You’ve tried just about everything – and we mean everything – to gain mass.
Are there any negative side effects? There have not been any negative side effects associated with taking Inner Armour Blue Impact N.O. However, as this product contains caffeine, those who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine may experience headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. Anabolic Peak is a gainer suitable only for athletes and most demanding athletes, those who are willing to try a unique product, with more than 25,000 calories and more than one million mg of amino acids. Anabolic Peak also has glutamine, BCAAs, creatine and Waxi Maize, with these amounts, you build lean muscle mass, increase.
CARNIVOR MASS is the epitome of an anabolic support supplement and is more advanced than any typical mass gainer. Where regular foods and typical gainers are limited in terms of speed of absorption and the potential for insulin spiking, CARNIVOR MASS excels. It combines a unique best-of-breed hydrolyzed beef protein isolate (BPI) with a dual. For many people, putting on body weight and muscle can be just as hard if not more so than losing weight and fat. With mass gainers, gaining the weight you want doesn't have to seem impossible. There are now many effective products on the market that can help to supplement the extra calories and protein you need to bulk up faster.
You’ve been eating more than enough to achieve a caloric surplus. You’ve also tweaked your training program to help you bulk up. You’ve slept enough so you can grow. Finally, you’ve purchased just about every mass gainer there is, to no avail.
Well, folks, Inner Armour Anabolic Peak may just be your answered prayer.
We kid you not: This product is quite promising. It has an impressive array of ingredients which will help you muscle up in no time. Buckle up and enjoy the review, folks.
About Inner Armour Anabolic Peak
Inner Armour dubs Anabolic Peak as “The Perfect Formulation for Hard Gainers.” The manufacturer claims it can help boost recovery as well increase lean muscle mass and power. Formula notes:
- Nice combination of ingredients. Includes waxy maize, creatine monohydrate, L-glutamine, and BCAAs, favorites for bodybuilding.
- Inclusion of suspicious ingredients. Among these are partially hydrogenated soybean oil and some fillers.
- 50 g Protein per serving. Yeah, that is whopping alright– among the biggest we’ve seen in protein products.
Inner Armour Anabolic Peak Supplement Facts (15 lbs., Chocolate Flavor) | |
Serving Size: 4 Scoops (335 g) Servings Per Container: 20 | |
Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
Calories | 1330 |
Calories From Fat | 90 |
Total Fat | 10 g 15% |
Saturated Fat | 2.5 g 13% |
Trans Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 30 mg 9% |
Sodium | 480 mg 20% |
Potassium | 1970 mg 56% |
Total Carbohydrate | 260 g 87% |
Dietary Fiber | 3 g 12% |
Sugars | 55 g † |
Protein | 50 g 100% |
Vitamin A | 0% |
Vitamin C | 2% |
Calcium | 40% |
Iron | 35% |
Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Dairy Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Sweet Whey Protein, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Micellar Casein), Cocoa Powder, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Creatine Monohydrate, Gum Blend (Cellulose, Xanthan, Carrageenan) Creamer (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Silicoalumincate, Soy Lecithin), Barley Flour, Enzyme Lactase, Waxy Maize, L-Glutamine, BCAA Blend (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine), Sunflower Oil Powder, Flax Seed Oil Powder, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium | |
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one serving (4 scoops) mixed with 20 oz. of water or milk. Ideal times to take Anabolic Peak include after workouts, between meals and before bed. Due to massive caloric content and high potency, you may wish to consume 1/2 serving 2-3 times daily. |
A Hard Gainer’s Paradise
One look at Anabolic Peak, you can say it has a bit of everything. We mean it.
Check it out: It has the three main macronutrients (protein, carbs, fats). It has fast- and slow-absorbing protein. It also has creatine monohydrate to boot. We can already imagine a hard gainer turning himself or herself into a bona fide bodybuilder in weeks (together with the prerequisite exercise, nutrition, and rest).
Let’s start with the star of the show: Protein.
You get a whopping 50 grams in one serving. Bear in mind one serving is equal to four scoops. If you do the math, one scoop yields 12.5 grams of protein – not much by any stretch.
