Nutritional supplements are gaining immense popularity due to the fast results they provide. With an ever-increasing number and types of these supplements, understanding the specific use of each one is complex, and you might need clarification on two or more terms. However, if you are planning to involve a supplement in your diet to achieve your fitness goals, it is essential to understand its specific use.
This post is a detailed explanation of the difference between two supplements that are commonly mistaken to be the same- Mass Gainers and Weight Gainers. Reading below will also unearth which one of these supplements is the best one for bodybuilding.
What are Mass Gainers?
The high-calorie supplements containing carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fats, and other nutrients in varying amounts are known as mass gainers. Although commonly called mass gainer protein, the protein content in mass gainers is less than that of fats and carbohydrates. The low levels of protein in these supplements are because they are consumed to increase the calorie level in the body. This increased level of calories promotes muscle gain.
An ideal mass gainer provides around 300 to 1200 calories per serving. The protein content in mass gainers is low. However, the quality of protein used is quite high to make it possible to maintain the essential protein level of the body.
Why does one consume Mass Gainer?
As you are familiar with what mass gainers are and what they contain, it is time to know the purpose behind their intake. Mass gainers are taken by individuals who wish to gain muscle mass. These supplements support muscle gain and help build the desired muscular body. When an individual intakes mass gainers regularly and follow an exercise routine, they can gain muscle mass in a shorter period.
What are Weight Gainers?
It is now time to demystify a common myth of believing that mass gainers and weight gainers are the same. You must understand that these two are quite different and serve different purposes. A mass gainer can be used to increase weight along with muscle gain. However, weight gainer is an umbrella term with a broader perspective.
Weight gain supplements contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. But how are they different from mass gainers if they both contain the same things? The difference lies in the composition of these nutrients and how they affect the body. By providing high calories, weight gainers help consumers gain weight. These supplements are also high in fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Why does one consume Weight Gainer?
Some individuals struggle to gain the required weight even after having a balanced diet. Such individuals, also known as hard gainers, either have a high metabolism or other medical conditions for which they cannot gain desired weight. A weight gainer is consumed by hard gainers. Along with a workout routine, these supplements are included in their diet to gain the required calories and put on some weight.
Mass gainer vs Weight gainer
By reading above, you might have got a brief idea of how mass gainers and weight gainers are two different supplements based on their purpose. However, there are several other differentiating aspects you must know before making a choice on which one is the best for bodybuilding. Hence, this section of the post will differentiate between mass gainers and weight gainers based on different aspects.
- Nutrient composition
Both these supplements contain calories and some macronutrients. However, they serve entirely different needs.
Carbohydrates- Carbohydrates help you gain weight. As a result, weight gainers have more carbohydrate content than mass gainers.
Proteins- Protein content in weight gainers is less than in mass gainers.
Calories- As weight gainers help gain weight, they provide a higher amount of calories than mass gainers.
Fibre- The fibre content in these supplements help enhance digestion and muscle power gain. When compared to weight gainers, mass gainers provide more fibre content.
- Purpose
Mass gainers and weight gainers serve different purposes even after containing the same ingredients. As the name suggests, weight gainers are consumed by hard gainers to gain weight. On the other hand, mass gainers are used by bodybuilders to gain muscle mass.
- Usage
Weight gainers are used by hard gainers to refuel their carbohydrate storage to enhance performance and gain the required weight. Whereas mass gainers are used to gaining lean muscle mass, and during calorie restriction, these supplements are used to spare lean muscle mass.
Which Is The Best For Bodybuilding?
If you are a bodybuilding enthusiast and wish to know which of the two supplements is the best for bodybuilding- Mass gainer is the answer you are looking for. These supplements are high in calories and provide other macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats and amino acids. All these together work to help gain lean muscle mass. However, they must always be combined with an appropriate workout regime for desired results.
Takeaway
The above-discussed gainers are the most popular supplements people use to achieve their fitness goals. Both mass gainers and weight gainers are a blend of calories and macronutrients, and they might also contain other healthy ingredients to enhance their composition. However, even after containing similar ingredients, it is essential to understand that both these supplements have their respective uses and must use only the one that serves the purpose behind consuming it. So, if you are a bodybuilder and need a muscle-building supplement, a mass gainer is the best choice.
With the growing popularity of these supplements, you will find numerous options in the market. However, if you want the best one, visit Wellcurve, where you get various options to explore before purchasing.