What Is Opti-Men?
Opti-Men is a multi-vitamin specifically designed for the health conscious, active man. Characterized as a “Nutrient Optimization System,” this multi-vitamin contains over 75 different active ingredients, high potency vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and extracts, all which when combined with a healthy diet provide a foundation upon which good health can be built and superior physical and mental performance can ensue. This product is not intended as a substitute for food but rather, it is in addition to well-balanced, healthy eating behaviors, especially beneficial for athletes and fitness professionals.
Recently reformulated in 2014, there were modifications made to the Opti-Men product structure, though no new nutrients were introduced. Vitamin D was the only ingredient that was increased, and by 300%. The remaining alterations to the formula included a decrease in several nutrients. Calcium was diminished by 75%, magnesium by 20% and zinc declined by 50%. Manganese declined by 60%, the amino blend went down 20%, the phyto blend decreased by over 58% and the viri blend declined by over 90%. Silica was eliminated from the formula, down from 5 mg.
There are 4 performance blends within the formulation: amino blend, enzyme blend, phytochemical blend and viri blend. Recommended for consumption 3 times daily, this high potency multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement is suggested with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Manufacturer
Optimum Nutrition, Inc., ON, manufactures Opti-Men. ON is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glanbia PLC, a global nutrition company, based in Kilkenny, Ireland. Optimum Nutrition is part of Glanbia’s branded nutrition program which also includes BSN, ABB, Isopure and Nutramino.
Optimum Nutrition, Inc. (ON) owns 2 additional sports nutrition brands, ABB Performance and Optimum Nutrition. Optimum Nutrition was founded in 1986 and today proudly produces a full line of sports nutrition across every product group. In addition, their premium sports nutrition product line includes nutrition bars, protein powders, high energy shakes, vitamins, minerals and energy formulas.
Optimum Nutrition adheres to the highest quality standards and consistently implements innovative methods, bringing the best premium sports nutrition products to market well before their competitors. Their All Micellar Casein powder and Casein Protein were the first of their kind on the market. They also produce the top selling Gold standard 100% Whey.
How Opti-Men Works?
Opti-Men contains vitamins, essential minerals, micronutrients, all invaluable for the optimal functioning of the male body. This high potency multivitamin and multi-mineral formulation ensures that there is healthy cell growth. The vitamins ensure that the chemical reactions within the body convert food into energy and organic tissue. The water soluble vitamins, such as A, B & C pass through the body and must be taken daily.
The amino blend containing BCAAs and 5 additional amino acids provide for muscle growth, strength and improved workout recovery. Amino acids are effective in growing and repairing muscle tissue without any side effects. The BCAAs are especially effective facilitating the growth of muscle tissue and repairing muscle, post-workout. The L-arginine enhances blood flow and the “pump.”
L-Cystine aids in manufacturing L-taurine which helps muscle building and fat burning.
Phytonutrients such as epigallocatechin gallates, from green tea, help burn stored body fat. Many phytonutrients are still not well understood, though health benefits are known to exist.
Ingredients of Opti-Men
The following represent the most current contents based on the recent reformulation.
Vitamins:
Vitamin A is present with 10,000 IU from beta carotene and mixed carotenoids. Vitamin D is present with 1,500 IU from Cholecalciferol. Vitamin E is included with 200 IU from D-alpha tocopherol succinate. Vitamin K is inclusive with 75 mcg from Phytonadione. Vitamin C with 300 mg is from Ascorbic acid. Vitamin B1 also known as Thiamin has 75 mg from Thiamin hydrochloride. Vitamin B2 also called Riboflavin is present in Opti-Men with 75 mg. Vitamin B3 or Niacin has 75 mg from Niacinamide. Vitamin B6 is present with 50 mg from Pyridoxine hydrochloride. Vitamin B9, more often called Folic Acid is present with a total of 600 mcg and vitamin B12 has 100 mcg from Cyanocobalamin.
Minerals:
Biotin is provided with 300 mcg. Pantothenic Acid is included with 75 mg, derived from D-Calcium Pantothenate. Calcium has 50 mg as Calcium Carbonate, Citrate. Iodine has 150 mcg from Kelp. Magnesium has 80 mg as Magnesium Oxide, Aspartate. Zinc has 15 mg as Zinc Citrate. Selenium has 200 mcg as Selenomethionine, Copper has 2 mg as Copper Gluconate and Manganese is present with 2mg as Manganese Gluconate. Chromium has 120 mcg as Chromium Gtf and Molybdenum has 80 mcg as Molybdenum A.A. Chelate. Please note that the newest formulation of Opti-Men had multiple changes including a decline in , down from 5 mg, Zinc is down from 30 mg and Calcium dropped from 200 mg.
