1. What is the difference between a whey protein and a mass gainer?
Mass gainers contain 22% to 35% of protein where as Whey Protein powder contains more then 60% protein.
Mass gainers contain more calories then regular whey protein and contain larger amounts of carbohydrates and fats to boost your calorie intake. Both are used for muscle recovery & muscle growth.
Good mass gainers contain non sugar complex carbs for prolonged energy supply.
2. What would suit you better?
If you are a hard gainer or want to build a significant amount of muscle mass, then a mass gainer would be suitable.
If you want slow gains with controlled body fat percentage, a whey protein would be the better option.
Alternately, you can also use both a mass gainer and a whey protein to avoid gaining too much fat.
3. What if I want to lose fat? Do I still need protein?
If you have already built sufficient muscle mass and are ready to cut fat, then whey protein would be suitable because your body still needs to sustain the muscles you have already built.
The protein will prevent muscle catabolism when doing cardio etc.
4. Is whey protein only for cutting purposes?
Whey protein is suitable for both bulking and cutting phase. Some people prefer using mass gainers for bulking purposes, and some people, who gain weight easily, prefer to use only whey protein to build mass because of the fear of unwanted calories.
5. What if I dont work out and just take protein/mass gainer? Will I grow?
The purpose of protein is to aid muscle recovery and repair muscle tissues so that the muscles can grow bigger and stronger. If you dont work out, then there is no need for recovery. Since the body does not store protein, it will just be a waste.
6. Could I take too much protein?
The body will generally consume the protein it needs and excrete remaining nitrogen in urine, after the protein has been broken down. This is why it is important to have healthy liver and kidney functions.
If you are on a high protein diet, make sure you drink plenty of water.
If you have any liver or kidney problems, or family history in this regard, please check with a medical practitioner before using any supplement.