Animal Pak: vitamin and mineral complex without side effects

Author: Timko Ilya - the ruler of the entire site and fitness trainer | more details >> Rod. 1984 Trained since 1999 Trained since 2007. Author and creator of the site tvoytrener.com. CCM in powerlifting. Champion of Russia and South Russia according to AWPC. Champion of the Krasnodar region according to IPF. 1st category in weightlifting. 2-time winner of the Krasnodar Territory championship in t/a. Author of more than 700 articles on fitness and amateur athletics. Author and co-author of 5 books.

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Date:
2014-08-07
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Why medals are given to articles:

I want to say right away that in my opinion, this vitamin and mineral complex is one of the best in the world. If not the best. It is clear that this is my subjective opinion. But, since I am a coach, I tested this drug not only on myself, but also on my students. And I was always pleased with the results. In addition, besides Animal Pak, I tried other analogues. But I always noticed that it cost me more and the effect was less (or there was none at all).

History of the additive's creation

The supplement was first released in 1981, when experts at Universal Nutrition Corporation offered the market single-serve packets of vitamin-enriched capsules . The latter contained all the necessary nutrients for the diet of exercising people. World-famous professional athletes have always wanted to achieve significant results from their workouts, so they set the trend for the production of high-quality supplements. As a result, in 1983 the formula was improved and Animal Pak was born.

Today, the product has already taken a leading position among competitors in the field of sports nutrition, which is confirmed by reviews and ratings of popular magazines for bodybuilders . Animal Pak has maintained its leadership for many decades, which confirms the high loyalty and trust of regular customers, excellent reputation and authority .

Along with other Animal series products, this vitamin and mineral complex is directly associated with quick results and quality . The supplement is an indispensable ally for athletes in various fields: bodybuilding, powerlifting , weightlifting, boxing, etc.

History of the additive's creation

Why take Animal Pak?

As a result of scientific experiments, it has been proven that heavy training with weights and intense dynamic loads consume several times more vitamins and minerals, as well as beneficial nutrients , than in moderate activity. If you play sports and ignore the increased consumption of these components, you can provoke a serious deficiency, leading to vitamin deficiency , weakness, deterioration of internal systems, and weakened immunity.

The absence of at least one of the most important nutrients can significantly slow down the anabolism and regeneration of muscle tissue, which will lead to rapid muscle depletion, and as a result, the appearance of overtraining.

This applies most of all to weightlifting and powerlifting athletes, who, with frequent, hard and intense training, have to carefully balance their daily diet . And for bodybuilders, the need for vitamins and microelements increases significantly, since in the process of preparing for competitions they have to follow strict diets. Under conditions of a strictly adjusted menu, the likelihood of hypo- or vitamin deficiency increases, which reduces the effectiveness of training and negatively affects the general condition of a person.

Conventional dietary supplements and vitamin supplements are not suitable for replenishing deficiencies in training athletes, as they contain insufficient amounts of nutrients . And here Animal Pak comes to the rescue, which contains increased daily doses of vitamins, mineral salts and microelements, ensuring excellent performance and the development of anabolic processes .

Why take the supplement?

What is Animal Pak?

At its core, Animal Pak is a multivitamin/multimineral supplement used by athletes to replenish important vitamins and minerals depleted by rigorous training. But the fact that Animal Pak is usually on the same shelf as any generic mass-market supplement makes many people seriously underestimate it. And to remedy the situation, let's take a deeper look at what Animal Pak is.

Animal Pak contains over 60 key ingredients in 11 different tablets, including sufficient vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and ergogenics (strength enhancers) that the hard-training athlete needs to meet increased micronutrient requirements. Essentially, Animal Pak provides everything your body needs, plus plenty of extras, to help you train effectively and maximize your fitness.

What does it contain?

The vitamin supplement contains 44 sachets with beneficial nutrients and microelements for the comprehensive health of the athlete’s body. Each such bag contains exactly 11 tablets , which contain more than 75 active substances : vitamins, trace elements, mineral salts, digestive enzymes and enzymes, amino acids, etc. The components have varying degrees of release and absorption, which ensures round-the-clock support for the body with the necessary substances and full coverage of the athlete's needs.

Composition of the complex

Thus, the dietary supplement contains the following groups of components .

