History:I’ve been a big fan of ABB/ON for several years. I was sad to see the ABB Extreme Hardcore Pack discontinued, and mentioned as much on this board.
Jay, from Optimum Nutrition, recommended I try their reformulated Opti-Men nutrient optimization system. He then graciously sent me a bottle to use and review right here. And so, approximately 60 days later, here’s my report.
What is it?The fundamental idea behind Opti-Men is to produce a vitamin that includes over 75 ingredients and 5 performance blends in a 3-tab serving size for consumers looking to get a “Pak’s” worth of ingredients without having to take up to 20 pills per day – the ONLY downside I ever found to the ABB Paks. Remember these?
Comparisons:I’ve tried other multi-packs from companies like ISS and Universal, but was never completely satisfied. A horse would have trouble swallowing some of the more sizeable tablets, and cutting or grinding pills is not at all practical or convenient in my book. And I know that it’s only in your mouth for the briefest of moments, but the taste from certain tablets makes me wonder how we can put a man on the moon, but are helpless at improving the taste of something that must be consumed orally. Happily, Opti-Men tablets are considerably smaller and the taste is hardly detectable.
I’ve also used some single tablet multi’s, in addition to liquid vitamins and colloidal minerals. They were okay, but never gave me the same “feeling” as the original ABB paks – the feeling of recovery, digestibility, energy and mood. If you’re reading this, you probably understand the link between nutrition and how your body feels. Opti-Men does so much more than provide you with simple vitamins; it also includes amino acids, virility enhancing agents, cancer fighting antioxidants, and enzymes that help you better assimilate your nutrition derived from other sources. In that respect, it certainly qualifies as a superior product to other vitamin brands.
Thoughts:My energy, mood and recovery levels seem to be slightly above par with other vitamin formulas I’ve used. I attribute this to not only the vast vitamin/mineral/blend profile, but also the superior absorption and digestibility promoting components of the formula.
I’ve never invested in enzymes – a mistake on my part – and I saw what was almost an IMMEDIATE difference in my…um…“output” that leads me to believe that the stuff going in is being processed much more efficiently before its trip out. As a rule, I’ve always favored liquid forms of vitamins for improved absorption purposes, but I believe the enzymes also help in that department.
I’ve been told by several nutritionists that Papain and Bromelain are two of the better digestive enzymes out there, and not surprisingly, Opti-Men contains them both. However, one particular enzyme I would like to see in their formula is Aminogen – an enzyme that aids in the absorption and utilization of aminos. The old ABB Paks contained a good 250 mg of this enzyme. I do get some Aminogen from ON’s Pro-Complex and 100% Whey, but I would like some to go along with my solid meals, which have a more complex digestive process.
The convenience of 3 tablets/day – one with breakfast, lunch and dinner – makes the timing issue extremely easy, and you don’t have to worry about taking the right pills at the right times of day.
On a side note, there is a shellfish allergen warning, as the product ingredients contain an oyster derivative – not surprisingly in the virility blend.
After nearly 2 months of use, I believe that I’ve formed a justified and educated opinion of Opti-Men. I’ll admit to, at times, pinching pennies so hard that ol’ Abe Lincoln screams, but I would gladly plop down hard earned money for vitamins of this quality any day of the week; twice on Sunday.
I’d like to reaffirm my belief that supplements are not a substitute for well-balanced nutrition. But even most people who truly eat well are deficient in at least one area, and Opti-men covers all bases that a multi can cover, which makes it a tremendous addition to any nutrition program.
A special thanks to Jay at Optimum Nutrition for his generosity in always answering my questions, producing top notch products at reasonable prices, and for giving me the opportunity to sample and review this product, which I truly enjoyed.
For more information on this and other ON products, visit
http://www.optimumnutrition.com/products/optimen-mens-multiple-p-180.html
