When looking at the supplement’s features, you are supposed to analyze its composition. You shouldn’t settle for a particular product without checking out its ingredient list. Some brands may use ingredients that are not considered to be safe for consumption. Other products might have ingredients that may cause you allergic reactions.

Always check if the ingredient list has Carrageenan written on it. Some brands use it to make their products creamier. That is why you can easily find it in some yogurts and creams. Carrageenan is not safe because it can cause ulcers, tumors, and intestinal lesions, to mention a few.

For the best results, you need to ensure that you check the supplement’s level of nutrition as well. The best supplements contain the following ingredients;

BCAA
BCAA are branched amino acids. These amino acids are what makeup longer and complex proteins in the body. They are what make it possible for your muscles to recover. That is why the supplements will benefit you after tough training sessions and strenuous workouts.

Glycine
Glycine is a form of amino acid that has several benefits. When you ingest it, the body produces extra growth hormones as a result. By doing so, it helps protect your muscles and is also responsible for their growth. In the end, it helps you recover quickly post-workout. Other Glycine benefits include anti-aging effects.

Creatine
The human body converts creatine into raw energy. That is why supplements that contain it, will always give you an energy boost. Creatine also contributes to muscle growth and mass. It helps them retain more water and therefore increases their size.

Glutamine
During intensive training, the body’s glutamine levels drop drastically. Supplements with glutamine help replenish the protein levels in the body. It strengthens your muscles and also helps them recover from stress. When you fail to replenish the glutamine in your body, you will lack stamina and experience fatigue. Taking supplements will help you get back to your training because you won’t have to wait for a week for your body to naturally replenish the protein.

There are different types of mass gainers in the market. One of the things that differentiate them is their source materials. Let’s look at the types of supplements in the market and how they differ from each other:

Isolates
These types of supplements undergo thorough processing to ensure that there’s only protein left in the contents. That means that they don’t contain any traces of sugar or fats. These kinds of products are an excellent fit for people who only want protein in their supplements, without other components. Their main benefit is that you can avoid other things like sugar if you prefer not to include them in your diet.

Casein
Casein supplements are made from milk. One of the benefits of using such products is that Casein is sustainable when it comes to delivering amino acids to the muscles. It’s a very good source of BCAA, but it also has its downfalls. Casein is not easy to digest. It takes much longer compared to products like whey. In fact, it can take hours just to get absorbed by the body.

You are advised to take such supplements before you sleep to make the digestion process easier. Some also find that the results it produces are slightly significant. That’s why you’ll find users mixing it with other supplements to get the best results.

Whey
Like Casein, whey is also from milk. If you have used various weight inducing supplements, then you must have noticed that most of them use whey as their preferred source. Unlike Casein, Whey is easier on the digestive system. It also has more BCAAs (branched amino acids), making its supplements more effective than those with Casein. You can trust that you are going to get positive results when using Whey.

Hydrolysates
These are proteins that are more refined than isolates. When making them, the isolates are further broken down to get hydrolysates. This involves more exposure to enzymes to get the desired results. Hydrolysates are also easier to digest and make it quicker for your body to take in nutrients. However, because of the complexity of its process, these kinds of supplements tend to be more expensive.

Concentrates
Compared to the other forms of supplements, concentrates are not very refined. You are likely to find such supplements with sugar and fat contents from the sources. Some people avoid them because some of them still contain gluten and lactose as well. Since they are unprocessed, supplements with concentrates cost much less than their counterparts.

Once you know what the supplement has to offer and what to expect from it, you will be able to make better purchasing decisions. Effective supplements result in certain benefits.

For one, you will know if a mass gainer is working if it helps you build muscle. People who add these supplements to their routine achieve their body goals faster compared to those who exclusively work out. That is why they come highly recommended for people who are starting a new bodybuilding regimen.