The ingredients that follow have no established daily value.
The Amino Blend, is a blend of amino acids that provide the building blocks of human tissue and protein. Those amino acids that the human body does not produce are essential for a variety of functions from enhanced immune function to antioxidant activity and assisting in achievement of maximum workout performance.
The amino acid blend totaled 1 gram. The newest formulation dropped this amount to 800 mg, and contains L-Arginine which helps build muscle mass, improves blood pressure, wound healing, improves immune function and memory. L-Glutamine aids protein synthesis. 60% of skeletal muscle is composed of glutamine.
L-Isoleucine, part of BCAAs, assists in repairing and building muscle and aiding endurance. It benefits bodybuilders by boosting energy levels and aiding in enhanced workout recovery. L-Valine part of BCAAs, aids in nervous system function, suppresses appetite and aids the immune system.
L-Cystine supplements are helpful when the body is under duress from heavy workouts. Maintaining joint cartilage, it aids in manufacturing several amino acids, specifically L-Threonine that works to build muscle and aids in fat burning, called thermogenesis. L-Leucine is also part of BCAAs, building muscle and most importantly it affects protein synthesis. L-Lysine increases muscle mass and lowers glucose levels.
Phytonutrient or phytochemicals are plant-based and grain-based nutrients contained in many fruit and vegetable skins, leafy greens, green tea, legumes and berries. These are carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, lignans, indoles and isoflavones. Some help to prevent mutations in cells, others prevent heart disease and chronic diseases, while others are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and all promote health.
The Phyto Men Blend in combination are 100 mg. This includes the leafy portion of Green Tea Powder that contains antioxidant flavenoids known as catechins, best know to reduce damage to cell lipids and DNA from ordinary aerobic metabolism. Also contained within the Phyto Blend is Hesperidin Complex from mostly citrus fruit which contains bioflavonoids known to aid in accelerated muscle recovery and repair, while diminishing the occurrence of muscle damage or the need for its repair. The Deodorized Garlic Powder bulb promotes a strong immune system. Grape Seed Extract is another polyphenol, plant-based nutrient with antioxidant qualities that benefit muscle recovery.
The fruit contained in the Phyto Blend includes orange and pineapple fruit powders which contain strong antioxidants. The apple powder also contains antioxidant phyto-nutrients that protect from free radicals, and B-complex vitamins that work as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism. Grape, blueberry, cranberry, papaya, elderberry, bilberry, black currant and kiwi powders all have strong antioxidant properties.
The vegetables found in the Phyto Blend include wild yams known to have antioxidants that reduce inflammation and diminish fatigue. Carrot root contains a host of vitamins and minerals including potassium which aids in ensuring proper muscle contraction and calcium for strong bones. Spinach and kale, both leafy greens and antioxidants, make muscles more efficient during workouts. Cauliflower is rich in boron which assists in muscle building and increases testosterone. Brussels sprouts powders are high in vitamins and minerals with very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Broccoli powder is a well known superfood with a host of nutrients including potassium, folate, vitamin B6, A and C. It is beneficial for bone health and healing ligaments.
The Viri Men Blend contains a total of 50 mg and promotes male health. The blend also provides for added training endurance and intensity. Inclusive in the blend is Saw Palmetto extract which maintains your health health. Ginkgo biloba powdered extract is a strong brain antioxidant that boosts training intensity and is said to enhance the mind-muscle connection and improve blood flow and circulation.
Additional benefits are derived from Panax ginseng and Damiana extracts, both reduce fatigue. Damiana extract is also said to improve athletic endurance. Nettles powdered extract, in addition to reducing inflammation, also increases free bio-available testosterone. Pumpkin extract, rich in healthy fatty acids, improves oxidation and athletic endurance. Raw oyster concentrate completes the Viri Men Blend, builds muscles and has substantial overall health benefits.
The Enzy Blend contains a total of 50 mg. This blend of enzymes primarily assist with digestion, especially for the macronutrients. Amylase helps digest carbohydrates, Lipase assists in the digestion of fats and alcohols while Bromelain and Papain aid in protein digestion.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid totals 25 mg in Opti-Men. The body produces this antioxidant, found in every cell (α-lipoic acid, known as ALA) where it assists in turning glucose into energy. There is also a synthetic version, an antioxidant that also assists in energy production and in neutralizing damage caused by free radicals.
