Syntha-6 Review (Original, Edge & Cold Stone)

Syntha-6 is one of the few protein powders that has reached the highest echelon of the sports nutrition and bodybuilding markets. This is no surprise, however, given that a global dairy powerhouse is their creator: Glanbia Performance Nutrition.

 

Everyone remembers the first time they tried a Syntha-6 protein shake, the circumstances etched into memory with permanent ink, like the last day of high school or the first time traveling by aircraft.

 

Syntha-6 won’t pass into legend any time soon; it simply won’t bite the dust and cease to exist—it’s too good. And now a new generation of Syntha-6 has been created, unleashed onto an unsuspecting marketplace that’s still reeling from its infatuation with the original.

 

Syntha-6 Edge, with its promise of all the rich delicious flavour of the original, yet with less calories, has us wondering if it’s too good to be true. After some brief customer experimentation, followed by sheer delight, this product has become another mainstay in the protein powder arena.

 

Then to our absolute shock and withdrawn amazement, Syntha-6 Cold Stone emerges, like Excalibur thrust from a body of water by the lady of the lake.

 

Okay, so there wasn’t actually a medieval scene involving a lake, an enchantress and a tub of protein. But you’ve got to admit, it does conjure up quite a scene. And the flavour of the protein is so good that it does make you think, maybe some enchantment was involved …

 

Syntha-6 Cold Stone Creamery literally turns a regular protein shake into a tantalising ice-cream experience, bringing back childhood memories of time spent lashing the sides of an ice cream cone and creating new meaning for the phrase one-pointed-focus.

 

For some, the memories aren’t too distant, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

 

Now with three Syntha-6 options to choose from, Glanbia Performance Nutrition and the team at BSN have transformed this range into more than just powdered protein nutrition.

 

It’s a flavour and texture revelation.

 

So without further ado, let’s delve deeper into the astonishingly intoxicating world of BSN’s one and only Syntha-6 range.

 

 

Syntha-6: Weight Loss, Mass Gains or Neither?

Almost any food or powdered supplement can be used as part of a weight loss program. Just as it can also be used for weight gain.

 

How could this be?

 

It all comes down to the quantity we consume, as well as how we use the product. Then again, some foods should be removed from the diet as quickly as possible and never purchased again, like processed meats and trans fat containing foods ^1,2.

 

But that’s another story for another blog article …

 

Here’s an interesting thought. If you mix a small portion of a mass gainer protein powder in water and use it to replace one meal per day, all of a sudden it’s a weight loss aid.

 

If you really want to see how this compares to some leading weight-loss powders, easily found at pharmacies and supermarkets, then it’s worth a go just for the sake of having some fun.

 

That’s if you find nutritional analysis fun, like some do …

 

This same notion can be applied to thermogenic protein powders that are mostly sold in health food stores and gyms. Typically they are low fat, low carb and of course low calorie with some thermogenic compounds added.

 

However, double or even triple scoop one of these fat-loss protein powders into a blender full of peanut butter, avocado, banana and full cream milk or a plant-based milk, and now you’ve got yourself a super-sized mass gainer.

 

And the thermogenics in the smoothie won’t be anywhere near strong enough to overcome the massive calorie surplus that you’re taking in.

 

Of course, some foods and powders are more suited to either weight loss or weight gain. But the point of these many paragraphs is … with a little nutritional know-how, a product marketed for one purpose can be adapted to suit another goal.

 

So what does all this mean for the Syntha-6 range?

 

And is it really that important to use a protein powder for a weight loss program?

 

 

Is Syntha-6 Good for Weight Loss?

Here’s an important take-home point. You don’t have to use a protein powder on a weight loss program.

 

There’s nothing written into our genetic code that says so, and plenty of people lose weight without them. Otherwise, worldwide obesity levels would have shown a much higher trend before the existence of the first protein shake!

 

But another question still remains, are there benefits associated with using protein powders on a weight loss program? 

 

Evidence is pointing towards yes. And these benefits may be more in the tune of supporting overall health and reducing the risk of rebound weight via the preservation of important muscle mass ³.

 

You see, the thing about weight loss programs and restricting calories is that our protein intake usually drops quite considerably, unless you’re really putting some effort into eating protein rich foods, along with fibre-rich low-calorie fresh produce.

 

But this takes a lot of time shopping, food prepping and cooking. Unfortunately, most people don’t tend to choose the healthiest route to weight loss. This makes it hard to keep protein levels up and keep your energy level and mood up with the incorporation of an abundance of plant-based food into daily diet.

 

 

Protein powders are a convenient and low calorie option for keeping our protein intake up during a weight loss program, thus preserving our muscle mass. And if your weight loss efforts are coupled with an increase in your activity level, whether it’s jogging, weight training or aqua aerobics, guess what?

