Can Dr. Layne Norton help prep you up for the toughest workouts imaginable?
We’re about to find out.
Dr. Norton, a renowned bodybuilder, bodybuilding coach, professional powerlifter, and supplement line owner, is proud of his Carbon Build by Layne Norton whey protein supplement. It has 24 grams of top-notch whey protein isolates and much more. Much more.
This should be an interesting review, folks.
Table of Contents
About Carbon Build by Layne Norton
Dr. Layne says Carbon Build is all about going back to the basics, per the product’s official website. He says, “It’s not fancy. It’s not sexy. It just works.” He touts his signature product as “made from a top-quality whey protein isolate that delivers 24 grams of protein per serving.” Formula notes:
- Quality protein. Twenty-four grams of whey protein isolates per scoop.
- Three grams of leucine per serving. Amino acid renowned for protein synthesis benefits.
- Comes in three flavors. Chocolate Milkshake, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla.
Carbon Build Supplement Facts (Chocolate Milkshake, 4 lbs.) |
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Serving Size: 1 scoop (31.2g) Servings Per Container: About 58 |
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Ingredient |
Amount per Serving |
Calories | 110 |
Total Fat | .5 g (<1%* DV) |
Total Carbohydrate | 3 g (1%* DV) |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g (8%* DV) |
Protein | 24 g (48%* DV) |
Calcium | 20 mg (2% DV) |
Iron | 1 mg (6% DV) |
Phosphorus | 40 mg (4% DV) |
Sodium | 310 mg (13% DV) |
Potassium | 170 mg ( 5% DV) |
Ingredients: Whey Protein Isolate, Cocoa, Fibersol-2 (resistant maltodextrin), Natural & Artificial Flavor, Salt, Acesulfame Potassium, Thickener Blend (Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan), Sucralose, and Silica. |
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Directions For Build: Mix one scoop of Carbon Build with at least 8-12 oz. of water or the beverage of your choice. Vary the amount of liquid to achieve your desired consistency and taste. Consume daily to help meet your daily protein requirements. |
Carbon Build by Layne Norton: It’s Not Sexy, It Just Works
More and more fitness experts are having their names stamped on protein supplements. Take, for example, Dr. Jim Stoppani’s Jym Pro Jym and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Arnold IRON Whey Protein.
Please welcome Dr. Layne Norton into the fray.
His name should ring a bell by now. Just like Dr. Stoppani, Dr. Norton has exemplary credentials: He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Eckerd College and earned a Ph.D in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois. He graduated with honors both times.
He is also an IFPA and NGA natural pro bodybuilder, professional powerlifter, bodybuilding coach, and of course, the founder of Carbon and BioLayne LLC.
Whenever a supplement founder has that kind of background, you’d think the product is top-notch. Carbon Build has given us that first impression.
Carbon Build has 24 grams of whey protein isolates per serving. Dr. Norton says whey protein is “the most anabolic protein for muscle when compared gram per gram against other protein sources.” We won’t dispute that.
So why did Dr. Norton decide to include just whey protein isolates?
Whey protein concentrate is around 80 percent protein and has a higher lactose, carb, and fats content than whey protein isolate.
Dr. Norton also explained on his official website many people “don’t tolerate or digest whey protein concentrate well.”
He also chose whey protein isolates over whey hydrolysate – the fastest-absorbing kind of whey – because the latter is less tastier than the former. Plus, whey hydrolysate supplements have steep prices.
Dr. Norton also said there is no solid basis supporting whey hydrolysate’s superiority over WPI in terms of muscle growth.
Thus, he thought it was time to use whey protein isolates for Carbon Build.
We agree with Dr. Norton’s assessment. Whey protein isolates are the better choice for individuals who are lactose intolerant and who have sensitive stomachs.
Choosing WPI over whey hydrolysate is also the more practical choice for the reasons he enumerated. Don’t forget about the three grams of leucine – the amino acid mainly responsible for protein synthesis – in every scoop of Carbon Build. Expect your workout quality to improve dramatically.
Having said all of these, 24 grams of quality whey protein isolates sounds like the real deal, folks.
Now, let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- Total fat, .5 g: You’d expect a whey protein isolate supplement to have a low fat content – say, 1 gram per serving. Carbon Build whittles it down a bit more with just half a gram of fat per scoop. Pretty impressive (if you want to lose fat, check out our fat burner reviews here).
- Total carbohydrate, 3 g: Expect a pure WPI supplement to have fewer than three grams of protein per serving. In fact, Dr. Norton’s official website says Carbon Build has “under 1 gram of carb.” We attribute the additional carb content to the dietary fiber (two grams per scoop). Note Carbon Build has resistant maltodextrin, a dietary fiber which is said to improve the digestive process.
