What is muscle milk?
Muscle Milk has become an ubiquitous nutritional drink. It is found not only in supplement stores, but also at most corner markets.
Its ingredients, according to its website, include calcium and sodium caseinate, exceptional milk protein, maltodextrin, fructose, potassium citrate, and a vitamin-mineral blend, among others. But since you can’t choose a “vitamin mineral blend” or some of the other ingredients from a tree, many people keep an eye on Muscle Milk and think it’s safe for them.
Natalie Stephens, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, admits that the food label on Muscle Milk products can be a bit of a tongue-in-cheek for the average person.
But is there any known substance in Muscle Milk that people should worry about?
“While there are no ingredients that are completely harmful, this question is very much up to the individual consumer,” she says. “People with breast diseases such as high blood pressure, kidney issues, or sensitivity to food colors or sugar substitutes may want to read closely or even seek advice from a qualified health professional before eating.”
Other experts disagree with Stephens because of Muscle Milk which contains potassium acesulfame and sucralose. Both of these artificial sweeteners are known to interact with gut bacteria and may promote weight gain and insulin resistance.
Felice Kosakavich, MS, RD, CDN, has a son who plays college basketball and uses Muscle Milk as his protein choice.
“With too much weight training and exercise it feels like it’s a good price, excellent taste, and meets his needs for extra protein,” she says. “It’s comfortable to use and, after a lot of research, it feels reputable. ”
Kosakavich says athletes like her son could benefit from Muscle Milk. “The high-protein, low-carbohydrate composition will provide the extra protein needed before and after work to overcome,” she says.
But that doesn’t mean the supplement drink comes unnoticed to certain people.
In 2013, CytoSport, Inc. agreed. – Muscle Milk maker – $ 5.3 million paid in class action lawsuit over its marketing language using the word “healthy.”
Prior to the suit, Muscle Milk claimed to be “healthy fat,” but the lawsuit alleged that the drinks contained as much fat and saturated fat as Krispy Kreme donuts.
The artificial sweeteners contained in Muscle Milk are also a concern for some. The Science Center for Public Interest advises users to avoid these types of sweeteners, which can adversely affect gut bacteria, appear in breast milk, and may increase the risk of certain diseases. increase.
In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to CytoSport about their claim that “Muscle Milk contains no milk.” Although Muscle Milk does not contain real milk, it does contain whey proteins and casein, which are derived from milk which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Kosakavich explains that many people are unaware that the digestive symptoms they are experiencing are related to food allergies.
People with a kidney disorder should talk to their doctor before consuming Muscle Milk or any other type of protein. A 10-ounce. a bottle of Muscle Milk contains 18 grams of protein.
Some people with kidney disease need a high-protein diet, but others require low-protein, Stephens says. “In all cases, it’s best to monitor potassium, sodium, and phosphorus – and there are many sources of these nutrients in one serving. [of Muscle Milk], ”She notes.
Because too much protein is metabolized and flushed through the kidneys, Muscle Milk can work over the kidneys of people with kidney failure, Kosakavich says.
“It’s also very important to eat plenty of extra water to help the kidneys flush with more protein,” she said.
If you have food allergies, are worried about consuming artificial sweeteners, have a persistent kidney condition, or need medication, be careful when drinking Muscle Milk. Kosakavich recommends talking to your doctor or dietitian before trying it. “While it is recommended to be a source of nutrients for the nutrients required in their diet, I would recommend seeking advice from a registered dietitian to find ways to meet your needs with a wholesome diet. , ”She says.