If you’re keen on a bodybuilding post-workout supplement with a 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate could be right up your alley. This review will help you size it up from top to bottom.
Table of Contents
About SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate is the “Advanced Muscle Range” and “post-workout drink mix with whey isolate, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals,” per the manufacturer’s official website. Formula notes:
- Great ingredient combo. Maltodextrin, dextrose monohydrate, WPI, creatine monohydrate, vitamins, and minerals.
- Bonus ingredients. Solid source of Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Affordable. Approximately $34.43 for a 1.2-kg. (2.65-lb.) container.
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate Supplement Facts (Orange Flavour, 1.2 kg. 1) |
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Serving Size: 2 level scoops (80 g) Servings Per Container: 15 |
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Nutritional Information | Per 100g | Per 80g Serving |
Energy | 1597kj/376kcal | 1227kj/301kcal |
Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
of which saturates | 0 g | 0 g |
Carbohydrate | 64 g | 51 g |
of which sugars | 31 g | 25 g |
Protein (on dry matter) | 30 g | 24 g |
Salt | 0.24 g | 0.19 g |
Revitaliser™ micronutrient blend | 595 mg (%RI*) | 475 mg (%RI*) |
Vitamin C | 38 mg (47%) | 30 mg (38%) |
Calcium | 214 mg (27%) | 171 mg (21%) |
Phosphorus | 252 mg (36%) | 202 mg (29%) |
Magnesium | 91 mg (24%) | 72 mg (19%) |
Iso-Pro™ Protein | 30 g | 24 g |
of which BCAAs† | 3.2 g | 2.5 g |
L-leucine | 1.5 g | 1.2 g |
L-isoleucine | 0.9 g | 0.7 g |
L-valine | 0.8 g | 0.7 g |
of which glutamine | 2.5 g | 2 g |
Cross-Action Carbohydrate blend (Maltodextrin & dextrose monohydrate) | 64 g | 51 g |
Creatine monohydrate | 5.7 g | 4.6 g |
Ingredients: Cross-Action™ carbohydrate blend (maltodextrin, dextrose monohydrate), Iso-Pro™ whey protein isolate (milk, emulsifier [soya lecithin]), L-glycine, creatine monohydrate, L-taurine, Revitaliser™ micronutrient blend (calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, vitamin c [as ascorbic acid]), mono potassium phosphate, acidity regulator (citric acid), flavouring, colour (beta-carotene), sweetener (sucralose) | ||
WHEN TO USE
HOW TO USE
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The Advanced Muscle Range Post-Workout Drink Mix
Bodybuilding post-workout supplements from the United Kingdom have gained a lot of traction here on B5. There’s Bulk Powders AFTERMATH, for one. Another one is Reflex Nutrition Growth Matrix, which has an impressive 37.8 grams of protein per serving.
Now, another U.K. post-workout is set to make headlines: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate.
The manufacturer dubs it its “Advanced Muscle Range” and “post-workout drink mix with whey isolates, carbohydrates, vitamins, & minerals,” per its official website. Interesting, to say the least.
Many post-workouts claim their ingredients are unique. Nothing new. Let’s see how SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate sets itself apart from the competition.
We can aptly sum up this product’s ingredient equation: carbs + protein + creatine monohydrate + key vitamins and minerals. It’s that simple.
As for the 2:1 ratio in the product name, it refers to its ratio of carbs (51 grams) to protein (24) per serving. It’s not common among post-workouts by any means, but just know this: experts say a 3:1 or 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio is the most efficient in terms of replenishing depleted glycogen stores.
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover’s 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio isn’t far off, so it should still make an impact on your short- and long-term fitness goals.
Cross-Action Carbohydrate Blend, 51 grams
The star of the show is 51 grams of the Cross-Action Carbohydrate Blend per 80-gram serving (two level scoops). Maltodextrin and dextrose monohydrate – two renowned bodybuilding post-workout carbohydrates – make up this blend.
Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide) and a by-product of corn, potato, or rice starch. Your body quickly absorbs maltodextrin because of its high glycemic index rating. The result: massive insulin spikes, a highly anabolic environment, and increased energy levels.
