AmiN.O. Energy Advanced Review: Is It Worth It?

This review is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that an extensive list with all used Sources is available at the end of the review.

The information in our reviews is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

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Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced is a popular pre-workout, metabolism, energy, and focus supplement. Like AmiN.O. Energy (another best selling from Optimum Nutrition), the Advanced formula uses amino acids and organic caffeine to help muscle recovery and improve energy before, during, and after workouts.

Quick intro

Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced is advertised as a more complex pre-workout supplement than the company’s AmiN.O Energy, which is more targeted towards beginners. 

The Advanced variant is a pre- and post-workout supplement intended to supply the muscles with the amino acids they need to grow while providing reasonable amounts of caffeine for antioxidant support and extra energy.

Compared to the basic formula, AmiN.O. Energy Advanced contains less caffeine, no Electrolyte Blend, and several additional ingredients such as Vitamin C, Turmeric extract, and Cognizin.

Please read our full AmiN.O. Energy Advanced review below for an in-depth analysis of all the key features of this pre-workout. 

Our review will provide you with helpful information on the company behind the product, claimed benefits, who is intended to help, value per serving, potential adverse effects, where to buy it from at discounted price, core active ingredients, customers’ take on the product, and our take on whether you should consider trying the product or not.

Everything about Optimum Nutrition

Optimum Nutrition is part of the Glanbia Global Nutrition Group and one of the largest sports supplement manufacturers. The company was established in 1986 with a clear goal to innovate and maintain the highest quality standards possible.

With multiple state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in the United Kingdom and the United States, Optimum Nutrition is the only sports nutrition company to produce items in every supplement category, including energy products, protein powders, nutritional bars, multivitamins, ready-to-drink beverages and shakes, and other dietary supplements that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Popular Optimum Nutrition supplements include:

  • Gold Standard 100% Whey
  • AmiN.O. Energy
  • Serious MASS
  • Opti-Men
  • ZMA Capsules
  • Gold Standard 100% Plant
  • Pre-Workout
  • Platinum Hydro Whey
  • Immunity + Probiotic Gummies

How to contact Optimum Nutrition:

  • Phone: 1-800-705-5226 Monday – Friday: 8.30 am -5.00 pm CST
  • Address: 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 1200 Downers Grove, IL 60515 
  • Email: consumer@optimumnutrition.com
  • Website: optimumnutrition.com

Evaluation of ingredients

AmiN.O. Energy Advanced contains the following active ingredients:

  • Vitamin C 200 mg
  • Amino Blend [Micronized L-Leucine, Micronized L-Glutamine, Micronized Taurine, Micronized L-Isoleucine, Micronized L-Threonine, Micronized L-Arginine, Beta-Alanine (as CarnoSyn), Micronized L-Phenylalanine, Micronized L-Tyrosine, Micronized L-Valine, Micronized L-Histidine, Micronized L-Citrulline, Hydrochloride, Micronized L-Lysine, and Micronized L-Methionine] 5 g
  • Caffeine [PurCaf organic caffeine from green coffee and PurTea organic caffeine from green tea) 100 mg
  • Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha-GPC) 100 mg
  • Turmeric extract 100 mg
  • Cognizin Citicoline 50 mg

Other inactive ingredients include malic acid, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, tartaric acid, inulin, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, gum blend (cellulose gum, xanthan gum, and carrageenan), sucralose, Blue #1, and lecithin.

Claimed benefits

This next part of our AmiN.O. Energy Advanced review will analyze some core active ingredients included in the formula. 

The primary component of AmiN.O. Energy Advanced is the Amino Blend which comprises 5 grams per serving (serving size is two scoops). In this 5 gram component, there are 15 different amino acids.

All amino acids available in the Amino Acid Blend are found in protein sources – though not all sources contain all proteins. The main benefit of adding amino acids to the diet is to support general health, muscle growth, and recovery.

BCAAs

Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced’s most obvious benefit is that it contains BCAAs – L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine. L-Leucine helps stimulate protein synthesis in the body so that your muscles have what they need to repair themselves more efficiently.

Citrulline is also a good addition in that it, combined with L-Arginine, boosts nitric oxide production throughout the body resulting in improved pumps and vascularity.

Caffeine (100 mg)

Caffeine is the main “energy booster” in Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced. Interestingly, there is far less caffeine in the Advanced formulation (100 mg) than AmiN.O. Energy (160 mg). 

Caffeine has its benefits. It excites the central nervous system, so you feel increased energy. Sadly, over time, the body gets accommodated to caffeine, and more is required to achieve the same result. 

Caffeine works by stimulating the brain and the central nervous system, helping you stay focused and preventing the onset of tiredness. It blocks adenosine’s effects, a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and makes you feel tired.

