If you are looking for supplements that will enhance muscle growth, you may want to avoid the following supplements: Mass Gainers, Test Boosters and BCAA's.
1. Mass Gainer
Mass gainer is a supplement that combines protein powder with large amounts of carbohydrates and some fat to make a formula that facilitates weight gain. It typically contains a lower protein content than carbohydrates and fat.
In other words, mass gainers are basically a high calorie supplement with copious amounts of carbs, fats and sugar with a little bit of protein. Therefore, they are not very filling.
Why spend your money on carbohydrates in a supplement when you can get it from delicious foods, such as pasta, bananas, oats, etc...
2. Test Booster
There is no evidence that test boosters affects your testosterone levels (Kumar, 2021). It may increase it but the difference is little to none and it is only for a short period of time. Therefore, it will not make any significant difference in your results long term.
3. BCAA
There are 20 different amino acids in the body.
Nine of the 20 are considered essential amino acids, meaning they cannot be produced by your body and must be obtained through your diet.
Of the nine essential amino acids, three are the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine and valine (Stuart, 2020).
BCAAs are primarily found in protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat and dairy products, so why would you want to take the supplement when you are already getting it from foods.
Although it would help to build muscle while on a severe caloric deficit, where you may not have enough protein, it does not apply to the majority. Because Almost everyone who workouts takes enough protein.
Disclaimer:
This article does not take the place of advice by a qualified health professional. What’s appropriate for one individual may be counterproductive or unsafe for another. If you are suspicious of an illness, injury and/or are in constant pain the author encourages you to see a doctor, dietician, and/or a therapist to get a proper diagnosis and rule out illness.
Reference
Karthik Kumar, MBBS. “Do Any Testosterone Boosters Really Work?” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 7 July 2021, https://www.medicinenet.com/do_any_testosterone_boosters_really_work/article.htm.
Stuart, Annie. “Branch-Chain Amino Acids: Uses and Risks.” WebMD, WebMD, 25 Aug. 2020, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids-uses-risks.