- Iron, 1 mg: A mineral which is essential for ample supply of oxygen for muscle contraction. Always a good bonus.
- Phosphorus, 40 mg: The second-most abundant mineral in the body which helps support digestion and the formation of strong bones and teeth. Pretty obvious Dr. Norton wanted a bit more of this for the former benefit. Good digestion and quality protein content make for a winning combo.
- Sodium, 310 mg: A bit too high for our liking. Not even MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder has this much sodium per serving. Don’t get us wrong, sodium is a vital component of the recovery process. However, an excess amount may result in more water retention. We advise those with cardiovascular concerns to consult their doctor first.
- Potassium, 170 mg: We believe Carbon Build’s potassium content is somewhat high. This mineral has several vital cardiovascular benefits, but it could be detrimental if taken in high amounts. Once again, consult your physician if you have a history of heart issues.
Formula Analysis
Carbon Build’s twenty-four grams of quality whey protein isolates per serving will help individuals gain muscle mass, repair muscle tissue, boost the recovery process, and meet their daily protein requirements. No question.
You also reap other benefits as well: Whey protein isolates digest better than their whey protein concentrate counterpart (whey protein isolates are the better choice for lactose intolerant individuals). Plus, they’re cheaper than whey protein hydrolysate. Dr. Norton was one step of everybody else.
We like the fact Carbon Build is designed as an attractive low-calorie and low-fat whey protein supplement option (it only has 110 calories per serving).
You may notice Fibersol®-2 is one of Carbon Build’s ingredients. Also known as digestion resistant maltodextrin, it is a dietary fiber which helps boost intestinal regularity. It may also help relieve constipation.
As helpful as Fibersol®-2 may seem, some fitness experts are not sold on its benefits. Some of its alleged risks include a spike in blood sugar levels, allergic reactions, and bloating.
Another questionable ingredient is carrageenan, an additive which has been linked to several ailments.
The takeaway: Carbon Build has top-notch protein content with digestive enzymes which can help boost results. However, these digestive enzymes come with several question marks.
All in all, we give props to Dr. Norton for his transparency. No proprietary blends whatsoever. He also uses simple ingredients. Pretty good job overall.
Carbon Build by Layne Norton Benefits
According to Dr. Norton, Carbon Build’s whey protein content “has a long track record of improving muscle protein synthesis and increasing muscle mass and strength in people who lift weights,” per the company’s official website.
He also emphasized the three grams of leucine per serving, which, he says, “is the potential threshold amount needed to maximize the rate of muscle protein synthesis in humans.”
Put together 24 grams of whey protein isolates per scoop and three grams of leucine per serving, and you will recover from your workouts like never before. What’s not to love, folks?
Who Takes It?
Carbon Build by Layne Norton is meant for athletes and active individuals who want lean muscle growth and improved recovery. This product is also an effective way of meeting one’s daily protein requirements.
Any Side Effects?
The way we see it, individuals who have cardiovascular concerns have to be a bit leery about Carbon Build’s sodium and potassium content (especially the former). Potential side effects of consuming too much sodium is elevated blood pressure and water retention.
Like we also said, the dietary fiber content of Carbon Build (especially carrageenan) has some question marks, too.
It’s interesting the manufacturer also included a note saying Carbon Build contains chemicals known to California residents as having serious side effects:
Carbon Build by Layne Norton Summary
Pros
- Quality whey protein isolates. Twenty-four grams per serving.
- Three grams of leucine per serving. For boosting protein synthesis.
- Low-fat and Low-calorie. Pretty good, if you ask us.
- Delicious taste. We kid you not, folks.
- Transparent ingredients. Doesn’t hide behind anything.
Cons
- High in sodium and potassium. Consult your doctor if you have cardiovascular issues.
- Questionable ingredients. Resistant maltodextrin and carrageenan, in particular.
- Expensive. $63.99 for a four-lb. container.
Pricing & Buying Info
- 1 two-lb. container (30-Day Supply): $37.99
- 1 four-lb. container (58-Day Supply): $63.99
- Available online
Final Word on Carbon Build by Layne Norton
So, was Dr. Layne Norton’s venture into the supplement industry a successful one?
To a certain extent, yes.
Carbon Build has quality protein content backed up three grams of leucine per serving. Its low-fat and low-calorie content are also pluses.
Nonetheless, the questionable ingredients such as carrageenan make us iffy, to say the least. And to think the warning label clearly states Carbon Build has chemicals which can cause serious side effects. That’s a huge red flag right there.
Nice try, Dr. Norton. On second thought, we’ll go for Dr. Jim Stoppani’s Jym Pro Jym instead.
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