A comprehensive review on caffeine consumption concluded that after participants ingested between 37.5 and 450 mg of caffeine, they had better reaction time, short-term recall, and alertness.

Alpha-GPC (100 mg)

AmiN.O. Energy Advanced also contains 100 mg of Alpha-GPC (on top of the 50 mg of Cognizin Citicoline). 

Choline may prevent and reverse cognitive decline caused by poor brain circulation, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other stressors. It may also support stroke recovery, boost athletic performances, increase mental performance, and improve eyesight. 

If you are browsing for a supplement to increase choline intake, DPC-Choline and Alpha-GPC are typically higher in choline content per unit weight. They are also more readily absorbed than others.

Individuals with a balanced diet can easily supplement with Alpha-GPC just by including certain foods into their diet. While natural sources contain only trace amounts of Alpha-GPC, your body can make it from choline. 

Some of the best choline sources include:

  • Chicken
  • Beef liver
  • Eggs
  • Whole grains
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Shrimp
  • Soybean
  • Pork
  • Broccoli
  • Navy beans
  • Green Peas
  • Low-fat milk

How Much Does AmiN.O. Energy Advanced Cost?

One bottle of Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced (190 g / 20 servings) costs $29.99. 

You can purchase the supplement locally (supermarkets and local stores) or online from Optimum Nutrition store and many other retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, BodyBuilding, GNC, Supplement Superstore, A1 Supplements, VitaminShoppe, and Costco.

Product variations

Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced is available in several different flavors:

  • Cherry Berry
  • Beach Blast
  • Strawberry Mango

AmiN.O. Energy Advanced review – Pros and cons

Pros

  • Contains a powerful Amino Blend consisting of 15 amino acids for energy and muscle growth
  • Supports energy and focus
  • Available in three different flavors
  • Improves metabolism
  • Reduced caffeine intake
  • Helps recovery before, during, and after exercise
  • Only 5 calories per serving with zero sugar
  • Provides 5 grams of amino acids per serving

Cons

  • It tries to be a weight management supplement, too; a difficult thing to accomplish given how complex such a formula has to be
  • Not very popular compared to other similar pre-workout supplements

Customer testimonials

While I don’t love the taste, it’s a little over-sweet. It works well. It gives me a nice boost of energy without any jitters. It does have quite a bit of caffeine. […] Read full review

As with most ON amino products, this does have caffeine. I prefer to drink these on my off days or when I need a little more of a boost for my workouts. I do not prefer to use them as a pre-workout. However, you can take more scoops for more energy. […] Read full review

Best flavor of Energy Aminos I’ve tried. The only downfall is you get fewer servings for a higher price – and I don’t feel like this does anything different than the original Energy Aminos. […] Read full review

Recommendations, adverse effects, and warnings

Optimum Nutrition’s Advanced formula contains less caffeine than AmiN.O. Energy. Still, caffeine is a potent stimulant that may produce adverse effects in some individuals, especially in doses over 400 mg per day. Some common caffeine adverse effects include:

  • Disrupted sleep
  • Jitters
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Stomach upset
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Dependency
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration

Recommended dosages

As a dietary supplement, mix 9.5 grams (about two scoops) into 10 to 12 ounces of cold water in the morning before exercise. 

As always, we suggest reading and understanding the label before taking any dietary supplements or medications.

How AmiN.O. Energy Advanced compares to alternatives

Before we conclude our AmiN.O. Energy Advanced review, let’s quickly analyze several other pre-workout supplements that may be viable alternatives for those not convinced by this formulation’s benefits.

AmiN.O. Energy made by Optimum Nutrition – This pre-workout supplement is designed to supply the muscles with the amino acids they need to grow while providing reasonable amounts of caffeine and green tea extract for extra energy and antioxidant support.

AmiN.O. Energy is more of an entry-level pre-workout supplement for people looking to improve their energy and focus in the gym or for some extra focus and productivity in the afternoon.

AminoLean made by RSP Nutrition – This dietary supplement can represent a good alternative to someone looking for an all-in-one pre-workout and weight management product. The formula contains a Weight Management Blend (1.5g), an Amino Acid Blend (5 g), an Energy and Focus Blend (130 g), and moderate amounts of Sodium, Vitamin C, and Chloride.

Each serving of AminoLean offers about 125 mg of caffeine from a natural source (green tea extract), making it a good option for those looking for a pre-workout supplement with less caffeine.

C4 Sport Pre Workout made by Cellucor – C4 Sport is another popular pre-workout supplement for men and women. The supplement is formulated with CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, a premium clinically studied Beta-Alanine, which has been examined to fight fatigue and help muscular endurance.

Furthermore, Cellucor claims that its unique designed formulation supports explosive energy, performance, and endurance for workouts of all stripes and trainees of all types.

