Tuesday 25 June 2013

MusclePharm Casein review


Catergory: Casein Protein
Brand / Model: "MUSCLEPHARM CASEIN"
Flavor: Chocolate Milk (3 lbs)
No of servings: ~43 servings ( approx 1 to 1.5 months)

Date of purchase: 08 June 2013
Place of purchase: Nutrifirst, Singapore (www.nutrifirst.net
Price: S$ 58.00 (free delivery for purchases above S$ 100.00)
Price per serving: S$ 1.34 per serving / scoop
Extras / Gift: Free MusclePharm Assault sample packet

Supplement Facts:


3 Lbs.Chocolate Milk
Serving Size1ScoopApprox. (30g)
Servings Per Container46‡
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value†
Calories110
Calories From Fat5
Total Fat0.5g1%
Total Carbohydrates2g1%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars1g*
Protein25g50%
Calcium588mg60%
Iron1mg6%
Sodium100mg4%
Digestion Enhancing Enzyme Blend:60mg*
Protease, Lactase
Typical Amino Acid Profile (Mg Per Serving)*
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
L-Tryptophan304mg
L-Valine1461mg
L-Threonine1034mg
L-Isoleucine1201mg
L-Leucine2385mg
L-Lysine2020mg
L-Phenylalanine1124mg
L-Methionine634mg
Conditionally Essential Amino Acids (CAAs)*
L-Arginine874mg
L-Cysteine160mg
L-Tyrosine1206mg
L-Histidine642mg
L-Proline2298mg
Glutamine & Precursors5240mg
Nonessential Amino Acids (NAAs)*
Aspartic Acid1850mg
L-Serine1338mg
L-Glycine425mg
L-Alanine779mg
† Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
* Daily Value not established
** The Tryptophan in this product is naturally occurring.
Other Ingredients:
Micellar Casein, Cocoa Powder, Digestion Resistant Maltodextrin, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Salt.
Allergen Warning: This Product Contains Milk And Soy. This Product Was Produced In A Facility That May Also Process Ingredients Containing Milk, Egg, Soybeans, Shellfish, Fish, Tree Nuts, And Peanuts.

Most average gym goers should that a post workout protein shake is a must after a gym session. I also do hope that they know the rationale behind drinking it which is to supply protein into our body to allow our body to repair the torn muscle fibres and create new ones. Our body needs a constant supply of protein throughout out the day for this process to be carried out effectively.

What about at night when we are fast asleep? This is where many people tend to overlook. You see, the main bulk of our body's recovery takes places when we are asleep. Why? Cos we are doing nothing else but to breathe and our body goes into recovery mode. An average person sleeps about 6 to 8 hours a day and during that time we do not eat or drink, unless you don't mind waking up in the wee hours to drink a protein shake! That's when casein comes into play.

To put it bluntly, micellar casein protein (or simply casein) is a slow digesting protein. Unlike whey protein isolate, which is fast absorbing and ideal for post workout consumption, casein is absorbed slowly providing hours or repair and maintenance to our muscles. One of the best thing about casein is that its perfect for consumption during non training days to ensure that your body gets a steady supply of protein for muscle repairs.

In a nutshell, its the perfect before-bed snack / drink.

MusclePharm, a US company founded in 2008 by a former professional NFL player, can be considered a new kid on the block in the supplement market. But backed by a good marketing campaign, a nice / eye catching packaging and competitive pricing, slowly gym goers are switching over to their brand. 

In my past experiences, casein has never come cheap. Most of the time, it's price slightly higher than whey protein. I've consumed a leading brand of casein (4 lb) before and it's priced almost double than MUSCLEPHARM CASEIN. It's a no brainer decision. Ideal for those who would like to get most out of their dollar.

Taste wise, I chose chocolate flavor (the safest and almost fool proof choice). I've had bad experiences trying other flavors from any protein or any brand. Chocolate flavor is the safest choice. I don't want to go into details on how I survived 3 longest month of my life with a 10 lb bag of strawberry whey protein. Not to mention how my "manliness" was dented when I was seen with a pink colour solution and often mistaken as strawberry milk!

I wouldn't say  MUSCLEPHARM CASEIN is the most soluble protein powder out there. You really need a sufficient amount of water and really give your shaker bottle a good shaker for at least 30 seconds for it to dissolve. Despite that, clumps or powder reside can be seen. That's the minus point of it.

I've been consuming casein for the past 1 year now and all I can say there is a visible effect on it. I know it may be contradicting with my previous post, where I mentioned it's hard to gauge the effectiveness of protein powder. In the first month of my casein intake, I was maintaining my diet and workout intensity. No changes to that except that every night, I started to consume casein. This is due to the supply of protein and amino acids my body is receiving for muscle repairs while asleep. Within a month, I can see visible effects on my body and the best part it I don't feel as hungry after waking up.

To sum it up, I would highly encourage gym goers to consume casein. It's the fuel our body needs at night. MUSCLEPHARM CASEIN is the best choice in terms of a bang for buck casein powder.

ADVANTAGES

- provides the body constant supply of protein and amino acids for muscle repairs at night
- a perfect meal replacement
- the perfect drink on a non training day
- competitive pricing

DISADVANTAGES

- slightly pricier
- doesn't comes in a bigger packaging
- doesn't mix well


**This review is carried out to my best knowledge / experience, personal reference / opinion and without prejudice to any parties.**

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