Review: MHP Dark Matter Post Workout Supplement

Posted By elissa on Feb 17, 2009 | 0 comments

“DARK MATTER takes a quantum leap forward into a new dimension of post-workout muscle growth called the ANABOLIC AXIS. The Anabolic Axis is the time and point at which insulin levels simultaneously peak with amino acids, creatine and glycogen transport into muscle tissue during the critical 1 hour period immediately after your workout…In order to achieve this major breakthrough, MHP scientists bio-engineered new compounds and a revolutionary High Velocity Nano-Physics Technology. These new developments have rendered all post-workout creatines, whey protein/high carbohydrate combos and all other post-workout formulas inferior and outdated.”

One of the best ways to capitalize on a hard training session is to chase it with a combination of carbs and protein (or amino acids). This is mainstream advice, and understandably so, as they work synergistically to augment lean body mass and facilitate post-workout recovery. Likewise, both high-glycemic index carbs and resistance exercise enhance creatine uptake. This explains why most commercial post-workout formulas contain ample amounts of these three nutrients.

As noted in the introduction, Dark Matter is MHP’s signature post-workout product. According to the company, however, Dark Matter isn’t just ANY old combination of carbs, creatine and protein… Rather, it represents a “major breakthrough” due to its “bio-engineered new compounds” and “revolutionary High Velocity Nano-Physics Technology.”

“Sci Fi” terminology aside, does Dark Matter truly represent “a quantum leap forward into a new dimension of post-workout muscle growth”?

A look at the label will help us answer that question.

Dark Matter™ Proprietary Blend (Patent Pending) 60g
The Ultimate Post Workout Muscle Growth Accelerator™:

WaxiMAX™-C3G Low Viscosity High Molecular Weight Osmotic Waxy Maize Starch With Molecular Dispersion Technology
Waxy Maize, Maltoplex-18™ Glucose Polymer, Dextrose, C3G Anthocyanidins

HydroSIZE™: Multi-Phase Creatine Transport And Cell Volumizing Matrix
InstaPeak™ (Instant Acting Peak Plasma Concentration Creatine Pyruvate), IntraPhase™ (Glucose Bound Creatine Gluconate), MicroTein™ (Microencapsulated Sustained Release Creatine Monohydrate), Glycerol Monostearate

ProSYNTHAGEN™: Protein Synthesis Accelerator (Dual Portal Anabolic Amino Acid Infusion)
Free Form Infusion (L-Leucine, L-Lysine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Threonine, L-Valine, L-Histidine, L-Isoleucine, L-Methionine), Leucrose™ Peptide Infusion (Leucine-Alanine Di Peptide)

The ingredients are divided into three proprietary blends: WaxiMAX (carb), HydroSIZE (creatine) and ProSYNTHAGEN (amino acids). Let’s take ’em apart, one at a time…

1. WaxiMAX™-C3G Low Viscosity High Molecular Weight Osmotic Waxy Maize Starch With Molecular Dispersion Technology

Waxy maize starch (WMS) is an (increasingly popular) alternative to dextrose or maltodextrin. Like maltodextrin, it’s a glucose polymer, but the difference lies in its size and structure. WMS has a very high percentage of “amylopectin”—a type of starch composed of large, compact and branched units. It’s used extensively as a food additive, due to its ability to thicken without forming gels.

Is WMS a superior carb for bodybuilding purposes? There’s no hard data on this point, although, anecdotally, there are many who feel it’s less bloating and provides a greater feeling of muscle fullness. And—needless to state—the fact that it’s a “complex carbohydrate” that’s “sugar-free” adds to its appeal, although this is a distinction without a difference from a physiological perspective.

The WaxiMAX blend also contains maltodextrin (“glucose polymer” is the usual euphemism) and dextrose—which are effective, if more conventional, post-workout carb sources.

The final ingredient is “C3G Anthocyanidins” from black rice extract. It’s an interesting and potentially healthful addition. C3G = cyanidin-3-glucoside, an anthocyanin that has antioxidant and anti-cancer activity. Animal experiments have also shown that black rice extract has anti-inflammatory effects and can improve insulin sensitivity.