C4 Sport is available in several flavors at an affordable price of just under $24.00 for 30 servings.

Conclusion

There are a few key differences between Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy and the Advanced formula. Generally, the base formula is far more popular (probably because of the wide range of flavors vs. just three). 

However, we like AmiN.O. Energy Advanced more because it contains less caffeine and Alpha-GPC, which is an excellent addition to almost any brain or energy supplement.

Regardless of your preferences, you can’t go wrong with AmiN.O. Energy Advanced. Combining BCAA with L-Arginine, Citrulline, and L-Glutamine gives you a well-rounded variety of amino acids that may give you a remarkable boost of strength, energy, and overall endurance during long training sessions.

Overall, Optimum Nutrition is one of the best supplement brands on the market these days, and they’ve done an excellent job with AmiN.O. Energy Advanced.

Frequently Asked Questions


AmiN.O. Energy Advanced adverse effects may include fast or uneven heartbeat, shakes, disrupted sleep, jitters, nervousness, irritability, headaches, stomach upset, anxiety, diarrhea, dependency, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, muscle tremors, dehydration, and heartburn.

AmiN.O. Energy Advanced is designed as a more potent form of the basic formula. According to the manufacturer, this advanced formulation can provide the same benefits as the basic product (improve energy levels and increase focus & alertness), metabolism, and muscle growth support.

AmiN.O. Energy Advanced doesn’t contain any potentially dangerous, toxic, or banned ingredients. It has, however, caffeine, which is habit-forming and may cause side effects in some individuals, especially in those sensitive to it.

AmiN.O. Energy Advanced is a pre- and post-workout supplement intended to supply the muscles with the amino acids they need to grow while providing reasonable amounts of caffeine for antioxidant support and extra energy. The supplement also claims to support metabolism and muscle growth.

One bottle of Optimum Nutrition AmiN.O. Energy Advanced (190 g / 20 servings) costs $29.99.

As a dietary supplement, mix 9.5 grams (about two scoops) into 10 to 12 ounces of cold water in the morning before exercise.



Sources

At OneBrainReviews, we only use primary references for our articles, including peer-reviewed medical journals or well-respected academic institutions.

  • João A. B. Pedroso, Thais T. Zampieri, and Jose Donato, Jr. – Reviewing the Effects of l-Leucine Supplementation in the Regulation of Food Intake, Energy Balance, and Glucose Homeostasis. Published on May 22, 2015. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Prominent Sports Nutrition Brand Optimum Nutrition Celebrates Thirty Years – prnewswire.com. Published on July 13, 2016. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Sergi Ferré – An update on the mechanisms of the psychostimulant effects of caffeine. Published in May 2008. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • S. A. Masino and T. V. Dunwiddie – The role and regulation of adenosine in the central nervous system. Published in 2001. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Melanie A. Heckman, Elvira Gonzalez De Mejia, and Jorge Weil – Caffeine (1, 3, 7‐trimethylxanthine) in Foods: A Comprehensive Review on Consumption, Functionality, Safety, and Regulatory Matters. Published on April 5, 2010. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Francesco Amenta, Daniele Tomassoni, and Maria Antonietta Di Tullio – The cholinergic approach for the treatment of vascular dementia: evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies. Published in November 2002. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Daniele Tomassoni, Lucilla Panetti, Francesco Amenta, Fiorenzo Mignini, and Enea Traini – Cholinergic precursors in the treatment of cognitive impairment of vascular origin: ineffective approaches or need for re-evaluation? Published on June 15, 2007. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • L. Panetti, V. Gallai, and F. Amenta – Choline alphoscerate in cognitive decline and in acute cerebrovascular disease: an analysis of published clinical data. Published in November 2001. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Enea Traini, Francesco Amenta, and Vincenzo Bramanti – Choline alphoscerate (alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline) old choline-containing phospholipid with a still interesting profile as a cognition-enhancing agent. Published in November 2002. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Choline – National Institutes of Health (NIH). Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Lucia Maria Lotrean and Cristian Reinhard Prelicz – Choline Intake and Its Food Sources in the Diet of Romanian Kindergarten Children. Published on August 18, 2017. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Niels P. Riksen, Paul Smits, and Gerard A. Rongen – Acute and long-term cardiovascular effects of coffee: implications for coronary heart disease. Published in February 2009. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • Mi-Joo Jin, Chang-Ho Yoon, Hae-Jin Ko, Hyo-Min Kim, A-Sol Kim, Ha-Na Moon, and Seung-Pi Jung – The Relationship of Caffeine Intake with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Sleep in Korean Adolescents. Published on March 25, 2016. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
  • John Shambroom, Christopher Drake, Thomas Roth, and Timothy Roehrs – Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before going to bed. Published on November 15, 2013. Retrieved on June 1, 2021. [Source]
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