On the other hand, dextrose monohydrate (also known as glucose) is another fast-absorbing carb which has a high glycemic index rating.The thing is, dextrose is a monosaccharide or simple carbohydrate. One can obtain it from sources such as corn, wheat, and rice.
Fitness experts maintain supplementing with glucose helps replenish depleted post-exercise glycogen stores. Plus, it helps increase performance and improve hydration efficiency.
Hard evidence: Berardi (2006) and Ormsbee (2014) conducted two separate studies regarding post-workout glucose intake (via ISSAonline.edu). They concluded glucose consumption within 60 minutes after a training session replenished glycogen stores and shortened recovery time.
Plus, simple sugars such as dextrose also help boost the absorption of creatine. Once that happens, you will enjoy more muscle growth and increased aerobic and anaerobic performance.
Our take: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate’s Cross-Action Carbohydrate Blend will help replenish your system in rapid-fire fashion for better results and faster recovery.
Iso-Pro Protein, 24 grams
Next up are 24 grams of its Iso-Pro Protein blend per 80-gram serving (two level scoops). At the forefront is the company’s Iso-Pro Whey Protein Isolate blend.
Bear in mind there are several types of whey. The most popular ones are whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI). The folks at SCI-MX Nutrition chose the latter, the purer form of protein at 90 to 95 percent. It also has less fats and carbs than WPC because it undergoes a special microfiltration process.
The downside: WPI tends to taste bitter on its own and is more expensive than WPC. It also has fewer immunoglobulins (a class of protein which helps boost the immune system).
Nonetheless, it’s pretty obvious the manufacturer stresses fast recovery – it went with WPI, which has a faster absorption rate than WPC. Whey protein – regardless of the kind – is a natural source of branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs), which help build muscle mass, repair muscle tissue, and regulate the immune system.
This product’s leucine content is just 1.2 grams per serving. Most big-name post-workouts have five grams or so, so this one lags behind. Don’t forget, leucine is the most anabolic amino acid – it helps kickstart muscle protein synthesis. It’s the BCAA responsible for muscle growth. Too bad there isn’t enough in SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate.
On the other hand, it has a decent amount of isoleucine and valine (700 milligrams each). You can find roughly the same amount in many BCAA supplements.
For those of you who are big on l-glutamine (the most abundant amino acid), SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate isn’t the post-workout for you – it has only two grams per serving. Let’s rattle off its key benefits:
- Preserves muscle tissue
- Increases human growth hormone (HGH) levels
- Regulates the digestive system.
- Boosts glycogen replenishment
- Keeps free radicals at bay
- Increases muscle cell hydration.
Again, we feel there isn’t enough glutamine in this product. If you need more, you’re better off purchasing something else (Angry Supplements C.G. 15 Creatine + Glutamine Powder Unflavored 1500 Mg. has a whopping 10 grams of glutamine per scoop).
The undisputed star of the show of the Iso-Pro Protein blend is the 24 grams of whey protein isolate per serving. That much is at par with many protein supplements. You can be sure it’ll help you muscle up and meet your daily protein requirement.
Revitalise Micronutrient Blend, 475 milligrams
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate’s Revitaliser Micronutrient Blend offers you a ton of extra health benefits. This blend takes up 475 milligrams of each 80-gram serving (two level scoops).
It may not seem like much, but when you take a closer look at the Reference Intake (the nutritional guideline used in the United Kingdom), you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
For instance, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate gives you 30 milligrams of ascorbic acid per serving. This represents an impressive 38 percent of the daily amount you need for Vitamin C.
Whenever you meet your daily amount for ascorbic acid, the higher your energy levels are. Some experts also say vitamin C may potentially ward off oxidative stress.
Let’s not also forget vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant which helps keep free radicals at bay, regulates heart and blood vessel function, and boosts vision. It’s one of the most well-rounded vitamins. We’re glad it’s in SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate.
This supplement is also a solid source of calcium (21 percent RI), phosphorus (29 percent RI), and magnesium (19 percent RI). Their combined benefits include stronger bones, a healthier heart, better sleep quality, and increased antioxidant protection and testosterone levels.