Given the manufacturer’s suggested use of as many as four times a day (between meals, after workouts, before bed), you can get around 200 grams of protein daily.
Now that is one HUGE supplement container, folks.
Consider the fact you consume around 30 grams of protein or so per meal. That amps up your daily protein intake to around 300 grams. If you’re a 150-lb. individual, you’re getting two grams of protein per pound of body weight (the maximum, in our opinion).
The takeaway: You are sure to meet your daily protein requirements with Anabolic Peak.
Sure, you get your usual dose of whey protein concentrate. We like that. However, we also like the fact Anabolic Peak has hydrolyzed whey protein, which is known for its rapid absorption rate. Trust us – your muscles will be extremely grateful after a hard workout at the gym (you can check out our other protein reviews here).
Anabolic Peak also has micellar casein, a slow-absorbing type of protein which ensures you are in an anabolic state for up to eight hours. We feel this is a crucial component of the product, especially for hard gainers.
Individuals who have a hard time putting on muscle mass most likely have a high level of cortisone – the dreaded stress hormone. Consuming casein protein – whether during the day or before bed – should help offset that.
In a nutshell, Anabolic Peak offers consumers – especially hard gainers – quality protein.
Let’s check out the other ingredients:
- Total fat, 10 g: Anabolic Peak offers you 10 grams of fat per serving. Not bad considering one serving is equal to four scoops. One important point we want to make: The ingredient label says the product has zero trans fats. However, if you look at the “Other Ingredients” label, you will see “Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil.” Anytime you see “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” as one of the ingredients, you better have some second thoughts – it means a product has some trans fats in it. We all know they’re not good for your cardiovascular system.
- Cholesterol, 30 mg: Yes, we know there’s good cholesterol (HDL) and there’s bad cholesterol (LDL). You need more HDL in your body, that much we know. Nonetheless, Anabolic Peak limits its overall cholesterol content to just 30 mg per serving. Nicely done.
- Sodium, 480 mg: Our bodies need sodium. No doubt about that. However, you need to limit your sodium intake if you have cardiovascular or blood pressure concerns. Anabolic Peak will amp up your daily sodium intake considerably.
- Potassium, 1970 mg: Anabolic Peak has a ton of potassium – one scoop has almost a whopping 500 mg! Potassium can help maintain good blood pressure levels and has some cardiovascular benefits. However, too much of it can be detrimental to your cardiovascular system as well. Best to consult with your doctor if you’re concerned about this.
- Total carbohydrate, 260 g: This amounts to roughly 65 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of sugar per scoop of Anabolic Peak. We feel these amounts will really help you bulk up in no time. If you have a family history of diabetes, ask your physician for advice before consuming.
Formula Analysis
Hey, what’s to complain about if you get 50 grams of quality protein per serving? Anabolic Peak is more than up to the task. We like the fact it has several kinds of protein working in harmony to feed and nourish your muscles.
The presence of hydrolyzed whey protein ensures rapid-fire absorption of this macronutrient into your system. Nice.
Like we already said, micellar casein will help keep you remain in an anabolic state for up to eight hours or so. But there’s more: Anabolic Peak also has creatine monohydrate, which helps increase muscle size and improve athletic performance.
Having said that, creatine will be of great help to the hard gainer in packing lean muscle mass. It’s also great the product has L-glutamine and BCAAs – amino acids which are crucial in the muscle recovery process.
Let this Frank Zane photo be an inspiration to hard gainers.
Combine all of these with the fact Anabolic Peak has 260 grams of carbohydrates per serving. That amount should help muscle-deprived people restore their glycogen stores and energy. Note that Anabolic Peak also has waxy maize, a carbohydrate deprived from rice, barley, and corn which is quite useful after a hard workout.
The Inner Armour website also says Anabolic Peak contains an ingredient known as Wayspike:
We’re somewhat unfamiliar with Wayspike, but judging from several customer reviews online, it seems to be promising. They claim Anabolic Peak has helped them put on the lean muscle mass they have long wanted to have.
