients are the most abundant nutrients by far in SPORT Post and work to maximize your muscle growth and promote recovery in order to give you that much-needed boost for the next workout.
Creatine Monohydrate (1750 mg)
Creatine restores exercise-depleted muscles and works to promote healthy growth and repair through a number of ways. It helps maintain ATP energy in muscle by aiding the anabolic process, as well as increasing synthesis of proteins and stem cells to form new muscle (1). Since creatine is depleted during intense training, its ability to support your muscles is obviously limited, but by raising insulin levels slightly, it can promote muscle development (2). The added bonus is that the creatine in SPORT Post is bioavailable for easy access and no added distress.
Beta-Alanine (1200 mg)
Beta-alanine works as a muscle booster for your pre- and post-workout needs by raising muscle carnosine. Carnosine stores are an effective sports strategy for recovery and also enhancing athletic performance. By helping to neutralize exercise-induced free radicals and work to repair damaged muscles, this is great for your overall recovery (3). Through its ability to delay fatigue and work your muscle to optimal capacity, this can boost both muscular strength and endurance.
Ingredients
L-Glutamine: The most abundant amino acid in your body, it works to provide your muscle with energy and aid in growth and recovery (4). It can increase the antioxidant glutathione for an immune boost and protect muscle gains.
Himalayan Pink Salt: An unprocessed, high-quality salt, it will maintain hydration and help restore fluids lost during your workout.
Pomegranate Extract: A rich source of antioxidants, this can enhance muscle circulation and soothe aches and inflammation. This will really work for your benefit with its properties for overall recovery (5).
Potassium: A solid mineral, potassium helps with muscle contraction and overall cardiovascular endurance (6). As part of the NutriGenesis process, this lab-grown mineral will enhance bioavailability and offer relief after those high-intensity workouts.

Price & Effectiveness
Performance Lab SPORT Post is a great post-workout supplement designed to help tackle any and all of your muscle building and recovery needs. With 20 servings per container, 6 NutriCaps will give you all these great ingredients so your gains never falter.
Pros

Quality ingredients and their ultramodern patented NutriGenesis process
Natural benefits from lab-grown nutrients
Vegan-friendly, and non-GMO

Cons

Premium priced option
6 capsules is a lot per serving

Price: $39.00
Overall Value
Performance Lab SPORT Post is a solid post-workout supplement to aid in your recovery and muscle growth after a tough workout. Paired with a protein supplement or a high-protein meal, all of the benefits will be heightened for your overall growth and performance. With clean ingredients from a great patented NutriGenesis process, this post-workout supplement is really something to consider. What you are really getting is a supplement to promote recovery and growth with valuable nutrients from a reputable company who seeks to provide innovative supplements for their consumers. Try SPORT Post and watch your post-workout gains elevate to new heights.
Try Performance Lab SPORT Post Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Performance Lab and Envato
References

Kreider, Richard B. (2003). “Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations”. (source)
Kerksick, Chad M.; Wilborn, Colin D.; Campbell, William I.; Harvey, Travis M.; Marcello, Brandon M.; Roberts, Mike D.; Parker, Adam G.; Byars, Allyn G.; Greenwood, Lori D.; Almada, Anthony L.; Kreider, Richard B.; Greenwood, Mike (2009). “The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation With and Without D-Pinitol on Resistance Training Adaptations”. (source)
Saunders, Bryan; Sunderland, Caroline; Harris, Roger C.; Sale, Craig (2012). “B-alanine supplementation improves YoYo intermittent recovery test performance”. (source)
Gleeson, Michael (2008). “Dosing and Efficacy of Glutamine Supplementation in Human Exercise and Sport Training”. (source)
Shiban, Mutahar S.; Al-Otaibi, Mutlag M.; Al-zoreky, Najeeb S. (2012). “Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruit Peels”. (source)
Karaki, H.; Urakawa, N.; Kutsky, P. (1984). “Potassium-induced contraction in smooth muscle”. (source)

By Presser

June 25, 2021

7 min read