PhD Advanced Mass Powder Review

Advanced Mass Powder is produced by UK based company PhD Supplements. PhD Supplements claim that this product can increase performance during high intensity workouts, reduce tiredness and fatigue and is ideal for people who want gains in size and muscle. This review will examine the ingredients within this supplement to understand whether it can achieve these claims, and how it can do it.

Oat flour

Oats have been suggested to be key to lowering cholesterol (1). Other beneficial effects that ground oats provide include a reduction in blood sugar levels, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, more research is needed however to elucidate these effects.

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide which is a complex carbohydrate. This ingredient is water soluble and unlike other carbohydrates, is easily digestible (2) and can give a quick release of energy without any spikes of glycaemia (3).

Waxy Maize starch

Maize Starch is used in supplement as a disintegrant and binder. This means that it can help a tablet to dissolve quicker so that it can be released for absorption (4). As well as this it is also a complex carbohydrate that replenishes glycogen stores which in turn can prolong exercise (5).

Whey / Milk / Whole egg protein

Whey, soy and milk protein helps aid muscle protein synthesis when combined with resistance training (7, 8). Other key features include increasing muscle mass (9), an increase in lean body mass (10) and greater recovery from exercise (11). Longer periods of supplementation have shown greater gains in fat free mass (12).

Muscle protein synthesis is increased due to high concentration of Leucine (BCAA) which is a signalling molecule needed to increase muscle protein synthesis (13). Consumption of whey protein helps increase muscle mass due to a greater amount of peripheral nitrogen retention whereas soy protein has been found to have a greater effect on splanchnic protein synthesis (14).

The reason for greater recovery of exercise can be due to a post exercise insulin response (15, 16) which means glycogen resynthesis occurs rapidly so exercise can be prolonged, with greater training volume increased hypertrophy and decreased muscle damage.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed has several health properties including being an antioxidant (17), the ability to lower blood pressure (18) and consists of Omega 3 fatty acids which include numerous health benefits such as lowering cholesterol (19) and also plays a role in reducing oxidative stress which leads to reducing cardiovascular disease (20).

Medium Chain Triglycerides

Medium Chain Triglycerides are derived from coconut oil (21). It has been suggested that it can prolong exercise (22). It is commonly used in combination with carbohydrates which enhance fat metabolism (23). Medium chain triglycerides are converted into multi chain fatty acids which helps to get into the circulation rapidly that results in a readily available energy source (24).

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate, (CM) is defined as a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in humans and aids in the supply of energy to cells in the body, (25). The majority of CM, 95%, can be located in the skeletal muscle with the rest distributed to the brain, heart and smooth muscles.

Creatine has been found to increase the replenishment of ATP stores in the skeletal muscles (26). It is attributed to a greater rate of phosphocreatine resynthesis during the rest periods. Higher sprint speeds reported (27). There have been numerous theories proposed as to why creatine is a benefit to short term high intensity exercise (28). One theory is that the increased amount of phosphocreatine, (PCr), can be used as an immediate buffer to ATP which reduces the dependence of glycolysis which delays the production of lactate and hydrogen ions during exercise thus prolonging the activity by delaying the onset of fatigue, (29).

L-Lysine

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid which has been found to aid in the increase of muscle mass (30) and helps in the absorption and metabolism of calcium (31).

Taurine

Taurine is a semi essential amino acid that has been found to increase endurance performance; this has been attributed to an increase in blood flow (32). Taurine has also been found to help protect against cell damage which will help recovery after exercise, decreased oxidative stress in cardiac tissue (33) and increased fat oxidation (34).

L-Glycine

Glycine is one of the components of creatine which helps increase muscle growth and energy during exercise (35). When metabolised it acts as an amino acid and regulates blood sugar levels which can also control that amount of sugar released into the blood (36).

Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium has been found to be used for 300 biochemical reactions in the body (37). It has been found to maintain muscle function (38), support a healthy immune system (39), keep the heart beat steady (40), and help strengthen bones (41). It has also been found to maintain blood glucose levels (42) and aid in the production of energy and protein.

Guar gum

Guar gum is a dietary fibre that has been reported to decrease plasma cholesterol concentration (43) and increased satiety (44). However a meta-analysis found that although this product is safe no benefit has been found compared to a placebo (45).

Xanthan gum

Acacia gum and Xanthan Gum are water soluble dietary fibres, which have been reported to reduce total cholesterol; however there seems to be insufficient evidence to confirm this theory. (46)

Amylase

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch into simple sugars which are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. This enzyme is produced naturally in the pancreas and released into the small intestine it is also found in the saliva. It has been found that amylase can contribute to the reduction of swelling (47), however more research is needed to elucidate this.

Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of lactose. This enzyme is produced naturally in the small intestine and is lacking in people who are lactose intolerant (48). The main reason for using this enzyme is for people who are lactose intolerant which experience cramps, bloatedness and diarrhea.

Protease

Protease is an enzyme that aids in the breakdown of protein (49), a process known as hydrolyze. It is involved in bonding amino acids together. Protease helps aid inflammatory conditions and immune regulation (50).

Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme that helps breakdown fats that are absorbed in the small intestine. Fat that doesn’t get fully digested can cover food and disrupt the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins. Lipase is vital as it turns fat into a more soluble form, fatty acids and glycerol. Lipase can be found in the stomach, pancreas and mouth. It can help in the control of cholesterol and triglycerides (51).

Cellulase

Cellulase is an enzyme that helps in the breakdown of cellulose and turns it into beta glucose. Glucose is vital for the maintaining energy levels, however simple sugars can cause an insulin spike which mean a quick energy release followed by a quick energy crash and any left over sugar is turned into fat. The beta glucose from cellulose is a slow release of energy which is provided for longer. Other key benefits of cellulase is that it reduces cholesterol and supports cell membranes in the fight against free radicals which improves immune response.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide is an inorganic compound. It has been identified as a factor for many enzymes responsible for the synthesis, storage and release of insulin (52), with increases in lean body mass while fat mass either remains stable or decreases, depending on the degree of baseline zinc deficiency (53). With this evidence is has been shown that this ingredient is important for the growth and development of body tissues as well as this a variety of biological processes including wound healing and muscle cramps (54) have been found.

Citric acid

The main function of citric acid is the reduction of physical fatigue (55). The reason for this is due to citric acid being a major component of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. TCA cycle is the process of converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins into carbon dioxide and water (56). By increasing citric acid it activates the TCA cycle and in turn speeds up ATP production thus replenishing energy.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a sweetener that is calorie free. This ingredient is used in many products and is used to make the product taste sweeter and does not have any nutritional benefit.

The ingredients within this supplement can help to achieve the claims that PhD Supplements state which includes increasing muscle mass, reducing fatigue and increasing performance in high intensity workouts. The ingredients within this supplement can also help to reduce cholesterol. It is recommended that this product is taken pre, during or post-workout. This product has no banned substances when referring to the WADA prohibited list when observing the label/ ingredients posted on the website.

*NOTE – This product has not been tested in a laboratory and may contain other substances that may not appear on the label

1 – Lia, A., Hallmans, G., Sandberg, A. S., Sundberg, B., Aman, P., & Andersson, H. (1995). Oat beta-glucan increases bile acid excretion and a fiber-rich barley fraction increases cholesterol excretion in ileostomy subjects. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 62(6), 1245-1251.

2 – Haralampu, S. G. (2000). Resistant starch—a review of the physical properties and biological impact of RS< sub> 3</sub>. Carbohydrate polymers, 41(3), 285-292.

3 – Roberts, M., Lockwood, C., Dalbo, V. J., Tucker, P., Frye, A., Polk, R., … & Kerksick, C. (2009). Ingestion of a high molecular weight modified waxy maize starch alters metabolic responses to prolonged exercise in trained cyclists. In FASEB abstract.

4 – Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008; http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-intabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011

5 – Roberts, M. D., Lockwood, C., Dalbo, V. J., Volek, J., & Kerksick, C. M. (2011). Ingestion of a high-molecular-weight hydrothermally modified waxy maize starch alters metabolic responses to prolonged exercise in trained cyclists. Nutrition, 27(6), 659-665.

6 – Coker, R. H., Miller, S., Schutzler, S., Deutz, N., & Wolfe, R. R. (2012). Whey protein and essential amino acids promote the reduction of adipose tissue and increased muscle protein synthesis during caloric restriction-induced weight loss in elderly, obese individuals. Nutr J, 11(1), 105.

7 – Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Review Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein.

8 – Pasiakos, S. M., McLellan, T. M., & Lieberman, H. R. (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.

9 – Volek, J. S., Volk, B. M., Gómez, A. L., Kunces, L. J., Kupchak, B. R., Freidenreich, D. J., … & Kraemer, W. J. (2013). Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 32(2), 122-135.

10 – Hansen, M., Bangsbo, J., Jensen, J., Bibby, B. M., & Madsen, K. (2014). Effect of Whey Protein Hydrolysate on Performance and Recovery of Top-Class Orienteering Runners. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism.

11 – Hartman, J. W., Tang, J. E., Wilkinson, S. B., Tarnopolsky, M. A., Lawrence, R. L., Fullerton, A. V., & Phillips, S. M. (2007). Consumption of fat-free fluid milk after resistance exercise promotes greater lean mass accretion than does consumption of soy or carbohydrate in young, novice, male weightlifters. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 86(2), 373-381.

