Myoplex

Myoplex products are nutritional beverages, shakes, and bars that contain a mixture of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Although these products provide these nutritional ingredients, it is not known if they work for promoting weight loss, enhancing muscle mass, or improving endurance. While most people tolerate Myoplex well, you may not be able to use these products if you have certain health conditions.

What Is Myoplex?

Myoplex® is a line of nutritional products that includes powder shakes, ready-to-drink beverages, and bars. Four different types of products are currently available, including:
 
  • Myoplex Original
  • Myoplex Deluxe
  • Myoplex Lite
  • Myoplex Carb Control™.
     

Who Makes Myoplex?

These products are made by EAS®, a division of Abbott Nutrition.
 

How Does It Work?

Myoplex products contain a mixture of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. The Myoplex Deluxe products also contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The Original products contain the most protein (42 grams per serving), followed by Deluxe (30 grams per serving), Carb Control (25 grams per serving), and Lite (15 or 20 grams per serving, depending on the product).
 

Is Myoplex Effective?

Myoplex is effective for providing calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is not known if the products work (or work any better than other products) for promoting weight loss, enhancing muscle mass, or improving endurance.
 

Dosing Information

It is generally recommended that people consume one to three Myoplex products per day as part of five or six smaller meals per day. They may be especially suited to breakfast or a post-workout meal. Unless you are trying to gain weight, it is not a good idea to simply add Myoplex products to your existing diet, as the products contain fat and calories.
 

Side Effects of Myoplex

In general, Myoplex products are not expected to cause significant side effects. Some contain sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some individuals, especially if large quantities are consumed.
 
The vitamins and minerals in Myoplex could theoretically cause side effects, but this is probably not a problem because the dosages are generally significantly less than the recommended daily amounts for those vitamins and minerals.
 

Safety Issues

These products are generally considered safe for many people, especially when used appropriately. However, some people may be more likely than others to experience problems. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Myoplex if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Diabetes
  • Any other chronic medical condition
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not clear what exactly to expect from an overdose with these products. It is possible that consuming too much Myoplex could cause an overdose of the vitamins and minerals in the products. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
 

Myoplex Products

The Myoplex products currently available include:
 
  • Myoplex Original powder shakes and ready-to-drink beverages
  • Myoplex Deluxe nutrition bars and powder shakes
  • Myoplex Lite nutrition bars, powder shakes, and ready-to-drink beverages
  • Myoplex Carb Control nutrition bars, powder shakes, and ready-to-drink beverages.
     
Each product is available in several different flavors.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;