The key takeaway: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate’s Revitaliser Micronutrient blend’s solid levels of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium bodes well not only for your post-workout goals, but your long-term health as well.
Creatine Monohydrate, 4.6 grams
Finally, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has 4.6 grams of creatine monohydrate per 80-gram serving (two level scoops).
This should make up for the lackluster leucine and glutamine content. This much creatine monohydrate is just a shade below the optimal amount of five grams per scoop.
Creatine helps increase muscle mass and athletic performance. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, delay the onset of muscular fatigue, and improve brain health.
The August 2013 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (via ResearchGate.net) also says, “Creatine supplementation plus resistance exercise increases fat-free mass and strength. Based on the magnitude inferences, it appears that consuming creatine immediately post-workout is superior to pre-workout vis-a-vis body composition and strength.”
It’s now easy to see why creatine is an excellent addition to any bodybuilding supplement stack. It should also be part of your post-workout arsenal from here on out.
Creatine monohydrate is the most effective and cheapest form of creatine on the market. We say 4.6 grams per serving should produce excellent results.
Let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- Energy, 1277 kJ/301 kcal: The United Kingdom follows the metric system. “Kcal” refers to how many calories a product has. In this case, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has a high calorie amount (most post-workouts contain zero to 150 calories per serving). On the other hand, “kJ” or kilojoules, refers to the amount of energy one expends during exercise. When you consume this product, you expend 1,277 kilojoules per serving during training.
- Fat, 0 g: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has no fat content whatsoever.
- Of which saturates, 0 g: This product also has no saturated fat content.
- Carbohydrate, 51 g: No surprise here. Fast-absorbing post-workout carbs (specifically maltodextrin and dextrose monohydrate) are the main emphasis of this product. If you’re on a low-carb diet, better skip this one.
- Of which sugars, 25 g: You can attribute the high sugar content to the inclusions of maltodextrin and dextrose monohydrate, which is fine. The one thing we don’t like is the inclusion of sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda), an artificial sweetener which experts have linked to obesity and other side effects.
- Protein (on dry matter), 24 g: This much whey protein isolate per serving will help you muscle up, meet your daily protein requirement, and shorten your recovery time. Whey protein isolate’s 90 percent protein composition should help you in those regards.
- Salt, 0.19 g: Based on our computation, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has less than one percent the daily value for sodium (a maximum daily value of five percent is low). That means it’s safe even for those who are monitoring their sodium intake.
- Vitamin C, 38 percent RI: This much ascorbic acid should help increase your energy levels, boost heart and blood vessel health, regulate blood pressure levels, and improve eyesight.
- Calcium, 21 percent RI: This mineral helps strengthen bones and teeth, shore up heart health, and regulate blood pressure levels.
- Phosphorus, 29 percent RI: It’s rare for a post-workout to be a good source of phosphorus, but this one is. This mineral helps increase energy levels, maintain strong bones, and boost digestion.
- Magnesium, 19 percent RI: This product is a decent source of magnesium at 19 percent of your daily reference intake. Magnesium is crucial for optimum cardiovascular health and energy levels. It also helps regulate calcium and potassium levels and ward off post-exercise muscular discomfort.
- BCAAs, 2.5 g: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate’s BCAA content comes from its Iso-Pro Protein Blend. Unfortunately, this much isn’t the optimal amount for a post-workout supplement.
- L-leucine, 1.2 g: The most anabolic amino acid which helps kickstart the muscle protein synthesis process, increase and preserve muscle mass, boost fat loss, and possibly keep inflammation at bay.
- L-isoleucine, 0.7 g: The BCAA which helps restore a positive nitrogen and protein balance for more muscle growth, increase energy levels, and repair muscle tissue. We feel 700 milligrams per serving will suffice.
- L-valine, 0.7 g: The BCAA which helps increase endurance, repair muscle tissue, and regulate the immune system.
- Of which glutamine, 2 g: An alpha amino acid which helps preserve muscle mass, increase human growth hormone levels, and boost digestive function.
- Creatine monohydrate, 4.6 g: A substance which the liver, kidneys, and pancreas produce which builds muscle mass, improve athletic performance, and ward of post-exercise muscular fatigue. Creatine monohydrate is the most efficient of its kind on the market.