12 – Atherton, P. J., Smith, K., Etheridge, T., Rankin, D., & Rennie, M. J. (2010). Distinct anabolic signalling responses to amino acids in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Amino acids, 38(5), 1533-1539.

13 – Fouillet, H., Mariotti, F., Gaudichon, C., Bos, C., & Tomé, D. (2002). Peripheral and splanchnic metabolism of dietary nitrogen are differently affected by the protein source in humans as assessed by compartmental modeling. The Journal of nutrition, 132(1), 125-133.

14 – Hulmi, J. J., Volek, J. S., Selänne, H. A. R. R. I., & Mero, A. A. (2005). Protein ingestion prior to strength exercise affects blood hormones and metabolism. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 37(11), 1990-1997.

15 – Power, O., Hallihan, A., & Jakeman, P. (2009). Human insulinotropic response to oral ingestion of native and hydrolysed whey protein. Amino acids, 37(2), 333-339.

16 – Kitts, D. D., Yuan, Y. V., Wijewickreme, A. N., & Thompson, L. U. (1999). Antioxidant activity of the flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside and its mammalian lignan metabolites enterodiol and enterolactone. Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 202(1-2), 91-100.
17 – Paschos, G. K., Magkos, F., Panagiotakos, D. B., Votteas, V., & Zampelas, A. (2007). Dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil lowers blood pressure in dyslipidaemic patients. European journal of clinical nutrition, 61(10), 1201-1206.
18 – Savinova, O. V., Fillaus, K., Harris, W. S., & Shearer, G. C. (2015). Effects of niacin and omega-3 fatty acids on the apolipoproteins in overweight patients with elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol. Atherosclerosis,240(2), 520-525.
19 –  Rangel-Huerta, O. D., Aguilera, C. M., Mesa, M. D., & Gil, A. (2012). Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on inflammatory biomakers: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(S2), S159-S170.
20 – Babayan, V. K. (1987). Medium chain triglycerides and structured lipids. Lipids,22(6), 417-420.

21 – Jeukendrup, A. E., Saris, W. H., Schrauwen, P. A. T. R. I. C. K., Brouns, F. R. E. D., & Wagenmakers, A. J. (1995). Metabolic availability of medium-chain triglycerides coingested with carbohydrates during prolonged exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 79(3), 756-762.

22 – Massicotte, D., Peronnet, F., Brisson, G. R., & Hillaire-Marcel, C. (1992). Oxidation of exogenous medium-chain free fatty acids during prolonged exercise: comparison with glucose. Journal of Applied Physiology, 73(4), 1334-1339.

23 – Decombaz, J., Arnaud, M. J., Milon, H., Moesch, H., Philippossian, G., Thelin, A. L., & Howald, H. (1983). Energy metabolism of medium-chain triglycerides versus carbohydrates during exercise. European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 52(1), 9-14.

24 – Balsom, P. D., Soderlund, K., & Ekblom, B. (1994). Creatine in humans with special reference to creatine supplementation. Sports Medicine. 18(4), 260 – 280.

25 – Greenhaff, P.L., Bodin, K., Soderlund, K., Hultrnan, E. (1994). The influence  of  oral  creatine supplementation  on  muscle phosphocreatine  resynthesis  following  intense  contraction in man. American Journal of Physiology, 266(5), 725-730.

26 – Jones, A. M., Atter, T., & Georg, K. P. (1999). Oral creatine supplementation improves multiple sprint performance in elite ice-hockey players. Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 39, 189-196.

27 – Hultman, E., Soderland, K., Timmons, J. A., Cederblad, G. & Greenhaff, P. L. (1996). Muscle creatine loading in men. Journal of Apllied Physiology. 81(1), 232-237.

28 – Casey, A., Constantin – Teodosiu, D., Howell, S., Hultman, E., & Greenhaff, P. L,. (1996). Creatine ingestion favourably affects performance and muscle metabolism during maximal exercise in humans. American Journal of Physiology. 271(1), 31-37.

29 – Flakoll, P., Sharp, R., Baier, S., Levenhagen, D., Carr, C., & Nissen, S. (2004). Effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, arginine, and lysine supplementation on strength, functionality, body composition, and protein metabolism in elderly women. Nutrition, 20(5), 445-451.
30 – Civitelli, R., Villareal, D. T., Agnusdei, D., Nardi, P., Avioli, L. V., & Gennari, C. (1991). Dietary L-lysine and calcium metabolism in humans. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 8(6), 400-405.
31 – Rutherford, J. A., Spriet, L. L., & Stellingwerff, T. (2010). The effect of acute taurine ingestion on endurance performance and metabolism in well-trained cyclists. International journal of sport nutrition, 20(4), 322.

32 – Kingston, R., Kelly, C. J., & Murray, P. (2004). The therapeutic role of taurine in ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Current pharmaceutical design, 10(19), 2401-2410.