Mineral salts and complex vitamins

The composition contains many microelements and vitamins, which are hundreds of times higher than the required daily norm . For example, the vitamin B6 in the supplement is 900 times more than recommended for a moderately active body, and the RDA for thiamine is 500 times more, for vitamin C - 200 times, for vitamin E - 100.

Amino acid complex

Animal Pak contains essential amino acids that are almost impossible to get in sufficient quantities from regular food. The supplement also contains branched chain components that help build muscle mass and increase energy reserves . Studies have been published in medical and sports periodicals that BCAAs (amino acid complex) directly affect the endurance and strength performance of an athlete, and can indirectly contribute to weight loss (throwing even more fat into “processing” during training).

Performance boosters

This matrix contains unique botanicals such as inositol , ginseng , and milk thistle . Few people know, but natural ingredients are very effective in supporting the male body during intense exercise. In the spring 2011 , an article appeared in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine on how ginseng reduces damage after intense training of large muscle groups.

Active antioxidants

The composition includes powerful components such as coenzyme Q10 , alpha lipoic acid, lycopene . These substances interfere with oxidative reactions that destroy cells and block their growth. They bind and remove free radicals - the main “culprits” of premature aging and wear and tear of the body, diseases of internal systems.

Enzymes and Enzymes

During training, the body actively consumes calories , which forces you to replenish energy reserves with food. The more foods you have to consume to achieve the desired weight, the harder it is for your stomach to digest them. Animal Pak contains active enzymes (for example, lipase and papain), which promote comfortable digestion of food and peristalsis, and reduce the risk of dyspeptic disorders.

Organic vitamins and inorganic microelements are inherently catalysts for certain processes. Depending on the conditions, they exhibit ergogenic (energy production) and anabolic properties , triggering the chemical reactions necessary for muscle building.

In the case of regular use of vitamin-mineral complexes, it is necessary to remember that the components will not be absorbed 100% , since some are destroyed during the digestion process.

That is why the Animal Pak supplement contains an increased dosage of useful substances, so that, taking into account inadequate absorption, the training body receives everything it needs for development. However, the risk of overdose is eliminated if you follow the recommendations of the manufacturer Universal Nutrition.

The supplement is low in calories , so you can continue to take it even during the period of active drying .

Supplement Review

It is necessary to take into account that the vitamin-mineral complex does not contain iron, since it is poorly absorbed with the substances in its composition. It is advisable to drink this microelement separately.

Description of Universal Nutrition Animal Pak

Animal Pak is a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement from the manufacturer Universal Nutrition.
The company's specialists have developed a special formula that provides the body with a complex of necessary micronutrients for the development of muscle mass and general strengthening effects. Intense loads are associated with frequent and long breaks when the body cannot absorb nutrients, which ultimately inhibits the development of muscle fibers. This can be avoided by taking special sports supplements. To assimilate most of them, it is necessary to interact with enzymes and other elements that affect the effectiveness of the sports nutrition taken. With Animal Pak there is no need to take a whole bunch of supplements because one serving contains all the nutrients you need in the right amounts.

Buying Animal Pak is preferred by athletes involved in bodybuilding, fitness and weightlifting. Increased doses of vitamin-mineral compounds, amino acids and plant extracts provide additional strength to conquer new sports peaks.

Pros of using the supplement

This complex supplement is specifically designed for adults exposed to regular physical activity. Thus, each portion of the complex delivers shock doses of nutritional components to the body to maintain the functioning of internal systems and strengthen the immune system.

The components in Animal Pak provide the following positive effects:

• amino acids contribute to the development and strengthening of muscles ;
• plant components increase the body’s protective properties and improve strength performance;
• enzymes contribute to better and more complete digestion ;
• natural antidepressants reduce stress after exercise and increase mental concentration and focus on upcoming competitions.

The effectiveness of the product has been confirmed by a number of diplomas and awards, including the famous annual Awards ( title of the best multivitamin complex).

The vitamins in the product ensure natural healthy functioning of basic processes.

Advantages of using the complex

High concentrations of substances support the body even during periods of exhausting and starvation diets, and prevent a deterioration in strength indicators and a slowdown in physical activity. Animal Pak also optimizes energy metabolism , promoting the development of muscle mass at an accelerated pace.

