Aminos + Energy
If you are looking for a supplement that is heavier in BCAAs and amino acids than stimulants, Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1 is definitely worth checking out. The flavor is good, and the fact that it mixes pretty well is worth mentioning again, as well.
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Value
- Mixability
- Flavor
| Store | Price | Shipping | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $22.95 | Free | Buy Now |
 | $23.99 | Free | Buy Now |
 | $24.99 | $4 | Buy Now |
Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1 is an amino acid supplement that is designed to purportedly optimize your workout performance and results.
Let’s take a look under the lid and see if it really is formulated with effective ingredients or whether it is forgettable.
The Ingredient Formula
Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1’s formula is quite simple and to the point. There don’t appear to be any unnecessary ingredients or fillers. Let’s take a closer look at the various components of Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1:
L-Leucine
L-Leucine is one of three branched-chain amino acids, and is used to improve muscle recovery, combat the inevitable soreness that comes as a result of intense exercise, and suppress muscle damage. [1]
However, unlike the other 2 branched-chain amino acids, L-leucine is studied in particular for its positive relation to protein synthesis, in which it has been shown to initiate the muscle building process. [2]
L-Isoleucine
This is another BCAA that is supplemented with to alleviate muscle soreness and expedite recovery. [1]
L-Valine
Valine is the third BCAA in the mix, and is also involved in ameliorating post-workout recovery. [1]
L-Citrulline
This amino acid is often referred to as a pump ingredient. L-citrulline is converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. [3] Consequently, improved blood flow to the muscles you are working out can enhance muscle pumps and create an anabolic effect within the muscles.
Caffeine
This stimulant is so versatile it is used in both focus-boosting and energy-increasing supplement. [4]
Overall, the ingredients look solid. It provides you with some great muscle building, energy, and pump increasing ingredients.
Effects and Flavor
I tried out a bottle of the Fruit Punch flavor. The taste was good, and it mixed pretty well, similar to other pre-workouts that I have tried.
I finished drinking Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1 about 15 minutes before I hit the gym. I noticed a subtle boost of energy, nothing crazy or mind-blowing; it was more like a little pick me up.
My muscle pumps were good. I could feel my arms were super tight at the end of my workout, and that may be contributed in part to the L-citrulline.
Pricing and Flavor Availability
It looks like Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1 comes in a couple different flavors, including grape and watermelon.
Each serving provides 25 servings and will cost you about $24. Overall, considering the ingredients and effects I felt, this price doesn’t seem too bad:
| Store | Price | Shipping | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| $22.95 | Free | Buy Now |
| $23.99 | Free | Buy Now |
| $24.99 | $4 | Buy Now |
The Verdict
If you are looking for a supplement that is heavier in BCAAs and amino acids than stimulants, Cytosport Monster Amino 6:1:1 is definitely worth checking out. The flavor is good, and the fact that it mixes pretty well is worth mentioning again, as well.
References
[1] Matsumoto K, et al. “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation attenuates muscle soreness, muscle damage and inflammation during an intensive training program.” J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2009 Dec;49(4):424-31. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20087302
[2] Layne E. Norton and Donald K. Layman. “Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle after Exercise.” J. Nutr. February 2006 vol. 136 no. 2 533S-537S. Available from: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/136/2/533S.full
[3] L-Citrulline. WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1245-l-citrulline.aspx?activeingredientid=1245&activeingredientname=l-citrulline
[4] Caffeine. WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-979-caffeine.aspx?activeingredientid=979&activeingredientname=caffeine