Again, watch out for the sugar content (55 grams per serving). Total fat is reasonable at 10 grams per serving. As we previously said, be wary of the possible inclusion of minuscule amounts of trans fats.
You should also be a bit wary of the sodium and potassium content, which are a bit high for our liking. If you have any cardiovascular issues, schedule a visit to your doctor’s office for professional advice.
On the other hand, Anabolic Peak is an excellent source of calcium (40% DV) and iron (35% DV). Calcium will help strengthen your bones and teeth – both attractive benefits as you age. For its part, iron helps transport oxygen to the body’s cells. It also helps improve muscle tone and elasticity.
One possible red flag of Anabolic Peak is the inclusion of fillers. Just one look at the various components of the “Other Ingredients” section could give the consumer second thoughts. “Dirty labels” are something the smart buyer should steer clear of.
Finally, some customers gripe about the consistency of Anabolic Peak. They insist that it’s too thick for their liking. It’s not surprising because of two things: it’s a mass gainer and it has a lot of ingredients. Try adding some milk to improve the consistency.
Inner Armour Anabolic Peak Benefits
Inner Armour Anabolic Peak is touted as “The Perfect Formulation for Hard Gainers.” The Inner Armour website says it is “formulated with a research-based blend of powerful, glycogen re-loading carbohydrates, 50 grams of amino acid protein, glutamine recovery agent & muscle-building creatine.” The manufacturer also enumerates the product’s benefits on its website:
- Helps increase lean muscle mass faster
- Keeps muscle tissue anabolic
- Supports rapid muscle recovery post-workout
- Glycogen refueling for increased power
- Supports increases in strength for sustained durations
We agree on almost all fronts. Inner Armour goes great lengths in fortifying Anabolic Peak’s carbohydrate and protein content. Hard gainers will benefit from these, for sure. With the exception of a few red flags (too much sugar, sodium, and potassium and the inclusion of trans fats and some fillers), consumers can meet their nutritional needs with Anabolic Peak.
Who Takes It?
Inner Armour Anabolic Peak is intended for hard gainers. The product has a high caloric content which ought to help these individuals achieve their fitness goals. If you find weight gain to be quite challenging, Inner Armour Anabolic Peak may be the supplement for you.
For best results, make sure to take it in conjunction with regular exercise, sound nutrition, and enough sleep and rest (you may need a good pre-workout supplement, too).
Any Side Effects?
Inner Armour Anabolic Peak may be of concern to individuals who have cardiovascular concerns because of its high sodium and potassium content.
These people also should note the possible presence of trans fats, which are detrimental to cardiovascular health. Consumers who have a family history of diabetes should note this product has 55 grams of sugar per serving.
The manufacturer also cautions Anabolic Peak contains phenylalanine, an excess of which may cause nausea, heartburn, and headaches. Individuals who are lactose intolerant are advised against taking Anabolic Peak.
Pregnant women and consumers who are taking medication are also advised to consult with their doctor before consuming.
Inner Armour Anabolic Peak Summary
Pros
- Loaded with calories. One serving (four scoops) contains 1,330 calories.
- Good protein components. Combination of WPC, hydrolyzed whey, and micellar casein.
- Carbs and protein content. Fifty grams of carbs and 260 grams of carbohydrates.
- Impressive ingredients. Includes creatine monohydrate, waxy maize, glutamine, and BCAAs.
- Good source of iron and calcium. Thirty-five percent and 40 percent of the DV%, respectively.
- Reliable supplement for mass gain. Many consumers swear by its mass-gain benefits.
- Comes in three tasty flavors. Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, pretty good in reviews.
Cons
- High sodium and sugar content. Consult with a doctor if you have certain medical issues.
- Possible inclusion of trans fats. Not good for cardiovascular health.
- Fillers. Too many inclusions in “Other Ingredients” for our liking.
- Expensive. Fifteen-pound bag costs $109.99, that is some pricey sports nutrition.