Possible side effects and contraindications

It was mentioned above that the fears of many athletes about excessively high dosages of vitamins and minerals are not confirmed in practice.

Some people expressed distrust of the digestive enzymes in Animal Pak. We hasten to convince you that their quantity in the complex is minimal , necessary exclusively for high-quality and fast digestion.

Among the real periodically occurring adverse reactions, dyspeptic disorders (in particular, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, change in stool color), and allergic reactions.

All information about possible adverse reactions and contraindications is printed on packaging .

As for contraindications, Animal Pak is not suitable for use by minors , as it includes dosages for an actively training adult.

Side effects of the supplement

You should also not drink a vitamin-mineral complex in case of the following pathologies :

• diabetes
• neurological disorders,
• mental disorders,
• bronchial asthma,
• serious eye diseases,
• disruption of the excretory system and kidneys,
• migraine
• malignant neoplasms,
• bleeding disorders
• hypertension,
• high cholesterol,
• BPH,
• arthritis
• diseases of the cardiovascular system
• acute inflammatory infections,
• stroke, etc.

Before using a vitamin-mineral complex, it is a good idea to consult a doctor to prevent possible negative reactions. Such consultation is also necessary if you are taking other medications and dietary supplements.

Contraindications on the packaging

Animal Pak is not intended for use by children , older adults, pregnant or lactating women.

Taking the complex should be stopped if the following symptoms :

• dizziness;
• migraines and headaches;
• trembling of limbs;
• overexcitement;
• insomnia;
• tachycardia or arrhythmia, etc.

Contraindications when using the complex
Coaches must be informed about the use of Animal Pak , since theoretically it may be prohibited. For example, it contains a chemical component that exceeds the permissible dosage established in some states of America . According to some experts, it can provoke congenital pathologies and negatively affect reproductive function.

Animal Pak reviews[edit | edit code]

For clarity, we present key reviews from the resource supplementreviews.com

Positive reviews:

• Optimal composition (most)
• Energy boost (71)
• Muscle growth (47)
• Price (43)
• Liver Support (34)

Negative reviews

• Lots of tablets (68)
• Difficulty swallowing (33)
• High price (19)
• Many ingredients in insufficient quantities (6)
• Digestive disorders (6)

Side effects[edit | edit code]

As mentioned above, the most common fears regarding the development of hypervitaminosis are not justified, since the dosages do not exceed the maximum permissible. Concerns about digestive enzymes are also in vain, firstly, since their quantity is minimal, and secondly, because in general the negative effects of taking digestive enzymes have not been proven. Feedback in response to the supply of exogenous enzymes does exist, but a violation of one’s own secretory function does not occur [1], this can be easily verified by opening any modern pharmacology textbook.

The most common side effects are indigestion and individual intolerance.

Information on side effects and contraindications on the packaging:

This product is not intended for use by persons under 18 years of age. Do not take this product if you have the following conditions: diabetes, asthma, depression, recurrent headaches, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, epilepsy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, or inflammatory diseases. Be sure to consult a physician before using this product if you are taking any additional medications or dietary supplements.

Animal Pak is contraindicated in children, elderly patients, and pregnant or lactating women. Stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if dizziness, insomnia, tremor, nervousness, agitation, headache, rapid heartbeat, or any other side effects occur. Use may be prohibited by some sporting organizations. This product contains a chemical that exceeds California exposure limits and may cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

How to use the supplement?

The manufacturer advises using the vitamin-mineral complex daily, 1 serving , which, as mentioned above, contains 11 tablets. You need to take vitamins with plenty of water

As for the timing of administration , it is best to drink the supplement immediately after a snack, which will allow some vitamins (especially fat-soluble ones ) to be absorbed faster and better.

During the competition period, you can increase the daily dosage by 1 more serving. It is important to observe a minimum 4-hour break in use.

The course of administration (1 package of product) must be alternated with a break of 1-2 months .

How to take the complex?

It is possible to combine Animal Pak with other sports nutrition, but before use it is better to consult a nutritionist and trainer.

Reception features

The supplement is sold in packaged form with tablets inside. The optimal dosage is 2 packets per dose. In addition to vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, one dose (2 packs) contains 6 g of protein and 4 g of carbohydrates with an energy value of 40 kcal. Each package contains 11 tablets representing a different ingredient.

