Serious Mass is a mass-gainer protein powder made by Optimum Nutrition.
It’s designed to assist with muscle gain in those who struggle to gain weight.
Optimum Nutrition was founded in 1986 in the USA, and are best known for their Gold Standard protein powder.
Ingredients Label
Active Ingredients
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a processed form of plant starch.
Unfortunately it is very high GI, and releases energy even faster than sugar.
This means it’s fast-absorbing, which is good in small amounts post-workout. However, you probably don’t want to consume it in large amounts.
Avoid this if you’re diabetic.
Protein Blend
The protein blend in this formula contains a variety of protein types, including whey, casein, and egg protein.
All of these sources are high in the amino acids relevant to muscle growth and recovery, and are digested at different rates (1, 2).
This provides a steady stream of protein for muscle repair.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is an extremely well-studied supplement.
Although you can find it in small amounts in animal products, supplementing with large amounts can help with performance.
Creatine monohydrate is the most proven and cost-effective form, and has been shown to increase ATP energy muscle.
This results in power output and strength increases (3).
It needs to be taken at about 5g daily.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that is believed to improve muscle growth and recovery (4).
Most research has shown this is untrue if you are already consuming adequate protein (5).
Choline Bitartrate
Choline is used by your body to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.
Research shows that people who consume more choline perform better cognitively, but bitartrate isn’t the greatest source (6, 7).
Who Takes It?
Those wanting a quick source of protein and calories to assist them in gaining weight will benefit from Serious Mass.
How to Take
Mix two heaping scoops of Serious Mass with about 710 mL of water or milk, and consume as desired.
Side Effects
Whey protein may worsen an existing kidney or liver condition. Exercise caution if you already have issues with your kidneys or liver.
Maltodextrin can significantly spike insulin when consumed in large amounts. Be careful with this if you are diabetic.
Pros
- A variety of different proteins for both fast and slow absorption
- Added creatine, glutamine, and other extras
- Easy way to consume extra calories.
Cons
- Maltodextrin isn’t an ideal carbohydrate source for consuming in large amounts, especially for diabetics
- The extras like creatine and choline are included in ineffective forms or quantities.
Conclusion
Serious Mass is a formula that does what it is meant to do, which is provide protein and extra calories to help build mass.
However, using high-GI maltodextrin is a bad way to do this, and the added extras aren’t included in effective forms.
The mixture of protein sources is a nice touch, allowing a mixture of quick- and slow-absorbing proteins.