Ener-Mass
Also known as: Ener-Mass, protein matrix, protein blend supplement ingredient, Ener-Mass Protein Blend
Overview
Ener-Mass is a proprietary supplement ingredient primarily composed of a blend of protein sources, typically including whey protein concentrate and milk protein concentrate. It is not a single chemical entity but a formulated protein blend designed to provide a balanced amino acid profile to support muscle protein synthesis. Its primary uses are in nutritional supplements aimed at increasing lean body mass (LBM), improving muscle strength, and supporting recovery in both athletic and clinical populations, including elderly individuals. Ener-Mass combines fast- and slow-digesting proteins to provide sustained amino acid release, optimizing muscle protein synthesis and recovery. While extensive research supports the efficacy of its constituent proteins (whey and milk proteins), specific independent peer-reviewed research on branded blends like Ener-Mass is limited.
Benefits
Protein supplementation, including blends similar to Ener-Mass, significantly increases lean body mass (LBM) by approximately 0.5 kg on average compared to controls (95% CI: 0.36–0.65 kg, p < 0.01), with high-quality evidence supporting this effect. It also enhances muscle strength and physical performance, showing moderate to large standardized mean differences (e.g., SMD = 0.82 for appendicular skeletal muscle mass in elderly). Elderly populations particularly benefit, showing significant improvements in muscle mass and function, including physical function measures like handgrip strength, gait speed, and short physical performance battery scores. Athletes and resistance-trained individuals also experience increased muscle strength and hypertrophy. These benefits typically emerge after several weeks to months of consistent supplementation combined with resistance training or physical activity.
How it works
Ener-Mass provides essential amino acids, particularly leucine, which are crucial for stimulating the mTOR pathway. This pathway is a key regulator of cell growth and metabolism, promoting muscle protein synthesis (MPS). The blend's combination of rapidly absorbed whey protein and slower-digesting milk protein ensures both an immediate and sustained release of amino acids into the bloodstream. This sustained availability optimizes anabolic signaling in skeletal muscle, reduces muscle protein breakdown, and supports overall muscle recovery and growth by continuously fueling the MPS process.
Side effects
Ener-Mass, as a protein blend, is generally safe for healthy individuals when consumed within recommended doses. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are typically mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas, especially at higher doses. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include allergic reactions in individuals with pre-existing dairy protein allergies or lactose intolerance. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are not significantly reported in high-quality studies. There are no major drug interactions, but caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. Contraindications include known allergies to milk proteins or severe lactose intolerance. While beneficial for elderly and clinical populations, these groups should consult healthcare providers for appropriate dosing.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose to stimulate muscle protein synthesis is approximately 20–25 grams of protein per serving. For optimal results in muscle mass gains, a total daily protein intake of 1.2–2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight is recommended, which includes protein from both diet and supplements like Ener-Mass. The maximum safe dose for healthy adults is generally considered up to 2.5 grams per kilogram per day; higher doses should be medically supervised. Timing considerations suggest that post-exercise ingestion maximizes muscle protein synthesis, and spreading doses evenly throughout the day is also beneficial. Ener-Mass is typically consumed as a powder mixed with liquids. Co-ingestion with carbohydrates may enhance insulin-mediated amino acid uptake, and adequate energy intake along with resistance training are required cofactors for efficacy.
FAQs
Is Ener-Mass effective for muscle gain?
Yes, as a protein blend similar to whey and milk proteins, it supports muscle mass increases when combined with resistance training, as evidenced by numerous studies on protein supplementation.
Is it safe for elderly?
Yes, protein supplementation, including blends like Ener-Mass, has been shown to improve muscle mass and function in elderly populations, contributing to better physical performance.
When should it be taken?
Ideally, Ener-Mass should be taken post-exercise to maximize muscle protein synthesis. It is also beneficial to distribute doses evenly across meals throughout the day for sustained amino acid availability.
Will it cause kidney damage?
No, there is no evidence that protein supplementation causes kidney damage in healthy individuals. However, individuals with pre-existing kidney disease should consult a healthcare professional.
Is it better than pure whey?
Ener-Mass, as a blend, provides both fast-digesting (whey) and slow-digesting (milk) proteins, which may offer more sustained amino acid availability compared to pure whey, potentially optimizing the anabolic response over a longer period.
Research Sources
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/79/1/66/5936522 – This systematic review and meta-analysis found that protein supplementation significantly increased lean body mass by approximately 0.51 kg, effective both with and without resistance training. The study included 138 intervention conditions and used a high-quality assessment methodology, although moderate heterogeneity was noted.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38255685/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 RCTs involving 3579 elderly adults demonstrated that protein supplementation significantly improved fat-free mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (SMD=0.89), handgrip strength, and gait speed. It highlights the significant benefits of protein for muscle health in the elderly population.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1636970/full – This network meta-analysis, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, concluded that dietary protein supplements significantly improve muscular strength. It noted heterogeneous effects depending on the specific type of supplement, indicating the importance of protein source and blend composition for specific outcomes.
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