 

This increases your protein requirement. So for most weight loss programs in which people become more active and restrict their calorie intake, protein needs actually increase, at time when their intake decreases.

 

This leads to the loss of muscle mass.

 

And muscle is needed for more than just looking like a Hollywood film star—it supports quality of life as we get older. It’s also an important reservoir for essential amino acids that we dip into during times of metabolic need, such as during illness or trauma related to an accident.

 

Syntha-6 Edge is the best of the range to use as part of a weight loss program, as it provides 24 grams of quality dairy protein and only 153 calorie per serve. Syntha-6 Cold Stone and the Syntha-6 Original contain 200 calories each per serve.

 

This protein shake may be taken after exercise or between meals when the hunger cravings are gnawing their way into your thoughts. Try one or two shakes per day, mixed in water, depending on your dietary protein intake.

 

BSN Syntha-6 Mass Gainer or Lean Gainer?

Based on the products that line the aisles of countless stores, a mass gainer is typically a blend of flavoured powdered carbohydrates and proteins. It’s important to define this product category before we jump in and answer the question at hand.

 

Based on this, the Syntha-6 range suits a lean muscle gain program better than mass gains. This is due to the fact that all three products in this range are between 150 and 200 calories per serve, and deliver around 15 to 16 grams of  carbohydrates per serve, with 3.5 to 6 grams of fats.

 

This makes for a relatively lean protein shake, ideal for lean muscle gain. But in the context of a high calorie diet, Syntha-6 shakes can provide valuable protein to trigger muscle repair and growth from a solid training program.

 

Essentially, if you’re getting an abundance of calories from your food, then there’s no reason to guzzle them down in shakes for a mass gains program. So you can simply enjoy a lower calorie protein shake, like Syntha-6, and experience all the natural gains you’ll ever need.

 

You might be thinking though, aren’t there other crucial ingredients in mass gainers that make them superior? The only ingredient that can assist you that is included in mass gainers is creatine.

 

This well-research and safe tripeptide, composed of arginine, methionine and glycine, can trigger some fast muscle expansion, due to muscle cell fluid retention, and improvements in explosive strength and power ^4,5. This latter ergogenic benefit assists with improved performance and muscle fibre size increases in the long term.

 

If you are on a pass gains program, creatine is certainly worth a try, especially when taken with a high glycemic index carbohydrate, like dextrose (glucose). The glucose will trigger insulin release, which “opens up” muscle cells to receive more creatine, creating a definite synergism.

 

Another interesting nutrient is glycerol, rarely included in mass gainers—if ever. This can also trigger muscle cell fluid retention, creating a nice pump ⁶. It’s better absorbed during exercise, so take it pre or intra ⁷. Glycerol can improve anaerobic power output as well.

 

Syntha-6 Edge

Syntha-6 Sizes: 1.06kg (28 Serves), 2.27kg (48 Serves) and

 

After a decade or more of quality Syntha-6 protein shakes, Syntha-6 Edge emerged as a lower calorie option containing an extra 2 grams of protein per serve.

 

The Syntha-6 Cookies and Cream taste is simply out of this world, not to mention the other five flavours, which are nothing short of fantastic. These are Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry and Salted Caramel.

 

Syntha-6 Edge contains premium quality protein from Glanbia Performance Nutrition. All Glanbia protein powders are derived from the milk of cows grazing on the fresh green pastures of Ireland.

 

The protein matrix in Syntha-6 Edge consists of When Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Milk Protein, Micellar Casein and Milk Protein Concentrate.

 

These protein sources are all variations of the two dairy protein, whey and casein. Both are high quality protein sources containing all of the essential amino acids, with whey having a higher biological value.

 

As a general rule, casein-containing protein powders tend to absorb slower, while whey protein is rapidly digested and absorbed. Both forms, however, are great for the maintenance, repair and growth of lean muscle tissue.

 

Syntha-6 Edge contains around 45 to 50 less calories per serve than the Cold Stone and Original versions. This calorie reduction has been obtained by dropping both the carbohydrate and fat content of the product.

 

This product contains natural and artificial flavours, and is sweetened with artificial sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

 

Syntha-6 Cold Stone Creamery

Syntha-6 Sizes: 1.17kg (25 Serves) and 2.07kg (44 Serves)

 

When it comes to ice-cream, you would have to live in a remote corner of the earth to not have heard of Cold Stone. This company has been pumping out awesome tasting ice-cream globally for over 25 years.

 

It makes sense then for a top notch ice cream company and a world leader in powdered protein supplementation to join forces.

