The Best Supplements for Muscle Mass Gain

For those who seek to increase volume and strength, sports nutrition is a powerful tool. Finding and buying the best supplements for muscle mass gain in Ukraine is the first step towards achieving your goals. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the most effective and scientifically-backed supplements for mass gain, their role in body building, and proper usage. We will also show you where you can buy the best supplements for muscle mass gain to make your progress as fast and safe as possible.

In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, you can often hear that “muscles grow in the kitchen.” This statement is true, but to achieve maximum results, nutrition must not just be balanced, but perfectly calibrated. Sports supplements are designed to fill the gaps in the diet, providing the body with all the necessary elements at the right time. They do not replace a complete diet but complement it, helping to overcome a “plateau” and reach a new level of performance. The right choice of supplements not only helps to accelerate muscle growth but also significantly improves recovery, increases endurance, and minimizes the risk of injury.

For many athletes, especially beginners, the world of sports nutrition can seem confusing and complicated. The market is flooded with hundreds of products, each promising incredible results. How do you distinguish truly effective supplements from useless ones? The answer lies in science. It is important to understand how each supplement affects the body, what processes it supports, and under what conditions its use will be most justified. In the following sections, we will focus on these proven and effective products.

The Foundation for Muscle Growth: Protein

Protein is the main building material for our muscles. During strength training, muscle fibers are damaged, and to restore and grow them, the body needs an adequate supply of protein. Sports proteins for muscle growth provide a high concentration of protein with minimal fat and carbohydrate content, making them ideal for quickly replenishing the amino acid pool. Studies, such as the meta-analysis by Pasiakos et al. (2015), confirm that protein supplements significantly improve strength and muscle mass when combined with strength training.

The Most Effective Supplements for Mass Gain: Creatine

Creatine is one of the most studied and proven effective supplements for increasing strength and muscle mass. It works by increasing the body’s stores of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the main source of energy for muscle contractions. This allows you to train with greater intensity, perform more repetitions, and, as a result, stimulate muscle growth. Numerous studies, including a review by Kreider et al. (2017) in the journal Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, call creatine monohydrate the most effective ergogenic supplement for athletes.

• Increased Strength: Allows you to lift more weight, which is a key stimulus for hypertrophy.
• Increased Muscle Volume: Creatine retains water in muscle cells, making them appear fuller and more massive.
• Accelerated Recovery: Helps to reduce muscle fatigue and speeds up recovery after workouts.

Amino Acids for Muscle Growth: EAA and BCAA

Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) and EAAs (all nine essential amino acids) play a critical role in preventing muscle breakdown (catabolism) and stimulating protein synthesis. A study by Shimomura et al. (2004) showed that BCAA intake can reduce muscle damage during workouts. In turn, Wolfe (2017) emphasizes that for complete and sustained protein synthesis, a full spectrum of all essential amino acids is necessary. Taking amino acids during a workout provides muscles with the necessary “fuel,” allowing them to work longer and more efficiently. Amino acids for muscle growth also contribute to accelerated recovery.

• BCAAs: Ideal for taking during a workout to protect muscles from catabolism.
• EAAs: Contain a full spectrum of essential amino acids, providing more comprehensive support for the synthesis of new protein.

Energy and Calories: Gainers and Carbohydrates

To gain muscle mass, a calorie surplus is necessary. Gainers are high-calorie blends of proteins and carbohydrates, designed for those who find it difficult to get enough calories from regular food. They are an excellent solution for creating this surplus, providing both building material (protein) and energy (carbohydrates). Additional carbohydrates for mass gain are also important for replenishing glycogen stores in muscles, which is key to intense workouts. The study by Aragon & Schoenfeld (2013) shows that the right combination of protein and carbohydrates after a workout is key to maximizing adaptation to physical exertion and hypertrophy.

When and How to Take Supplements?

• Protein: Take immediately after a workout for fast recovery, as well as in the morning or between meals.
• Creatine: The most effective time is after a workout, when muscles are most receptive to nutrients.
• Amino Acids: Take before, during, or immediately after a workout to prevent catabolism and speed up recovery.
• Gainer: Ideal for taking after a workout or as an additional meal throughout the day to ensure the necessary calorie surplus.

Where to Buy the Best Supplements for Mass Gain?

If you are looking for sports nutrition for mass gain, it is important to choose products from trusted brands.

For residents of Ukraine, we recommend checking out the wide range of MST Nutrition products in major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Chernihiv, as well as throughout the country.

• Protein: Choose and buy protein
• Creatine: Find quality creatine
• Amino Acids: Select the necessary amino acids
• Carbohydrates: Add fast carbohydrates
• Mass programs: Explore supplements for lean muscle mass and supplements for weight gain

For customers from Europe, German websites are available that deliver to countries and cities such as Germany (Berlin, Munich), France (Paris), Italy (Rome, Milan), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), Poland (Warsaw, Krakow), Austria (Vienna), Hungary (Budapest), and Portugal (Lisbon).

• Protein: Buy protein in Europe
• Creatine: Buy creatine in Europe
• Gainers: Buy gainer in Europe
• Amino Acids: Buy amino acids in Europe

Conclusion

Gaining muscle mass is a complex process that requires not only intense workouts but also proper nutrition. The best supplements for muscle mass gain are protein, creatine, amino acids, and gainers. They help optimize the muscle growth process, accelerate recovery, and provide the body with all the necessary nutrients. It is important to remember that supplements are only an addition to a balanced diet and a training program. Always consult a specialist before starting any new supplements.

References:

• Aragon, A. A., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2013). Nutrient timing revisited: is there a post-exercise anabolic window? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 5.
• Kreider, R. B., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 18.
• Pasiakos, S. M., et al. (2015). The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review. Sports Medicine, 45(1), 111-131.
• Shimomura, Y., et al. (2004). Branched-chain amino acid supplementation before exercise improves carbohydrate and fat metabolism and reduces fatigue during exercise. Journal of Nutrition, 134(6 Suppl), 1583S-1587S.
• Wolfe, R. R. (2017). Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 30.