If the name of the pack contains a number (for example, 44), it indicates the number of servings in the package. Consequently, there are no particular discrepancies in the use of this sports nutrition.

To get the maximum benefit and effect from Animal Pak, it is important to take it correctly. According to the instructions, use it once a day in the amount of one serving (2 sachets). You can double the daily dose, but only during preparation for competitions with an interval between doses of 4 to 12 hours.

The pack should be taken half an hour after eating food. In this case, the time of day or the presence of training does not matter. Why after eating? – This sports supplement is better absorbed with food. The drug also goes well with other sports complexes, for example, protein shakes.

After completing the course, take a break of 1-2 months. Then you can resume taking it.

Combining the complex with other additives

It is considered ideal to combine the Animal Pak dietary supplement with another Animal Flex , which contains glucosamine and chondroitin . These components promote active regeneration of cartilage tissue and also provide lubrication to the joints. If used regularly, both of these complexes accelerate recovery from excessive stress and even sports injuries.

Animal Pak can also be combined with other sports supplements: BCAAs, protein complexes, creatine , gainers. As a result, the athlete notes an increase in anaerobic endurance, active muscle growth and a slowdown in catabolism .

What should I combine the supplement with?

Customer Reviews

Many coaches and professional athletes positively about the effect of Animal Pak on the body and confirm its high performance. Thus, many note not only high-quality support for the body during intense exercise , but also an increase in mood, a long period of activity and vigor , improved performance and mental concentration.

Sometimes you come across neutral reviews on the forums. For example, someone expected more from the supplement (for example, the same properties as a gainer or protein supplements). We immediately warn you that the vitamin-mineral complex has the main task of replenishing substances lost by the body during active exercise, as well as generally strengthening the immune system and improving the functioning of internal systems .

bad reviews , everyone praises the complex, including the absence of negative side effects for health, the only thing that bothers many athletes is the high price and the need to swallow 11 tablets from one sachet at one time (you have to wash them down with plenty of liquid).

Thus, muscle gain, pumping and improvement in strength are only indirect additional effects of Animal Pak.

In order to ensure an increase in lean muscle mass, it is necessary to review your diet , do not skip planned workouts, and take additional protein shakes and gainers . Of course, the dietary supplement reveals and enhances the effect of the listed sports nutrition.

And yet, many note that the popularity of Animal Pak is due not so much to its high efficiency, but to the excellent work of marketers . Thus, the promotional campaign demonstrated from the best side huge doses of vitamins and microelements in one serving, a high content of useful components and plant extracts, and all this was presented in branded packaging.

Customer Reviews

Experts report that the purchase of Animal Pak takes place only in the case when the main means for building muscle : BCAAs amino acids, protein shakes and gainers, pre-workout complexes, creatine, etc. But if finances do not allow you to purchase professional sports nutrition, then you can stop at the vitamin-mineral complex and simply supplement your diet with high-protein cocktails .

The average price tag for a vitamin-mineral complex in Russia depends on the packaging and is:

• 15 bags (from 1100 to 1400 rubles) – 7 servings of 2 bags.
• 44 bags (from 2200 to 2600 rubles) – 22 servings of 2 bags.

Composition of Universal Nutrition Animal Pak

Composition of nutrients per serving (2 bags of 11 tablets) of the product:

• Calories – 16
• Total carbohydrates – 1 g
• Protein – 3 g
• Vitamin A (acetate & 66% ß-carotene) – 9900 IU
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 1 g
• Vitamin D (ergocalciferol) – 680 IU
• Vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol acetate) – 300 IU
• Thiamine (thiamine HCI) – 76 mg
• Riboflavin – 76 mg
• Niacin (niacinamide) – 82 mg
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCI) – 72 mg
• Folic acid – 400 mcg
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – 6 mcg
• Biotin – 300 mcg
• Pantothenic acid (calcium pantothenate) – 76 mg
• Calcium (citrate, carbonate) – 2 g
• Phosphorus (calcium phosphate) – 228 mg
• Iodine (kelp) – 150 mcg
• Magnesium (oxide) – 133 mg
• Zinc (oxide) – 30 mg
• Selenium (selenite) – 50 mcg
• Copper (sulfate) – 600 mcg
• Manganese (sulfate) – 11 mg
• Chromium (picolinate) – 6 mcg
• Potassium (sulfate) – 200 mg
• Amino acid mixture:
• Lysine (lactalbumin) – 300 mg
• Methionine (lactalbumin) – 500 mg
• Leucine (lactalbumin) – 100 mg
• Valine (lactalbumin) – 760 mg
• Threonine (lactalbumin) – 48 mg
• Glutamic acid (lactalbumin) – 700 mg
• Phenylalanine (lactalbumin) – 560 mg
• Arginine (L-arginine) – 2 g
• Performance Optimizers:
• Siberian ginseng (root) – 2 g
• Oriental ginseng (root) – 250 mg
• Smilax officinalis (root) – 500 mg
• Protogen A (thioctic acid) – 200 mcg
• Inosine (hypoxanthine riboside) – 500 mg
• Pyridoxine α-ketoglutarate (PAK) – 200 mg
• Carnitine (L-carnitine) – 25 mg
• Chromium picolint – 50 mcg
• Coenzyme A – 20 mg
• Coenzyme B12 – 10 mg
• Phosphatidylcholine – 200 mg
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) – 400 mg
• Colostrum (bovine) – 25 mg
• Argentine Liver (bovine) – 3.9 g
• Shark Cartilage – 1 g
• Choline complex – 1.2 g
• Bioflavonoids (citrus fruits) – 1 g
• Complex of essential fatty acids:
• Linoleic acid – 200 mg
• Oleic acid – 100 mg
• Digestive enzymes:
• Betaine HCI – 200 mg
• Pepsin – 64 mg
• Papain – 64 mg
• Ox Bile (bovine) – 120 mg
• Pancreatin – 700 mg
• Mycozyme – 64 mg

Other Ingredients: maltodextrin, calcium sulfate, choline citrate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, parsley, goldenseal, don quai, burdock, alfalfa, water cress, rice brain, cellulose, rose hips.

conclusions

Animal Pak vitamin and mineral complex has been a leader in the sports supplement market decades Due to the increased dosage of nutrients, it is advisable only if there is active physical activity .

However, you should not expect miraculous properties from a multivitamin supplement: it does not promote active muscle development or significant muscle growth.

Animal PAK Ingredients

To begin our discussion of Animal PAK's ingredients, let's compare its ingredient list to another popular daily supplement among men.

Here is the list of ingredients for Animal PAK:

Now, here's the ingredient list of a typical mass-market men's multivitamin:

At first glance, by simply comparing two supplements for common nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, you may notice significant differences in their dosage. And this is not to mention the many other complexes included in Animal PAK.

No doubt you're wondering if all those mega doses contained in Animal PAK are needed, or if your body will eventually just eliminate them without using them. The thing to remember here is that Animal PAK is designed for active people who train consistently and intensely. This means that they are very hungry for vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Also, due to increased physical activity, they are more susceptible to oxidative stress.

Thus, for the average person leading a sedentary lifestyle, Animal PAK is perhaps too serious a remedy. But for the hard-training athlete who is in need of micronutrients, large portions of Animal PAK are just what they need.

But besides significant doses of essential vitamins and minerals, what else does Animal PAK provide that a regular multivitamin cannot?

Let's find out...

Popular customer questions about the supplement

Let's look at the most popular questions about the Animal Pak supplement, which are often asked by athletes in sports nutrition stores and forums .

How is Animal Pak different from pharmacy multivitamin complexes?

The thing is that vitamin complexes from the mass market are intended for people with a normal lifestyle and moderate activity. Thus, multivitamins often contain up to 100% of the recommended daily dosage, while the body of a professional athlete requires several times more useful components.

Is it advisable to drink 2 servings per day?

Many athletes can get by with just 1 package. Professional athletes who train several times a day, as well as bodybuilders before competitions, can drink 2 servings of vitamins due to the increased load.

I eat a balanced diet, consume plant-based carbohydrates, do I need Animal Pak?

Of course, diets with vegetables and fruits have a beneficial effect on the body and help improve performance and energy reserves. However, it is necessary to take into account that plant foods are now of a completely different quality than half a century ago. Many crops are poor in natural minerals and vitamins (not to mention treated with pesticides!), so with regular training, their deficiency is inevitable. Animal Pak compensates for any deficiencies in the athlete’s diet.