 

And what good and delicious forces they are …

 

As it stands, the fusion of Syntha-6 and Cold Stone has led to the creation of the following outstanding flavours: Birthday Cake Remix, Mint Chocolate Chip and Germanchokolatekake.

 

That’s right, there’s a flavour called Germanchokolatekake.

 

Why? Because anything that tastes this good and has protein in it can pretty much be called whatever it wants—it’s still going to be popular.

 

Sytnha-6 Cold Stone contains a quality blend of a variety of casein and whey protein powders, delivering 22 grams of protein in every 47 gram serve, which is 1 scoop. At only 6 grams of fat and 15 grams of carbohydrates in each scoop, this product has the gourmet flavour and texture of a much higher calorie product.

 

Each serve of Syntha-6 Cold Stone contains 200 calories, nearly half of which is provided by protein, as well as 170mg of calcium and 240mg of potassium.

 

You really can’t go wrong with this product. It’s perfect for use any time of the day, whether that’s before bed, after training or as a dessert. And yes, it’s fine to consume casein after exercise—it won’t ruin your gains ⁸.

 

Whenever you do decide to use it, if you do in fact decide to use it, be sure to enjoy it. You only get to taste a product as delicious as this for the first time once.

 

Prepare to be wowed.

 

Syntha-6 Original

Syntha-6 Sizes: 1.35kg (28 Serves), 2.28kg (48 Serves) and 4.54kg (97 Serves)

 

There are few folks who haven’t had the pleasure of tasting the original Syntha-6 over the years. This product has been a mainstay protein source for a tremendous amount of people around the world.

 

The original Syntha-6 ingredients deliver about 45 to 50 more calories than the edge version, which are derived from carbohydrates and fats. This product is just short of a 2:1 ratio of potassium to sodium and contains 55mg of cholesterol per serve.

 

Once again, the protein powder blend is composed of whey, casein and egg, which deliver all 9 essential amino acids. Any product with a natural amino acid composition like this will be a strong trigger for muscle protein synthesis.

 

This means muscle repair and rebuilding will be underway before you can even finish the last mouthful.

 

As with most protein powders, they all taste better in cold full-cream milk. If you have a few calories up your sleeve, it’s worth giving it a go.

 

If you are on a mass gaining program you can do this daily. Each 250ml of full cream milk provides another 8 grams of protein and 160 calories. This makes for the ultimate banana milk shake or Cookies and Cream treat.

 

Is Syntha-6 Gluten Free?

Syntha-6 Original and Syntha-6 Cold Stone all contain wheat, and therefore gluten, as stated in their allergen declaration.

 

Though gluten is not declared as an allergen on the Syntha-6 Edge label (though in Graham Cracker flavour it is), there is no “gluten free” declaration anywhere on the label. This indicates that the product may contain traces of gluten.

 

Conclusion

If unparalleled flavour and mouthfeel are an important part of your daily protein shakes, it’s hard to look past the impressive range of BSN Syntha-6 products from Glanbia Performance Nutrition.

 

These delicious powders contain a range of quality proteins, including egg, casein and whey, so you can be sure you’re essential and non-essential amino acid needs are well and truly covered.

 

Syntha-6 is a protein powder that triggers recovery, repair and enhanced performance, perfect for competitive athletes or the everyday gym goer.

 

With a little nutritional know-how, as described previously, Syntha-6 protein powders can be adapted to either weight loss or weight gain programs. After all, not matter what your body composition pursuits are, high quality protein is essential.

 

Syntha-6, in any of its three iterations, is a product worth travelling long-distances for. So pack your bags and take a trip to flavour-country.

 

References

1. Igbal M.P. Trans fatty acids — A risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2014 Vol 30;1 p.194-197
2. Aykan N.F. Red Meat and Colorectal Cancer. Oncology Reviews. 2015 Vol 9;1
3. Johansson K et al. Effects of anti-obesity drugs, diet, and exercise on weight-loss maintenance after a very-low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2014 Vol 99;1 p.14-23 
4. Lanhers C et al. Creatine Supplementation and Upper Limb Strength Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine. 2017 Vol 47 p.163-173
5. Cooper R et al. Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2012 Vol 9;33
6. Patlar S et al. The effect of glycerol supplements on aerobic and anaerobic performance of athletes and sedentary subjects. Journal of Human Kinetics. 2012 Vol 34 p.69-79 
7. Hall G.van., et al. Human skeletal muscle fatty acid and glycerol metabolism during rest, exercise and recovery. The Journal of Physiology. 2002 Vol 543(Pt 3) p.1047-1058
8. Wilborn C/D., et al. The effects of Pre- and Post-exercise whey vs. casein protein consumption on body composition and performance measures in collegiate female athletes. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2013 Vol 12;1 p.74-79

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