Met-Rx

Met-Rx (sometimes spelled MET-Rx) is the brand name of a nutritional supplement that comes in powdered form, best known as the product to pioneer a new category of bodybuilding supplements known as Meal Replacement Powders or MRPs.

Origins
Created by Dr. A. Scott Connelly, M.D. Met-Rx was originally designed to help prevent critically ill patients from losing muscle mass. Connelly's product was discovered by Bill Phillips and the two began marketing to the bodybuilding and athletic communities, launching sales from the low hundreds of thousands to over $100 million annually. Connelly sold all interest in the company to Rexall Sundown, (at the time a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Numico), for $108 million in 2000. Met-Rx is currently owned by NBTY.

Formulation
Met-Rx's protein base component (known as Metamyosyn) contains ingredients such as whey protein, calcium caseinate, egg albumen and milk protein isolate, combined with maltodextrin, vitamins, minerals and added amino acids. It is prepared by mixing with 16 oz. of water or non-fat milk usually in a blender or shaker bottle.

Subsequent forms
Apart from the original powdered mix, MET-Rx now also comes in liquid ready to drink and solid bar forms. Flavors for the popular powdered mix include Original Vanilla, Extreme Chocolate and Berry Blast.

Marketing
Met-Rx currently features a wide variety of television sponsorships such as the Met-Rx World's Strongest Man contest and as of 2004 the company claimed the brand was endorsed by 50 top athletes.

MET-Rx also sponsors dozens of athletes, bodybuilders and celebrities, as well as being the primary sponsor of the World's Strongest Man competition. Phillip Heath, IFBB pro, and Lauren Jones, Miss MET-Rx 2007, Fitness Model and Former WWE Diva, are among their list of endorsees.