MuscleTech Phase 8

Phase 8 from MuscleTech is a sustained release protein which has popped up on several best-selling protein lists around the Internet. Sustained release proteins are certainly versatile, and can be used regardless of whether you’re trying to build muscle or preserve it during a cutting phase.

Let’s take a closer look at Phase 8 and see if we can find what all the hype is about.

What Is Phase 8?

Phase 8 is a multi-phase protein designed to deliver a steady amino acid stream to muscles for up to 8 hours.

This makes Phase 8 an ideal protein to take right before bedtime, or if there’s a long stretch during the day when you know you’re not going to have access to protein and want to ensure you stay anabolic and avoid muscle breakdown.

What Types of Protein Does Phase 8 Feature?

Here is a detailed breakdown of the 6 different types of protein you’ll find in Phase 8. Additionally, Phase 8 contains a digestive enzyme matrix with amylase and papain. These enzymes improve the breakdown of food in the digestive system.

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate: Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate is a type of protein has been split into peptides, which are smaller chains of amino acids. In this peptide state the amino acids don’t require as much digestion and are rapidly absorbed.

Whey Protein Isolate: Whey protein isolate is a high quality protein source which has been stripped of fat and sugar. What’s more whey protein has one of the highest protein concentrations at 90-95% per volume.

Whey Protein Concentrate: Whey protein concentrate is usually anywhere between 30-80% protein per volume, and still contains some fat and lactose.

Milk Protein Concentrate: Milk protein concentrate is any complete milk protein which contains 40% or more protein by weight.

Calcium Caseinate: The amino acids in calcium caseinate are broken down slowly, and provide a sustained release of amino acids.

Micellar Casein: Micellar casein is different than other types of casein because it is more readily digested and assimilated by the body.

Whey And Casein Protein Studies

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, hydrolyzed whey protein is absorbed faster by the body and has a higher synthesis rate over whole proteins.[1]

Another study with whey protein hydrolysate showed that whey protein hydrolysate have di- and tri- peptides enter the bloodstream through a different pathway and are more easily absorbed than free-form amino acids.[2]

In addition to keeping the body fed with amino acids through the night, ingesting casein before sleep improves overnight recovery. A study published in Medicine & Science explains the additional benefits of a sustained release protein, “A slow digestion rate is also beneficial because it might reduce protein breakdown and amino acid oxidation–the burning of amino acids for energy. Casein can even increase your feeling of fullness, so you’ll feel like you’ve got a full gut without having to carry one.”[3]

Phase 8 Taste and Flavors

Phase 8 is available in 2,4, and 4.4 lb. containers and there are 6 different flavors. The flavors include cookies and cream, milk chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

The peanut butter chocolate is the flavor I liked the best. It mixed easily and the flavor still held up well even when mixed with water. Each serving contains 26 g protein, 2 g fat, and 7 g carbs.

Final Thoughts On Phase 8

If you’re trying to build muscle mass, there’s nothing more important than hitting your daily protein goals and delivering amino acids to increase protein synthesis. This creates an optimal environment for growth and recovery. A protein like Phase 8 is an excellent way to feed your muscles and stay anabolic even throughout the night.