What Does a Mass Gainer Do and Are There Side Effects?

A mass gainer is a dietary or workout supplement used to help you gain weight and lean body mass. Potential side effects of mass gainers include increased risk of type 2 diabetes, paresthesias, liver problems, weight gain, and other issues.

If you want to gain weight or bulk up, a mass gainer can help you do it. A mass gainer is a supplement that contains nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fats to help you gain weight. 

Here’s everything you need to know about mass gainers, how they work, their side effects, and how to choose the best one for you.

A mass gainer is a dietary or workout supplement used to help you gain weight and lean body mass. It is high in calories and contains varying amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients. It typically has higher levels of fats and carbohydrates than protein, though. 

Mass gainers are high-calorie supplements available in powder form. You can consume them by mixing a scoop of the powder in water or milk.

A mass gainer is rich in carbohydrates or fats to supply you with extra calories. It generally contains lower levels of protein but may still contain casein, whey, soy, pea, or hemp protein. It may also contain amino acids like beta-alanine and branched-chain amino acids that help you gain muscle mass. 

A mass gainer may also have a protein called creatine, which can increase lean mass and muscular strength in people who exercise. It also contains vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals that help keep your body hydrated.

A mass gainer has more carbohydrates and fats than proteins. It is a good source of extra calories, especially if you are training to build muscle and bulk up. 

Whey protein mainly consists of protein with fewer carbohydrates and fats. As a result, whey protein is better if you’re trying to gain only lean muscle mass without increasing body fat levels.

Mass gainers increase your intake of dietary protein and calories. Consuming more calories and protein enhances muscle protein production. It helps build muscle, especially if you do resistance or strength training exercises. Over time, you gain weight and muscle mass as a result.

You need adequate post-workout nutrition to refuel and recover after working out. Mass gainers can help replenish the energy reserves or glycogen in your muscles. They also help repair muscle damage and build muscle tissue. 

Most mass gainers have higher levels of carbohydrates than proteins to help you build muscle mass and store glycogen. Some also contain fats that help you gain more calories and energy for strength training exercises. Research shows that a 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein is ideal for consumption after a workout.

Mass gainers also help you maintain a positive protein balance — when protein production in the body outpaces protein breakdown. Having more proteins and carbohydrates and exercising regularly can help you achieve a positive protein balance even as you build muscle mass.

Mass gainers are safe for most people. However, certain ingredients may contribute to potential mass gainer side effects. They include:

1. Branched-chain amino acids. A study revealed that a high intake of branched-chain amino acids can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
2. Beta-alanine. A common side effect of high beta-alanine intake is paresthesia, which is a burning or tingling sensation in the skin.
3. Steroids. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified steroid or steroid-like ingredients in certain mass gainer products. These steroids may lead to serious health risks, including liver injuries, kidney damage, heart and vein problems, and strokes, which can be fatal. They can also cause acne, hair loss, mood changes, and depression.
4. Creatine. High creatine levels can cause diarrhea, stomach ache, and muscle cramps, especially in children. It can also lead to excessive weight gain that can affect physical activity in young athletes. Reports suggest that children below 18 should avoid creatine supplements. 
5. Casein and whey protein. Excess protein intake can lead to adverse health effects, especially in young people. Also, people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance must avoid taking mass gainers with casein and whey protein.
6. Calories. Mass gainer supplements are calorie-rich and can lead to excess weight gain if you don’t exercise or train regularly. 

There’s no fixed daily dose of mass gainer that every individual should take. For best results, follow the instructions on the product label. Also, consult a physician before you start taking mass gainers. They can help you determine the correct dose for your body and goals.

If you’re trying mass gainers for the first time, start with low doses and gradually increase your intake to avoid side effects. At the same time, ensure that you supplement mass gainer consumption with strength or resistance training exercise to prevent excess weight gain.

If you’re looking for a mass gainer, here are some things to consider: 

• Select a mass gainer tested by a third-party testing organization such as NSF International to ensure high quality and purity.
• Calculate your current calorie intake and the extra calories you need per day based on your fitness goals. Consult your physician for the proper dose and the duration you need to take the mass gainer. 
• Check the price, serving size, and concentration to help you select a suitable mass gainer. 
• Check the label and get a mass gainer based on your food preferences. If you want sugar-free products, choose a mass gainer with natural sugars and stevia instead of artificial sweeteners. Avoid mass gainers with casein or whey protein if you’re vegan, allergic to dairy, or lactose intolerant. 
• Check the safety information and customer reviews before buying a mass gainer.

Workout supplements like mass gainers are not subject to FDA regulation. This means that the FDA doesn’t check their safety or effectiveness before they are released to the market for use. So, research the ingredients and effects of mass gainers before taking them. Consult a physician or nutritionist before taking mass gainers or any other weight gain supplements. 

Also, follow the instructions and stick to the recommended daily allowance mentioned on the pack label for safety. If you’re taking a mass gainer for the first time, start with small amounts and gradually increase the dose. Avoid mass gainer products if you’re allergic to any of their ingredients.