Ingredients6.1
Effectiveness7.6
Value7.1
Taste8.5
Mixablility5.3
Pros
  • Great company
  • Research backed ingredients
  • Taste is decent
Cons
  • Fillers
  • A bit fatty and carbs
6.9Overall Score

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the biggest name in bodybuilding. So when we found out that MusclePharm and Arnold were working together to develop some supplements we got really excited. In this review we will take a quick look at Arnold Schwarzenegger Series Iron Whey. We will take a in depth look at what kind of protein it uses, taste, and value.

What is Iron Whey?

Iron Whey is a whey protein blend that, like all protein supplements, supports muscle growth and recovery. Iron Whey uses a blend of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and whey protein hydrosylate. Iron Whey contains 22g of protein per serving, which is the average amount of protein found in most protein powders. Does Iron Whey “22 Grams Of The Highest Quality Whey Protein” as advertised? Meh, I am leaning towards no. Not that I am confusing quality with efficacy or absorption rate, but when I think of ‘highest quality’ I think of pure whey protein isolate.

MusclePharm cites no research or reason as to why they use a blend, my guess is that it is just more cost effective as whey protein isolate is much more expensive. That’s why most pure whey protein isolate powders typically sell for 30% to 60% more than a blended protein powder. Will the average person notice any difference in gains by going with a blended protein vs. a pure whey protein isoloate? Probably not. But there is research that shows that isolate is better than standard whey protein. Take a look at a few examples:

In 2008, Krieger conducted a study in support of Hydrolyzed Protein, which is what is used second and third source of protein in Iron Whey. This study used normal, experienced weight lifters, who underwent upper and lower body strength testing and body composition analysis. Within a month the tests showed a 32% increase in strength and muscular endurance with Hydrolyzed Whey Protein when compared to intact protein formulas [1]. A 32% increase in strength is pretty significant. It’s like taking your bench press from 200 pounds to 264 pounds in 8 weeks!

In 2009 a study demonstrated that a 35-gram dose of Hydrolyzed Whey Protein is about 30% more effective in stimulating muscle anabolism than intact protein when measured over a 6-hour period [2]. I like hearing ‘more effective’… A lot! Muscle growth and building lean muscle is what we all want. It’s why we pound it out in the gym day after day. Who doesn’t want to take the most effective products available to maximize their gym efforts?

Another study in 2009 by Buckley and associates investigated whether Hydrolyzed Whey Protein speeds recovery more effectively than intact whey protein. You want your muscles to recover as quickly as possible because increased muscle recovery is linked with enhanced muscle growth. That means the faster your muscles can recover the more they will grow. What were the results? Peak isometric torque was recovered fully in 6 hours. What about the group who took a regular protein supplement? Peak isometric torque remained suppressed [3]!

Iron Whey Serving Size and Flavors

Iron Whey is available in two different sizes and two different flavors. There is Chocolate and Vanilla. Each serving of Iron Whey contains 22 grams of a protein blend, 1 gram of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates (2.5g from sugar).

You can buy these flavors in a 70 serving 5 pound container or a 28 serving 2 pound container. Each serving of Iron Whey will cost you anywhere from $0.68 to $0.95. This price per serving is at the low end for a blended protein powder, which makes this a really good value. To give you a better comparison ProSupps TC-F Isolate which costs $0.80-$0.90 per serving. So whether you go blended protein or pure whey protein isolate, you will find the higher quality isolate to be a little more spendy.

Iron Whey Final Thoughts

I have never been disappointed with any supplement from MusclePharm and since this new line has Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name attached to it, I expect that it is going to be a protein powder worth trying. I am excited to try Iron Whey. When it comes to protein supplements, I am pretty picky. I go to the label, check out the calories, fats, carbs and protein content. If it meets what I need for my fitness goals, then the next test is taste. Other MusclePharm proteins mix extremely well, no lumps or clumps, and taste really good. Once I get my order of Iron Whey I will update! I just hope that they expand on the flavors. Please!! I crave peanut butter.

This is one man’s opinion. What really matters is how well Arnold Schwarzenegger Series Iron Whey works for all of you. Please use our form below to share what your experiences have been with Iron Whey. Please include other product(s) you have used, side effects, benefits, dosage, and let us all know if you think Iron Whey is a good value or not.

References

[1] – From “An Open Label Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effects of MyoZene with Resistance Training on Changes in Body Muscle Strength.” Lidia Lou, MS, Samantha Feldman MS, RD, William Chong BS, Douglas Kalman PhD, RD, FACN, Diane R. Krieger, MD. May 2008. Presented at the 2008 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN.

[2] – Koopman R, Crombach N, Gijsen AP, Walrand S, Fauquant J, Kies AK, Lemosquet S, Saris WH, Boirie Y, van Loon LJ: Ingestion of a protein hydrolysate is accompanied by an accelerated in vivo digestion and absorption rate when compared with its intact protein. Am J Clin Nutr 2009, 90:106-15.

[3] – Buckley JD, Thomson RL, Coates AM, Howe PR, Denichilo MO, Rowney MK: Supplementation with a whey protein hydrolysate enhances recovery of muscle force-generating capacity following eccentric exercise. J Sci Med Sport 2008, in press.



About The Author

Brian E. is from southern California and has worked for names like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe as a supplement expert and consultant. He currently lives in Utah and is studying marketing.

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