Gainer (supplement)

A gainer is a workout supplement usually packed with simple carbohydrates and whey protein, and often other nutrients such as certain vitamins and minerals. Gainers are a popular product among strength athletes, amateurs and professionals alike, due to its beneficial effects on recovery.
When a person performs heavy exercise, the body perceives that there is stress and so releases hormones such as cortisol in order to quickly make available energy to the body. Cortisol forces breakdown of glycogen, protein (muscle) and fat deposits which are used in gluconeogenesis. Gainers, then, seek to combat this effect after (and sometimes during) an exercise routine. The simple carbohydrates will prompt a steep rise in blood glucose, forcing an equal release of insulin by the body to counter the longterm negative effects of high blood sugar, inhibiting the effects of cortisol. Some of the carbohydrates are immediately absorbed by the muscles without insulin. The rest is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Insulin also increases protein synthesis, and with the great bioavailability of whey protein, repair of muscular microtrauma can begin immediately after workout.