The Difference Between Muscle Milk & Muscle Milk Collegiate

Sports nutrition products -- Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Collegiate -- are manufactured by Cytosport. While these supplements are both intended to aid in improving body composition and strength when combined with a workout program, Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Collegiate do have significant nutritional differences. In spite of the potential benefits, you should consult a doctor prior to using these or any other supplements to assess potential side effects.

Calorie Content

Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Collegiate are quite different in calorie content. One serving of Muscle Milk Collegiate provides 580 calories, while one serving of Muscle Milk contains 310 calories. The difference of 270 calories can be significant if you consume these supplements often. If you switch from one serving of Muscle Milk to one serving of Muscle Milk Collegiate each day, you'd take in an additional 1,890 calories each week, enough to gain more than half of a pound of muscle over the course of a week.

Fat Content

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Although Muscle Milk Collegiate is much richer in calories, it is lower in fat than Muscle Milk. Each serving of Muscle Milk Collegiate contains 7 grams of fat, with 3 grams of saturated fat, while Muscle Milk provides 12 grams of fat, with 6 grams of saturated fat. Dietary fat can be beneficial for athletic pursuits and building muscle, as dietary fat aids in the absorption of nutrients and provides energy during long bouts of exercise.

Protein Content

Muscle Milk and Muscle Milk Collegiate are rich in protein, but Muscle Milk Collegiate offers more. One serving of Muscle Milk Collegiate contains 40 grams of protein, while one serving of Muscle Milk contains 32 grams of protein. Consuming protein can aid in gaining muscle because it contains the amino acids used to build your body's tissues. The 2007 "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" suggests that eating up to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day can help you maximize your muscle gains and it is a safe amount 3.

Carbohydrate Content

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Muscle Milk Collegiate and Muscle Milk vary dramatically in carbohydrate content. Muscle Milk Collegiate provides 90 grams of carbohydrates in each serving, while Muscle Milk contains 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Carbohydrates provide your body with energy, so carbohydrate-rich foods can be beneficial for athletes. Additionally, research from the December 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" suggests that consuming carbohydrates with protein can also enhance recovery after workouts 34.