2. HydroSIZE™: Multi-Phase Creatine Transport And Cell Volumizing Matrix

There are three different forms of creatine in the HydroSIZE blend: creatine pyruvate, creatine gluconate and creatine monohydrate. These are presented as if they’re part of a timed-release cascade, although there’s little evidence that the blend has this effect, or that it’s relevant to creatine absorption and uptake by skeletal muscle.

For example, the first ingredient is referred to as “Instant Acting Peak Plasma Concentration Creatine Pyruvate”—as if it’s absorbed more rapidly than the other forms. In fact, a pharmacokinetic study comparing creatine pyruvate to creatine monohydrate and tri-creatine citrate did find it produced a higher peak plasma concentration than the others, but the difference was slight. As the researchers stated:

“It is questionable if the small differences observed in the plasma concentrations with the three treatments would have any effect on the increase in creatine in muscle.”

On the other hand, it’s possible that “Microencapsulated Sustained Release Creatine Monohydrate” really is released and absorbed more slowly…that’s what microencapsulation is all about, after all. But does that make it better than the “regular” stuff? Who knows? It’s a nice idea, but there’s zero proof.

Thus, what’s here is fine and should be effective, but there’s no justification for the claim that “all post-workout creatines” are now “inferior and outdated.”

The final ingredient in this blend is glycerol monostearate. Glycerol has been used in bodybuilding circles for years as a “plasma expander” to improve vascularity. Glycerol monostearate is used in several supplements, and generally gets high marks for pump and minimal side effects. The amount, however, is important…multi-gram doses are typically used to see effects. Unfortunately, the amount in Dark Matter is not specified.

3. ProSYNTHAGEN™: Protein Synthesis Accelerator (Dual Portal Anabolic Amino Acid Infusion)

The ProSYNTHAGEN blend consists largely of essential amino acids (EAAs). The “free form infusion” component is similar to supplements like Purple Wraath and IntrAbolic. Research has shown that the full spectrum of amino acids isn’t needed to kickstart muscle protein synthesis…just the essential ones (especially leucine). As little as 6 grams of EAAs can elicit a significant anabolic response when consumed before or after resistance exercise.

The blend also contains a leucine-alanine dipeptide. Ingested dipeptides can be either hydrolyzed into individual amino acids, or absorbed intact in the small intestine. Dipeptide absorption is independent of, and more efficient than the absorption of free-form amino acids, although it’s debatable whether this has any real effect on lean mass gains. Nonetheless, the dipeptide provides some additional leucine, which is a positive thing. Leucine directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) via insulin-dependent and independent pathways.

So there we have it: the carbs, the creatine and the amino acids. Cutting edge or not, these ingredients are the primary pieces in the post-workout puzzle.

How well do they all fit together?

Only one way to find out…

It just so happens that I’m working on a bench press PR, which means my post-workout recovery is more important than ever.

So I picked up a container of Dark Matter (blue raspberry flavor), and started taking the recommended two scoops after my workouts.

Dark Matter merits the name: mixed in water, it’s the exact same color as the dark, cobalt blue container it’s packaged in.

The WMS has obviously been pre-gelatinized: the drink thickens noticeably with stirring and develops a “cooked cornstarch” sheen. I have to admit, it’s not particularly appetizing: beyond looking like used (blue) motor oil, it also has a faint, unpleasant, “chemically” smell. Fortunately, it tastes ok, although it has a slight metallic aftertaste.

It’s definitely not ambrosia, but—to my surprise—it works quite well. My circuits get pretty fried after a hard workout, but Dark Matter brings me right back up, with no “carb crash.” The sense of renewed energy lasts for a while, too…even past my scheduled mealtime, which I managed to miss on a couple of occasions when I wasn’t keeping an eye on the clock.

In short, I liked it. No, it’s not exactly a gourmet sensation, but Dark Matter really does provide a solid, post-workout boost. As such, I’d definitely rate it as “worth a try” for anyone…or at least anyone who’s more interested in results than taste. 😉

Dark Matter is available at BodyBuilding.com, our recommended online retailer!