Does Animal Pak contain stimulants?

The supplement is biologically active and safe for health, does not contain stimulants, which are often added to sports nutrition (caffeine, ginseng, synephrine, yoquinbine, etc.). The only thing is that the supplement contains a natural stimulator of the immune response, which is vitamin B12.

Motivation from the supplement manufacturer

Should I take Animal Pak supplement in courses?

Since this vitamin-mineral complex does not contain hormones, it does not require cyclic administration and subsequent rehabilitation therapy.

Is Animal Pak optimal in terms of price and quality?

The supplement contains bioavailable forms of nutritional components in increased dosage. All of them are obtained from high-quality pure raw materials, so the complex a priori cannot be cheap.

Why are there 11 tablets in one serving of Animal Pak?

Manufacturers appreciated the difficulty of consuming a vitamin-mineral complex, however, it would be impossible to cram all the active substances into one tablet - it would simply be impossible to swallow.

I can’t swallow pills, what should I do?

The Universal Nutrition brand took care of its regular customers and began producing Animal Pak in the form of an easily soluble powder. Just stir the dry mass with water until completely dissolved.

Are there differences between Animal Pak tablets and powder?

Minor differences between these forms of release are observed. Thus, the powder contains a Uni-Pro mixture, which differs in composition from the Uni-Liver Blend in tablet form. Uni-Pro also includes whey protein isolate.

Is it possible for a professional athlete to do without Animal Pak?

If you are on a restrictive diet or are preparing for competitions, actively and intensely training, then Animal Pak can be considered a “must have” - we are talking about your health!

If you are simply building muscle by eating heavily to get into a calorie surplus and exercising no more than 4 times a week, then a standard pharmacy multivitamin will be enough for you.

Animal Pak is one of the leading serious dietary supplements on the sports nutrition market, which has stood the test of experience and time. The complex will maintain its leading position for many years due to its unique composition with superdoses of useful substances.

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Animal Pak or Opti-Men? What to choose?

Should I choose Animal Pak or Opti - Men ?

People familiar with the world of sports and simply a healthy lifestyle always think about taking vitamin and mineral complexes. There is no point in talking about progress in any sport against the background of vitamin deficiency.

The purpose of any vitamin-mineral complex is:

• Provide the body with the elements necessary for functioning.
• Stimulate immunity, mental capabilities, improve physical condition.

In general, to make our lives better and our activities more active.

Today on the sports nutrition market there are many vitamin complexes that provide the body with the necessary elements. But we will look at two flagships in this category, these are Opti-Men from Optimum Nutrition and Animal Pak from Universal.

An important distinguishing property of these products is the presence of amino acids. Of course, these products cannot replace the intake of BCAA and protein, but the presence of protein makes them a favorite on the market.

Undoubtedly, both products are competitors. There are many statements on the Internet that Opti-Men is taken daily, and Animal Pak only on training days. It's a delusion. Both products must be taken in courses. Those who take Animal Pak only on training days are simply saving money, since it is undoubtedly more expensive than its competitor. Of course, the performance enhancing complex included in Animal Pak can give you a boost of energy before a workout, but this has nothing to do with the vitamins and minerals that form the basis of this product.

The very first plus of the Opti-Men complex is a serving of 3 tablets, unlike Animal Pak, where it consists of 2 packages, each containing 11 tablets. For most people, this is one of the main factors why they choose the Opti-Men complex. However, a package of 11 tablets may not be taken immediately, but divided into several doses throughout the day. In addition, on the Internet you can find a description of the composition of each tablet and, if you have any allergic reactions, simply do not take this tablet.

If we consider both complexes by the total mass of amino acids in one serving, then Opti-Men contains 800 mg versus 1200 mg contained in Animal Pak (again, we must take into account that these are 3 tablets versus two bags of 11 tablets each). But this property of the favorite in terms of amino acid concentration is not the most important, since first of all we consider the drug as a vitamin-mineral, and not an amino acid complex. But still this is a plus. When studying the composition of these products, in our opinion, you should not pay attention to the amino acid composition. Since the concentration of amino acids in these complexes is so low that it is invisible to the body.