33 –  Zhang, M., Izumi, I., Kagamimori, S., Sokejima, S., Yamagami, T., Liu, Z., & Qi, B. (2004). Role of taurine supplementation to prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy young men. Amino acids, 26(2), 203-207.

34 – Hultman, E., Soderlund, K., Timmons, J. A., Cederblad, G., & Greenhaff, P. L. (1996). Muscle creatine loading in men. Journal of Applied Physiology, 81(1), 232-237.

35 – Felig, P., & Wahren, J. (1971). Influence of endogenous insulin secretion on splanchnic glucose and amino acid metabolism in man. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 50(8), 1702.

36 – Ryan, M. F. (1991). The role of magnesium in clinical biochemistry: an overview.Annals of Clinical Biochemistry: An international journal of biochemistry in medicine, 28(1), 19-26.
37 – Dørup, I., Skajaa, K., Clausen, T., & Kjeldsen, K. (1988). Reduced concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and sodium-potassium pumps in human skeletal muscle during treatment with diuretics. British medical journal (Clinical research ed.), 296(6620), 455.
38 – Tam, M., Gomez, S., Gonzalez-Gross, M., & Marcos, A. (2003). Possible roles of magnesium on the immune system. European journal of clinical nutrition,57(10), 1193-1197.
39 – White, R. E., & Hartzell, H. C. (1989). Magnesium ions in cardiac function: regulator of ion channels and second messengers. Biochemical pharmacology,38(6), 859-867.
40 – Okuma, T. (2001). Magnesium and bone strength. Nutrition, 17(7), 679-680.
41 – Paolisso, G., Scheen, A., d’Onofrio, F., & Lefèbvre, P. (1990). Magnesium and glucose homeostasis. Diabetologia, 33(9), 511-514.
42 – Jensen, C. D., Spiller, G. A., Gates, J. E., Miller, A. F., & Whittam, J. H. (1993). The effect of acacia gum and a water-soluble dietary fiber mixture on blood lipids in humans. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 12(2), 147-154.

43 – Superko, H. R., Haskell, W. L., Sawrey-Kubicek, L., & Farquhar, J. W. (1988). Effects of solid and liquid guar gum on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in moderate hypercholesterolemia. The American journal of cardiology, 62(1), 51-55.

44 – Bent, S., Tiedt, T. N., Odden, M. C., & Shlipak, M. G. (2003). The relative safety of ephedra compared with other herbal products. Annals of Internal Medicine, 138(6), 468-471.

45 – Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2001). Guar gum for body weight reduction: meta-analysis of randomized trials. The American journal of medicine, 110(9), 724-730.

46 – Jensen, C. D., Spiller, G. A., Gates, J. E., Miller, A. F., & Whittam, J. H. (1993). The effect of acacia gum and a water-soluble dietary fiber mixture on blood lipids in humans. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 12(2), 147-154.

47 – Akhtar, N. M., Naseer, R., Farooqi, A. Z., Aziz, W., & Nazir, M. (2004). Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee–a double-blind prospective randomized study. Clinical rheumatology,23(5), 410-415.`

48 – Manzoni, P., Mostert, M., Leonessa, M. L., Priolo, C., Farina, D., Monetti, C., … & Gomirato, G. (2006). Oral supplementation with Lactobacillus casei subspecies rhamnosus prevents enteric colonization by Candida species in preterm neonates: a randomized study. Clinical infectious diseases, 42(12), 1735-1742.

49 – Battifora, H., & Kopinski, M. (1986). The influence of protease digestion and duration of fixation on the immunostaining of keratins. A comparison of formalin and ethanol fixation. Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry, 34(8), 1095-1100.

50 – Reed, C. E., & Kita, H. (2004). The role of protease activation of inflammation in allergic respiratory diseases. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,114(5), 997-1008.

51 – Applebaum-Bowden, D. (1995). Lipases and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase in the control of lipoprotein metabolism. Current opinion in lipidology, 6(3), 130-135.

52 – Hashemipour, M., Kelishadi, R., Shapouri, J., Sarrafzadegan, N., Amini, M., Tavakoli, N., … & Poursafa, P. (2009). Effect of zinc supplementation on insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in prepubertal obese children. Hormones (Athens), 8(4), 279-285.

53 – Prasad, A. S. (1991). Discovery of human zinc deficiency and studies in an experimental human model. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 53(2), 403-412.

54 – Kugelmas, M. (2000). Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 19(1), 13-15.
55 – Sugino, T., Aoyagi, S., Shirai, T., Kajimoto, Y., & Kajimoto, O. (2007). Effects of citric acid and L-carnitine on physical fatigue. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 41(3), 224.

56 – Baldwin, J. E., & Krebs, H. (1981). The evolution of metabolic cycles.