Review: Myogenix Myo Lean Evolution Meal Replacement

"Myo Lean Evolution has set the new standard for meal supplements by providing the most technically advanced blend of whey isolates and slow releasing proteins, and combining them with the highest quality "healthy" fats, all in a low carb, low glycemic formula. We intended on making a"perfect meal" for the elite athlete. We ended up with a product so loaded with high quality raw materials, so nutrient dense, it would benefit not only elite athletes looking to add powerful lean muscle, but anyone looking to improve their health and physique through nutrition. Plus, in the tradition of all Myogenix products, it tastes great!"

Myo Lean Evolution is a meal replacement product (MRP) designed to provide nutritional support for lean mass gains. In addition to being low in carbs, it's also moderately low in calories, so it's suitable for cutting as well as gaining.

A closer look at the label shows what Myo Lean Evolution has to offer...

Yeah, that's a loooong list, but don't let that put you off. Even at a glance, certain features leap out, and they're pretty good ones, too. Myo Lean Evolution is low in sugar, provides the RDAs for most of the major vites and minerals, contains a decent amount of fiber, and supplies a generous amount of protein. In addition, there are some "extras", such as CLA, added amino acids and probiotics. Here's how it all breaks down:

Pentaprotein 50/50: This is a mixture of 5 different types of protein: whey isolate, casein, milk (a mixture of casein + whey) and egg white/whole egg. All of these are high-quality and popular sources of supplemental protein.

The one (small) downside, however, is that the proportions aren't specified.

While it doesn't really matter from a nutritional perspective, it can make a difference when it comes to satiety. Whey proteins tend to digest rather quickly, while casein has more "staying power".

Thus a blend offering a good balance of different sources is preferable to one that contains mostly one source... with vanishingly small amounts of the others (i.e., "label decoration").

Benefat: There are 7 different fat sources in this blend, each supplying fatty acids with different properties. CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is well-known as a fat loss ingredient; while borage oil is a source of the anti-inflammatory gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Sunflower oil is a source of (omega-6) linoleic acid.

Lecithin is a source of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine. MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) are shorter chain fatty acids that are more readily digested and thermogenic than regular, long chain fats. Finally, flaxseed is a source of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid.

It looks like a pretty comprehensive and healthful mix, although—with only 7g of total fat per serving—it's unlikely that the Benefat blend can supply useful amounts of each one. It's more likely that only the first 1–3 ingredients in the blend play much of a role.

Natural Fiber and Carb Complex: Once again, there are multiple sources in this blend that provide insoluble, soluble and prebiotic fibers. All three types have different—but overlapping—health benefits: insoluble and soluble fibers can improve digestive and cardiovascular health; while prebiotics support the digestive and immune systems by encouraging the growth of beneficial, probiotic bacteria in the gut.

Essential Nutrient Complex: This blend contains an array of essential and non-essential amino acids, digestive enzymes and probiotic bacteria. Nice... but the more interesting question is: "how much?" Amino acids generally need to be taken in doses of several grams—EACH.

Similarly, probiotic bacteria are dosed in the billions, and the best supps are sold refrigerated, with guaranteed numbers of live organisms. Thus, while this blend makes Myo Lean look pretty special, it's important to remember that looks can be deceiving... While there's certainly no harm to underdosed ingredients, they're not likely to be very useful, either.

Vitamin and Mineral Blend: Like most MRPs, Myo Lean Evolution provides a full spectrum of vites and minerals... 100% in most cases. In essence, a serving is the equivalent of consuming a daily One-A-Day.

That takes care of the primary ingredients—the rest are the usual additives: thickeners, sweeteners, flavorings and emulsifiers.

Since I'm always in the market for a good protein powder/meal replacement, I figured I'd give Myo Lean Evolution a whirl. I ordered the "Chocolate Chunk", which turned out to be pretty tasty. It also blended fairly well, and was quite filling—especially when mixed with milk instead of water. I thought it was great as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack—especially since I'm (usually) working at those times and don't like to stop and eat more complicated meals.

In other words, I liked it. ;-)

Questions about certain "extras" notwithstanding, Myo Lean Evolution appears to be a well-made product—and one I'd consider buying again in the future. If you're in the market for a solid MRP, this one's worth a look.

Myo Lean Evolution is available at Bodybuilding.com!

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