PABA which is Para-Aminobenzoic acid is present with 10 mg. PABA is a strong antioxidant that can enhance the body’s ability to synthesize protein and provides improved muscle recovery following workouts. Providing red blood cell production, PABA optimizes oxidation delivery and hence improves athletic performance.
Choline with 10mg in the form of Choline Bitartrate is a water soluble nutrient that is often grouped with the B-complex vitamins. It ensures liver viability and produces acetylcholine, permitting nerve cells to communicate with one another, vital for achieving athletic benefits. Boron is present with 2 mg. It is beneficial for bone strength. Inositol totals 10 mg, is part of the B vitamin family, known as B8, which provides important intra-cellular communication.
Lycopene is present with 500 mcg. Lycopene is derived from products such as tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruits and apricots. It is the chemical that gives fruit and vegetables their red pigment. Lycopene aids in preventing heart disease, multiple types of some bad diseases, HPV and other maladies. Lyc-O-Mato is also present, and contains many more antioxidants in addition to lycopene, including beta-carotene, phytofluene, phytoene, phytosterols and vitamin E. The Lyc-O-Mato antioxidant aids in ensuring your health.
Cryptoxanthin is provided with 34 mcg. It is a carotenoid that provides antioxidant benefits and bone health. Zeaxanthin with 28 mcg is a strong antioxidant that when combined with other vitamins may provide even greater benefit. Unto itself it is known to benefit vision and eye health. Alpha Carotene with 140 mcg is an antioxidant linked to longevity and cardiovascular health.
Lutein with 500 mcg is an antioxidant not produced by the body. In addition to ocular and vision benefits, it is believed to protect cells from damage. Known as a motivational nutrient, when combined with a dietary fat like milk, improved performance has resulted in studies. Vanadium with 100 mcg present is a mineral believed to increase the body’s stamina and strength in training, though the science remains inconclusive. It can be toxic in large doses.
Advantages
As a high potency multi-vitamin, Opti-Men stands out as a superior product in part because in addition to the vitamin and mineral content, the additional ingredients offer added benefit. This includes most notably digestive enzymes, free form amino acids and antioxidants.
Opti-Men, unique among vitamins, contains 4 different types of digestive enzymes. The digestive enzymes work together in speeding-up absorption of the nutrients. This group of enzymes, referred to as the Enzy Blend, is helpful in making available the nutrient value more promptly prior to, during and following a workout, more so than perhaps all other multi-vitamins. An after breakfast workout means a prompt turnaround in vitamin assimilation within the body, which is a significant benefit aiding in additional muscular strength, agility and repair.
The Amino Blend refers to the free-form amino acids contained within Opti-Men. This includes the 3 BCAAs: L-Leucine, L-valine and L-isoleucine. The BCAAs are particularly critical because the body does not produce them. Hence they are considered “essential” and must come from diet or supplements.
BCAA is an acronym for Branch-Chained Amino Acids. BCAAs and the other amino acids provided are the building blocks of proteins. Since BCAAs are metabolized within the skeletal muscles, it is believed to have anabolic hormone profile. BCAAs all have functions involved with energy production. They are particularly important during and after training. The advantages include post-workout muscle repair, while reducing the risk of injury and muscle damage during a workout. Taking BCAA supplements prior to and after workouts has proven beneficial. There are clinical studies that confirm this outcome: improved performance and lower risk of injury during training.
It is also believed that BCAAs diminish serotonin levels. Since serotonin can cause fatigue, reducing their amounts is believed to boost performance. Serum testosterone levels increase and cortisol and creatine kinase levels diminish.
Other free-form amino acids found in Opti-Men are beneficial for protein production. They also contribute significantly to muscle production, maintenance and repair, boosting energy levels and aiding in an improved and faster recovery. Vitamin D maintains bone health and improves muscle function. Vitamins C and E are known antioxidants and are great for anyone who performs endurance training or those who place undue stress on the body.
The antioxidants present in Opti-Men are capable of countering the damaging effects of oxidation. The antioxidant effects in vitamin E from D-Alpha-Tocopherol are extremely powerful, with the highest biopotency due to their fat soluble nature. As a result, cell membranes comprised primarily of fatty acids are protected from the damage of free radicals.