Pricing & Buying Info
- 1 12 pound bag (20-Day Supply): $84.99
- 1 15-lb bag (20-Day Supply): $109.99
- Available to buy online and in retail
Final Word on Inner Armour Anabolic Peak
This product is aptly named because hard gainers will indeed reach their anabolic peak. One scoop yields a whopping 1,330 calories. You get plenty of carbs and protein which will help in your muscle-building quest.
That’s not the end of it.
Other impressive ingredients such as micellar casein, creatine monohydrate, waxy maize, l-glutamine, and BCAAs all ensure you achieve your muscle-building goals. You also get to amp up your iron and calcium levels.
Some of its downsides include the high sodium, potassium, and sugar content as well as the inclusion of fillers and trans fats. Plus, Inner Armour Anabolic Peak does not come cheap. Finally, the consistency is mediocre at best.
Our conclusion: If you’re a hard gainer who has no medical concerns, go ahead and give it a shot. Otherwise, you may be better off purchasing something else.
Ads for Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein say cutting-edge technology makes this whey supplement quick dissolving and fast absorbing.
Inner Armour claims Blue Whey Protein builds lean muscle mass, reduces food cravings, and increases energy.
Is the whey protein in this product as advanced as it is purported to be?
Let’s take a look at the formula to decide.
Inside Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein
As with most protein supplements, Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein features whey as its key ingredient. More specifically, it contains ”low temperature, micro-filtered” Whey Protein Isolate and Hydrolysate, which are said to be the most digestible and bioavailable protein forms.
In an article published by the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, researchers found this filtration process, also known as hydrolysis, makes protein easier to absorb.
In a random, double-blind study, 21-year-old males consumed a whey protein supplement of 10 g whey and 21 g carbohydrates or a placebo with only carbohydrates. According to Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, the men that drank 10 grams whey and 21 grams carbohydrates had more muscle protein synthesis, confirming whey protein’s ability to stimulate muscle growth. Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein has 24 g protein and 14 g carbs. Those doses alter the whey to carb ratio used in the study but should still provide similar benefits.
Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein has 24 g protein and 14 g carbs, not quite a 1 to 1 ratio but enough to provide similar benefits.
In the same study, the results of whey protein versus casein protein were also examined. Thirteen men took hydrolyzed whey isolate (similar to Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein) or casein protein. Results indicated those on hydrolyzed whey isolate made more strength gains and had more muscle protein synthesis.
Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein has some micellar casein protein, but most of its protein comes from whey. Consequently, this protein powder should increase muscle strength and size.
When to Take It
Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein is good for enhancing protein synthesis during and after weightlifting workouts or for short-term appetite suppression. For either use, mix 1 scoop powder with 6 to 8 ounces liquid and drink.
I suggest using milk rather than water when drinking Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein as a meal replacement because it will be more filling. Those using this protein powder as a pre- or post-workout protein supplement may prefer milk as well to avoid a grainy texture.
Are Mass Gainers Bad
However, the protein used in this product is said to be “100% instantized” to dissolve quickly in any liquid. I couldn’t find any reviews confirming Blue Whey Protein’s mixability, though.
Are There Negative Side Effects?
Best Muscle Mass Gainer
Whey protein is generally considered safe, and most users experience no side effects.
However, Mayo Clinic warns whey protein may cause low blood sugar, low blood pressure, reduced appetite, increased risk of bleeding, prescription drug interference, risk of bone loss, or damage to kidneys. If you’re concerned about these potential but rare risks, consult with your doctor before trying Inner Armour Blue Whey.
Is It Expensive?
The retail price for this product is listed at about $73 for a 5 pound jug. But, Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein sells for $35 to $50 at most supplement websites. It comes in 3 flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry Banana.
Compared to other whey proteins, Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein’s sale price is reasonable. The retail price is a little steep but may be worth it if you prefer a highly filtered, quality product.
The Bottom Line on Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein
The studies behind whey protein (and specifically hydrolyzed whey protein) are sound. Inner Armour Blue Whey Protein is certainly a good pick for people looking to increase strength and lean body composition. However, deciding to pay a little bit more will be up to you.