Mass gainer

Protéalpes mass gainer provides a concentrated caloric surplus essential for rapid muscle mass gain. 

Its enriched formula combines whey protein and complex carbohydrates via our organic manioc maltodextrin to optimize muscle development. 

This gluten-free nutritional supplement is particularly effective for supplementing the diets of people with fast metabolisms, or those struggling to reach their calorie targets through diet alone.

The first two designations are highly marketing-oriented and have no regulatory and/or standardized basis. Lean gainer contains a higher protein/carbohydrate ratio to theoretically promote "dry" muscle mass gain, with less risk of fat gain. 

Hard gainer is a high-calorie formula designed for natural "hardgainers" who struggle to gain weight despite a rich diet (ectomorphs). 

The mass gainer (or weight gainer) is a general name that proposes an optimal balance between proteins and carbohydrates for sustainable mass gain, in order to achieve the classic mass gain targets of 45/55 kcal/kg/d and 1.8/2.2 g/kg/d of protein, from all sources. It is designed for profiles that have difficulty gaining weight (ectomorphs) or for athletes who lose weight over a season.

The amount of carbohydrates is 70 g of carbohydrates (of which sugars are around 20 g), and around 23 g of protein, giving a carbohydrate:protein ratio of 3:1. It's a bit like adding half a banana to a whey shaker.

To help you achieve your weight and muscle gain goals, Protéalpes currently offers 5 flavors (at the same price): cocoa, strawberry, caramel, coffee and, of course, our vanilla gainer, with real, organic, non-depleted Bourbon vanilla powder from Madagascar. We don't offer any fancy flavors, but you can easily personalize your gainer with your own recipe. For example, with a small dose of milk, or cinnamon powder if you like, it's possible to obtain a unique flavor or milkshake, from the cocoa or vanilla product for example.

BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) naturally account for 5-6g per serving in our mass gainers. This amount comes naturally from the whey protein isolate used in the formula. We do not add isolated BCAAs from external sources.

For optimal preparation, you need 2 doses of powder (2 x 50 g) in 400-500 ml of milk or water, depending on your preference and calorie target. The use of our shaker with anti-gruel grid ensures perfect dissolution of the ingredients, without the rubbing of a stainless steel ball on the plastic. 

Note that the temperature of the liquid influences solubility, with fresh water generally giving the best results.

The ideal time to consume a mass gainer is generally after bodybuilding training, taking advantage of a possible anabolic window, very suitable for energy recharging. 

A second shaker can be taken between main meals to maintain a high calorie intake. Timing also depends on training schedule and personal mass gain goals.

Nevertheless, the regularity of intake and the total daily dose of calories and protein are more important than the precise timing. It's the integration of a sufficient quantity of quality nutrients over the long term that will ensure the success of your mass gain. Avoid taking the mass gainer before a meal, as the hunger-suppressing effect is important. Instead, take it as a dessert, or long before a meal (>1 h). Taking it before bedtime is also a good idea, and won't cause any sleep problems.

Gainers are not "energizing" substances or likely to disrupt sleep. What's more, according to a 2023 ^study1 in Sports Med, consuming protein before sleep increases muscle protein synthesis in athletes during the night.

As with all post-exercise protein sources, mass gainer significantly accelerates muscle recovery thanks to its high protein and carbohydrate content in the post-workout period. 

With the right nutrition, it makes it easier to achieve the caloric surplus needed for muscle building, while providing highly assimilable protein for protein synthesis.

The effective dose is between 1-2 daily shakers, each providing 380-500 kcal depending on the liquid with which the powder is mixed (water, milk, coconut milk, etc.). 

Intake must be personalized according to each athlete's mass gain objective and specific metabolism, complementing an already nutrient-rich diet. The aim of a gainer is always to supplement the day's food intake, in order to achieve the nutritional targets necessary for mass gain.

A shaker of Protéalpes mass gainer generally provides around 23 g of protein. Whey isolate is rapidly absorbed, with very low concentrations of lactose (traces) and milk fatty acids. Like all Protéalpes protein products, whey isolate is derived from Rhône-Alpes pasture milk.

A gainer only becomes potentially problematic if it is overused or used for prolonged periods without appropriate physical activity. 

Reasonable consumption in conjunction with regular bodybuilding training is not harmful to your health. All our products are formulated without additives or sweeteners. Mass gainers are manufactured in-house, in Albertville, under the responsibility of a qualified pharmacist, from receipt of raw materials to delivery. These products comply with NF EN 17444 (anti-doping standard) to guarantee consumer safety.

The combination of gainer and creatine creates a positive synergy for muscle growth and strength. Creatine benefits from the action of insulin linked to the carbohydrates in the gainer for better absorption.

The combination of the two supplements maximizes results in terms of muscle mass gain: the mass gainer provides nutritional support for muscle gain with increased caloric and protein intake, while the creatine is designed to enhance muscular capacity for maximum-intensity efforts, and therefore more intense workouts.

Adding whey to a gainer is not interesting at first sight, as mass gainers already contain sufficient whey protein. 

This combination would unnecessarily increase protein intake without any additional benefit. The nutritional supplement budget would be better invested in other supplements such as creatine, or in quality foods (free-range or organic chicken, ditto for eggs...)!

The first effects of the gainer are seen after 2-3 weeks of regular use, with a noticeable increase in weight and strength. 

Maximum effectiveness is achieved after 4-6 weeks of use combined with appropriate training. Progression depends on individual factors such as genetics, overall diet and training intensity.

Protéalpes mass gainer is gluten-free. Its composition is based on an alternative carbohydrate source: organic manioc maltodextrin, which is gluten-free. This formulation guarantees safety for people sensitive to gluten, while maintaining mass gainer efficacy.

On the other hand, no gluten is used in the Protéalpes production facilities, so there are no traces of gluten.

Ectomorphs need a gainer rather than a pure whey for their morphotype, which naturally struggles to gain weight. 

The gainer provides the necessary caloric surplus, with around 380-400 kcal per shaker, compared with just 150 kcal for a classic whey (120 kcal for the no added sugar range). The gainer's combined intake of complex carbohydrates and proteins is perfectly matched to the specific needs of ectomorphs, who need to maximize their caloric and nutrient intake to progress effectively.