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3/5 Moderate evidence

Body composition evidence brief

Mass gainer

Mass gainers can help hard-gainers reach calorie and protein targets, but the benefit is the surplus and protein intake, not a special anabolic formula.

Calories help, product claims overreach hypertrophy / strength 6 linked sources Content audit 2026-05-04

Headline Finding

RCT: resistance training raised RMR and LBM similarly with extra food or protein supplement calories.

Dose Context

Use only when normal meals and protein powder are not enough to create a controlled surplus; serving sizes can add excessive sugar, fat, or calories quickly.

Important Caveat

Useful only when it solves a real calorie gap. Compare cost per gram of protein, third-party testing, digestibility, and whether ordinary food does the same job.

Source Drawer

Linked Research

6 papers and evidence links - audit 2026-05-04
  1. Position stand ISSN protein position stand
  2. Meta-analysis Morton 2018 meta-analysis
  3. Trial Energy intake resistance-training trial
  4. Review Carbohydrate resistance-training review
  5. Trial Protein versus extra food RCT
  6. Review Protein plus carbohydrate review

How To Read This Rating

The score reflects evidence that the supplement does its stated job. Some jobs are direct, such as strength, endurance, or recovery; others are indirect, such as sleep, mood, appetite, or health support. A real effect can still receive a cautious practical rating when dose, safety, product quality, or audience fit remain uncertain.

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Send the disputed claim, source link, and why it changes the practical verdict. Corrections that materially affect the claim, dose, caveat, or rating are prioritized.

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