Formula Analysis
Let’s be frank here: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate is not a perfect post-workout. However, it can give big-name products a run for their money. Look no further than its 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio.
Its main emphasis is 51 grams of post-workout carbohydrates (maltodextrin and dextrose monohydrate) per serving. These carbs rank high on the glycemic index, so get ready to replenish your depleted glycogen stores and recharge your energy levels in rapid-fire fashion. We’re sure those benefits will help shorten your recovery time.
Plus, we like SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate’s 24 grams of whey protein isolate (WPI) per serving. Don’t forget many post-workouts don’t have protein. Instead, they focus on creatine, BCAAs, glutamine, beta-alanine, and the like. SCI-MX Nutrition Recover’s protein content will help you repair and build muscle tissue, for sure.
While the glutamine and leucine content are lackluster, we like the 4.6 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving. Expect increased athletic performance and muscle mass as a result.
The good thing about today’s post-workouts is many of them have bonus ingredients. This one is no exception: it is a solid source of Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These bode well for better recovery and long-term health.
Other pluses: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate is low in fats and sodium. The manufacturer also displays great transparency – it accounts for all of the ingredient amounts. You won’t find any shady proprietary blends here.
The company also uses beta-carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A, which helps boost eye health and immunity and ward off inflammation) for its food coloring. We’re relieved it doesn’t have any of those nasty artificial food colorings, which have side effects.
In addition, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has a reasonable price (approximately $34.43 for a 1.2-kg. 2 container). Not bad at all, if you ask us.
Unfortunately, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has a dirty ingredient: sucralose (a.k.a Splenda). This artificial sweetener may increase obesity. It would’ve been better if the manufacturer used stevia, a natural alternative which helps regulate blood pressure levels.
The takeaway: if you’re been struggling with your post-workout goals, SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate can help you achieve them. Its impressive ingredient profile should help you conquer your short- and long-term fitness goals.
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate Benefits
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate has the following benefits, per its official website:
- Contains amino acids to help build muscle mass
- High protein content
- Potent carbohydrate blend for glycogen replenishment
- Helps reduce fatigue
- Minimizes oxidative damage
- Helps increase exercise performance
We agree with all of these claims. SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate can help you achieve your post-workout goals, and then some.
Who Takes It?
The manufacturer intended SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate for healthy and active individuals who are at least 18 years of age who want to build muscle mass, replenish glycogen stores, reduce fatigue, increase athletic performance, and achieve their daily fitness goals.
Any Side Effects?
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate contains sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda), an artificial sweetener which has ties to obesity.
If this, or any other ingredient, makes you feel doubtful, please consult your physician before buying SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate.
SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate Review Summary
Pros
- Great ingredient combo. Maltodextrin, dextrose monohydrate, WPI, creatine monohydrate, vitamins, and minerals.
- Fifty-one grams of carbs per serving. Fast-acting carbs which replenish depleted glycogen stores.
- Twenty-four grams of WPI per serving. Helps build and repair muscle mass.
- 4.6 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving. Helps increase muscle mass and athletic performance.
- Bonus ingredients. Solid source of Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Low in fats and sodium. Good for long-term health.
- Great transparency. You won’t find any shady proprietary blends here.
- Good reputation. Customers have given it high marks online.
- Reasonable price. Approximately $34.43 for a 1.2-kg. (2.65-lb.) container.
Cons
- Sub-par leucine and glutamine content. Just 1.2 grams and two grams per serving, respectively.
- Sucralose content. Artificial sweetener which may increase weight gain.
Pricing & Buying Info
- 1 1.2-kg. (2.65-lb.) Container (15-Day Supply): $34.43
- Available online and in retail
Final Word on SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate
Well, the verdict is out: SCI-MX Nutrition Recover 2:1 Isolate is a top-notch post-workout supplement. You can’t go wrong with its 2:1 carb-to-protein ratio, 24 grams of WPI and 4.6 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, and impressive vitamin and mineral content.
We highly recommend you buy this supplement. It will help you achieve your post-workout goals, and then some.
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