Good supplements will also give you the energy you need to carry on with an intense workout. Reason being, they are rich in carbohydrates. So you won’t get worn out quickly during your training sessions. You will also acquire a lean physique after some time. The supplements have dietary fat that supplements your bodybuilding efforts, especially those that have whey protein.

When you pick out supplements which are rich in fiber, you will notice an overall improvement in your health. Such supplements will improve your digestion as well as help you with bloating issues. Another way in which they contribute to your health is by providing you with vitamins and minerals.

Effective supplements eliminate the need for products such as protein powders because they can deliver all the nutrients you need. You will get sufficient creatine and quick-acting carbs. That is why some people find them more complete and more useful for bodybuilding.

If the supplement you buy is effective, you will notice that your recovery will be much faster. People who purchase quality products tend to have enhanced recovery rates after some time. The glutamine in these products also help support one’s immune system.

These supplements are available in several quantities. You can get them in both small and large sizes, depending on the brand you select. Some brands even offer up to five different size variations. There are several things that should help you determine the quantity you need.

If you are looking to save some cash, you are better off purchasing the largest quantities. Most of them have discounts, and the volume is justifiable in relation to the price. There are still some brands that charge a little too much for the smaller containers. When you consider how much you are paying for a few servings, you’ll find that it’s not worth the purchase. Avoid smaller quantities in such scenarios, to be on the safe side.

However, there are scenarios where buying a smaller container will work in your favor. If you are working with a budget and it’s the only size you can afford, then you should make the purchase. There’s no need to consider the larger-sized containers if you have limited funds.

Another good reason for purchasing a smaller sized container is when you are testing out a new product. You don’t want to get stuck with a product that you won’t use, in case you end up disliking it. Always start small and work your way up.

Just like with other types of supplements, there are also a few side effects that come with ingesting mass gainers. Granted, it’s not a guarantee that you are going to exhibit any of them. But, that does not mean that you should turn a blind eye to their existence. You should gather as much information as you can about such supplements so that you can know what to expect.
The following are some of the side effects associated with weight gainers:

1. Liver issues
Overloading your body with these supplements can lead to liver damage. You should always ensure that you take the recommended dosage so that you do not put your liver at risk. Users are also advised to avoid taking supplements with alcohol.

2. Your muscles might cramp up
When taking the supplements, avoid pushing yourself too much. When you train too hard without monitoring your water/fluid intake, you will start getting muscle cramps, and muscle pulls. Always make sure that you stay hydrated to avoid these effects.

3. Diabetes development
People develop insulin resistance when they take high glycemic foods for a long time. The insulin resistance can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. People who take a lot of weight gainers are at risk because most of the supplements have high glycemic carbs.

4. Constipation and other stomach issues
People get constipated when their fiber intake is low. Constipation can occur when taking the supplements because most of them are low in fiber but high in calories.

When you fail to manage your dosage, you will end up dealing with gastrointestinal distress. Some people tend to feel nauseated while others get diarrhea. Other causes of these two symptoms include when you digest supplements that have not been properly mixed.

5. Unwarranted weight gain
When taking these supplements, people tend to consume a lot of calories. That is why you have to make sure that you burn calories as well. If you burn fewer calories than what you consume, you are certainly going to gain weight.

Before you decide to add excess calories to your diet, you need to make sure that you have adjusted your workout regimen. That way you can match up the two so that you do not gain fat from the unutilized calories.

6. Kidney issues
Some people believe that excessive intake of the supplements can damage one’s kidney. However, this theory has been identified as a misconception by some experts. If you are planning to start taking the mass supplements, you should be cautious because there is a connection between the powders and issues like kidney stones. All in all, make sure that you get a go-ahead from your physician before you start your dosage.

7. Respiratory issues
Some users experience breathing problems as side effects. Such issues mostly come about when people take excessive doses of supplements. The respiratory issues include; wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and asthma. People who have breathing problems are advised to tread lightly when it comes to adding weight supplements to their diets.