CytoSport has their facilities inspected and regulated by the FDA, earning them a distinction among competitors. Just like all other products, however, their statements/claims are not evaluated by the FDA. This product is made specifically for athletes, created so that hard-gainers (those who work out but have a difficult time gaining weight/mass) can see the results they’ve desired for so long.Cyto incorporates a great ratio of proteins to carbohydrates, and avoid the pitfalls of adding in too many simply sugars. They also include creatine and L-glutamine, which gives this product an edge over those who don’t (most notably, MHP’s Up Your Mass does not include any creatine, a product known to help with athletic performance and recovery used by many professional athletes). This product is vegetarian-friendly, but not vegan-friendly. It is also gluten free and contains added vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Info
There are 2 scoops per serving and Cyto Gainer advises that you use their drink mix twice a day. If you do, those two servings will net you 560 calories that divide into 74g of carbohydrates, 54g of protein, and 4.5g of fat. On top of that, you also get 3g of creatine. Cyto Gainer also features an amino acid profile very similar to that of MHP’s Up Your Mass. This nutritional make-up does have less fat than the 45/35/20 ratio would require, but that can be helped by mixing the powder with whole milk or adding some nut butters into the mix. Of course, if you want that lower amount of fat, then this is great for you, as the powder can be mixed with water and thus your net fat intake overall is very low.The complex carbohydrates in the formula are of the highest quality; these carbs work to replenish the glycogen levels in the muscle tissue after a workout, making it a great recovery drink. Cyto also advises that you take Cyto Gainer before a workout to make sure that you have the essential nutrients in your system to work hard and avoid injury or fatigue.This product does not contain sucrose or dextrose, but it does contain sucralose, which can be a concern to some.
Effectiveness
Users report that when used correctly, that is used in conjunction with a meal plan that supports healthy living and a strict workout routine, Cyto Gainer does help increase muscle mass. There are a number of nice, highly detailed reviews that take the time to break down the way they gain, which provides a rubric for others to follow should they be in the dark. This product does not seem to cause any bloating in most persons and many report enjoying the taste, which makes drinking this less of a chore and overall more effective. Cyto Gainer markets itself as gluten-free and those with celiac disease are able to use this product without issue, providing a banner of reassurance to those who might be worried.
The Difference
The big difference lies in the inclusion of creatine. Sure, you can get a separate supplement for creatine if you want it, but having it already integrated into your weight gain powder just makes everything easier. Creatine promotes muscle growth and improves recovery time, meaning you’ll get more results out of your workouts and you’ll feel better, more energized every time the next workout hits (less sore, etc).Another Bonus that Cyto has is that they are free of banned substances. This puts them in compliance with the NSF program, providing a certification that backs up their claims.Cyto also offers a “subscribe and save” method of payment that will help reduce overall costs should you like the product and want to be on it long term.
Breakdown
Cyto Gainer could be the right buy for you if:
- It’s important that your powder includes creatine.
- You’re looking for a lower fat content.
- You need to be gluten-free.
Cyto Gainer might not be right for you if:
- You have no dietary restrictions and need the best results possible.
- You don’t want to take creatine supplements.
- You want a higher fat content.
The Bottom Line
Cyto Gainer is a great option for bulking up, especially if you’re looking for a product that includes creatine. In terms of effectiveness, it does seem to lose out a little bit to MHP’s Up Your Mass, which could be accounted for by the fat content difference. If you already get a lot of fat in your diet otherwise or you’re willing to supplement, then Cyto could be in the same category as MHP. As it stands, Cyto doesn’t get to be the best of the best, but it’s still a solid product that will give you results in bulking up, and who knows? It could just be the right one for you, because for as many people who have stomach issues with Cyto, there are just as many who have stomach issues with MHP, so it’s just a matter of finding what will work best for your body. Cyto Gainer’s less effective qualities shouldn’t be seen as drastic, however; they still have a 4/5 star rating on Amazon, making this gainer among the top 5.