Certificates
Opti-Men is a GMP, Good Manufacturing Practice certified product. All Optimum Nutrition products are manufactured in a registered GMP plant. All vendors providing raw material inputs into the Opti-Men product have provided a Certificate of Analysis. A Certificate of Analysis is provided for each and every raw material. This certificate process is confirmed through verification by a random independent laboratory and local in-house testing. QA or Quality Assurance procedures oversee the production, blending and storage locations with daily inspection.
In addition, a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) was implemented by Optimum Nutrition (ON) to ensure against the possibility of any contaminants of a microbiological, physical or chemical nature. The combined efforts provide what is referred to as current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
Testimonials
Tim S. says:
I’ve been using (other products). These vitamins get a lot more vitamins, and more aminos. Helps me sustain in recovery. Drink with water! Or you will blow up.
An unnamed customer gave 5 out of 5 stars to Opti-Men and wrote:
Excellent product used everyday without fail. The best multivits out in the market! For those that train, this is more important than taking protein powder. Essential part of my stack. Does make your urine yellow but if you’re drinking 2-3 l of water a day this is normal.
Jack gave 4-stars and said:
Optimum is an essential product for any man who pushes their body to the limit, you could probably make do with one tablet a day, but it’s advised you take 3 which is overkill as most of the containing vitamins will pass through and out your body – but I always say its better to have it and not need it, than it is to not have it and need it! All in all Opti-men contains some quality vitamins including stuff like B12. Worth a try!
Danny gave an overall rating of 5 out of 5-stars:
I’ve been told to try multi-vit for a while now and decided to give these a bash due to using various other ON products which have been amazing. These are no different. Been using them for a month now and will continue to do so. Take them in the morning with my cod liver oil and breakfast. We all know your body needs vitamins, maybe you’ve got enough and maybe you don’t.
Thompson said:
A step above the basic multi-vitamin/multi-mineral in 3 pills. I’ve tried several multi-vitamin/multi-mineral support systems, ranging from various pack based systems to store brand generics to others targeted in the sports nutrition vein. I keep going back to Opti-Men. It is a great value, and I feel better overall when I am on it. The price is pretty good. Right about $15 for a month’s supply. I can spend more than that on energy drinks in two days, so $15 for a month is not too bad. It is more than the drug store brands, but not as expensive as some of the other sport’s nutrition brands. I feel like this is a solid vitamin that you can build a foundational stack around.
Awards & Media Coverage
- 2015 Muscle Awards: Top 10 Men’s Multivitamins, Optimum Nutrition’s Opti-Men received the coveted first place, of the top 10.
- 2015 SVN Excellence Award: SVN Platinum Award (SVNCanada – Supplements, Vitamins, Nutrition, Canada). The platinum award is reserved for the highest selling product.
- 2013 Bodybuilding Multi-Vitamin Supplement of the Year
Money-back Guarantee
Opti-Men multi-vitamins when purchased through the website or via the ON in-house Consumer Affairs department may be returned for a refund within 30-days of purchase. The return must contain the Purchase Order number and 75% or more of the product must be unused.
Returns meeting said requirements must be phoned-in prior to returning. The Purchase Order must be provided on the phone and once confirmed for return, a Return Authorization number is issued with additional return instructions. Promotional items are not available for return or reimbursement.
Shipping
Optimum Nutrition uses FedEx as their shipping carrier. There is no shipping to PO/APO/FPO box type addresses. Shipment is only made within the U.S. International customers should contact the ON distributor within their country.
Customer Support
Customer Service is available through Optimum Nutrition’s own in-house Consumer Affairs department. Access is available through e-mail or their toll-free number, during regular business hours, 9am to 5pm Central time, Monday through Friday. Contact Optimum Nutrition also at their website where direct email contact can also be submitted.
Safe & Secure Checkout
Optimum Nutrition uses a large credit card processing company, to process online purchases securely and safely. They use SSL, secure socket layer, a secure transmission method for all online credit/debit card purchases. All of the credit and debit card information acquired online is fully encrypted and secured safely. As required they are PCI DSS compliant, providing payment card industry data security.
Their credit card processing company is one of the safest gateway systems and offers Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS) to their merchants. This provides tools and filters that enable a detailed evaluation of online transactions, identifying those that may be high risk or fraudulent.
Opti-Men Pricing
- 90 tablets – $15.99**
- 150 tablets – $28.99
- 240 Tablets – $39.99
** 90 tablet bottle not currently available from ON website. Other vitamin and supplement websites offer this product size with prices ranging from $14.59 to $29.99. At least one website offers a $5.00 temporary discount, when purchasing two 90 tablet bottles.
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