Let's consider such an interesting complex of elements in Animal Pak as the Performance complex (a complex for increasing performance), it includes:

• Uni-Liver (dried beef liver) 4080mg
• Carnitine (carnitine) 25mg (dosage extremely low)
• Choline 250mg
• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus) 1750mg
• Hawthorn (Hawthorn) 250mg
• Inositol (Inositol) 125mg
• Milk Thistle 500mg
• Oriental Ginseng (Ginseng) 250mg
• Para-Aminobenzoic Acid 400mg
• Pyridoxine Α-Ketoglutarate (Pyridoxine) 200mg

The concentration of substances in this complex suggests that the effectiveness of some components will be extremely doubtful. However, there are reviews from people who still notice an energy boost from such concentrations.

Animal Pak also contains a complex of antioxidants (7 items in the complex).

Opti-Men are slightly different complexes:

• Phyto Blend - contains more than 20 antioxidants that prevent the negative effects of free radicals on the body. But the dosage of active ingredients is lower than that of Animal Pak. However, the composition there is different.
• Viri Blend – contains 8 exotic components from plant extracts and seafood that enhance “male power”;

What is more important to you is up to you to decide.

The next important point is the content of vitamin B. It is indispensable for those who lift weights, since without it there will be no effective performance. Thanks to vitamin B6, phenylalanine and many other important components of the body, including amino acids, are synthesized. Here Opti-Men clearly loses to its competitor.

It is worth noting that both drugs contain complexes for digestion. The concentration of these enzymes in Animal Pak is higher than in Opti-Men. As for vitamin C, Animal Pak contains much more of this vitamin than Opti Men (300 mg per 3 tablets vs. 1 g per serving of 2 sachets (500 mg per 1 sachet)).

We know that for the secretion of testosterone, components such as zinc and magnesium are important to us. We see that Opti-Men contains the same 30 mg of zinc per serving as Animal Pak. But with magnesium, Animal Pak is 300 mg ahead of its competitor.

Undoubtedly, Animal Pak has a higher cost. Rather, this is due to the successful work of the marketing department on Universal's part. The entire Animal series is replete with the market and attracts with brutal design packaging, impressive portions and excellent advertising in the person of Frank McGrath. All this forms such a price for this drug.

The drug Opti-Men has two types of composition. They differ in the permissible standards for the content of certain components. Differences exist for Europe and the USA. In Russia, both options are found.

When taking Opti-Men, there is no need to swallow large quantities of tablets and capsules, as is the case with Animal Pak.

Contraindications

The Opti-Men vitamin and mineral complex is unlikely to cause any serious side effects. In rare cases, digestive upset may occur. Individual intolerance to some components is also possible. Regarding Animal Pak, Universal clearly states on the packaging that this product is not intended for use by persons under 18 years of age. The manufacturer focuses in the annotation on side effects. The product should not be taken by people with diseases:

• diabetes
• asthma
• depression
• glaucoma
• headache
• difficulty urinating
• prostate enlargement
• epilepsy
• hypertension
• arthritis
• heart diseases
• inflammatory diseases

You should definitely consult your doctor before use. The manufacturer reports:

Animal Pak is contraindicated in children, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. This product contains a chemical that exceeds the California limit and may cause reproductive harm.

The data provided by the manufacturer reveals all its pros and cons, but do not be afraid of this complex. As a rule, all of the listed side effects do not occur if you follow the instructions.

Conclusion

Animal Pak is a favorite in the sports nutrition market among vitamin and mineral complexes, but its purchase may be justified if you train intensively and take a responsible approach to the training process. It would also be a good idea to take other supplements, such as protein, BCAA, creatine, gainer. This will give you better results in gaining muscle mass.

Otherwise, Opti-Men is a good choice. This is a quality product that in 3 tablets will contain almost everything that Animal Pak contains in 11 tablets, but in a slightly lower concentration. However, no one is stopping you from increasing the dose you take by 1-2 tablets to achieve a higher concentration

The importance of vitamins and minerals in modern living conditions is simply priceless. If we take into account regular sports activities, then taking such complexes is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. The choice is yours which complex to purchase, but we tried to figure out what the fundamental differences between these supplements are. I wish you all anabolism and new successes in life and sports!

Alexander Slauta. CCM in arm wrestling and hand-to-hand combat, personal fitness trainer. Edited by Pavel Lukashin. Especially for the “Sports Workshop” project.

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