Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men is a multivitamin specially formulated to support men’s overall health and wellness. Each serving of Opti-Men multivitamin delivers a high-potency dose of 70+ ingredients via a so-called “Nutrient Optimization System.”
Each serving contains 1 gram of an Amino Men Blend (various amino acids such as L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, and L-Leucine), 100 mg of Phyto Men Blend (a mix of different fruit and vegetable extracts), 50 mg of Viri Men Blend (containing several popular herbal extracts), another 50 mg of Enzy Blend (a unique blend of Papain, Bromelain, Alpha-Amylase, and Lipase), and various other vitamins and minerals.
The formula is designed for the athlete in mind. It’s something you can use as a foundational supplement and build on top of it with other diet strategies and supplements.
What is Opti-Men?
Opti-Men is a multivitamin, multimineral, and phytonutrient dietary supplement for men. It’s produced by one of the largest sports nutrition supplement companies globally, Optimum Nutrition (ON), and it’s one of the best-selling multivitamins for men in the United States.
However, the question is, with such an extensive list of ingredients, including four proprietary blends, how unlikely is it to contain enough individual ingredients to provide a therapeutic dose?
Read our full Opti-Men review below for an in-depth analysis of all the core features that make this multivitamin supplement stand out.
Our Opti-Men review will give you plenty of helpful information on the company behind the product, claimed benefits, who is suppose to help, core active ingredients, value per serving, potential adverse effects, customers’ take on the product, where to buy it from at discounted price, and our take on whether you should consider trying the product or not.
All so you can make an informed decision whether Opti-Men is right for you or not.
About Optimum Nutrition
Opti-Men is made by the American supplement manufacturer Optimum Nutrition. Established over 30 years ago, Optimum Nutrition is a leader and a pioneer in the sports nutrition industry.
The company offers a wide range of dietary supplements and other health products designed to increase protein intake, improve wellness and overall health, increase strength, and support recovery.
Some bestsellers from Optimum Nutrition include:
- Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
- AmiN.O. Energy Advanced
- AmiN.O. Energy Basic Formula
- Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder
- Gold Standard Pre-Workout
- Prebiotic & Probiotic Gummies
- Opti-Men
- Opti-Women
How to contact Optimum Nutrition:
- Address: 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 1200 Downers Grove, IL 60515
- Website: optimumnutrition.com
- Email: consumer@optimumnutrition.com
- Phone: 1-800-705-5226
Ingredients
Opti-Men contains the following active ingredients per serving (3 capsules):
- Vitamin A (as beta Carotene, natural mixed Carotenoids) 10,000 IU
- Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) 1,500 IU
- Vitamin E (as D-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate) 200 IU
- Thiamin (as Thiamin Hydrochloride) 75 mg
- Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide, Aspartate) 80 mg
- Zinc (as Zinc Citrate) 15 mg
- Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 300 mg
- Riboflavin 75 mg
- Niacin (as Niacinamide) 75 mg
- Biotin 300 mcg
- Folic Acid 600 mcg
- Selenium (as Selenomethionine) 200 mcg
- Vitamin K (as Phytonadione) 75 mcg
- Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate, Citrate) 50 mg
- Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 50 mg
- Molybdenum 80 mcg
- Manganese (as Manganese Gluconate) 2 mg
- Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 100 mcg
- Chromium (as Chromium Gtf) 120 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid (as D-Calcium Pantothenate) 75 mg
- Copper (as Copper Gluconate) 2 mg
- Iodine (as Kelp) 150 mcg
- PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid) 10 mg
- Choline (as Choline Bitartrate) 10 mg
- Inositol 10 mg
- Vanadium 100 mcg
- Lutein 500 mcg
- Alpha Carotene 140 mcg
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid 25 mg
- Zeaxanthin 28 mcg
- Silica 5 mg
- Boron 2 mg
- Lycopene (Lyc-O-Mato®) 500 mcg
- Cryptoxanthin 34 mcg
- Phyto Men Blend [Grape Seed Extract, (standardized to 95% polyphenol) (seed), Hesperidin Complex (fruit), Green Tea Powder (leaf), Deodorized Garlic Powder (bulb), Fruit Blend [Orange Powder (fruit), Elderberry Powder (fruit), Black Currant Powder (fruit), Apple Powder (fruit), Pineapple Powder (fruit), Blueberry Powder (fruit), Papaya Powder (fruit), Grape Powder (fruit), Bilberry Powder (fruit), Cranberry Powder (fruit), and Kiwi Powder (fruit)], and Vegetable Blend [Brussels Sprouts Powder (edible head), Carrot Powder (root), Wild Yam Powder (root), Cauliflower Powder (head), Spinach Powder (leaf), Kale Powder (leaf), and Broccoli Powder (whole plant)]] 100 mg
- Amino Blend (L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine, L-Lysine, L-Cystine, and L-Threonine) 1g
- Enzy Blend (Alpha-Amylase, Bromelain, Papain, and Lipase) 50 mg
- Viri Men Blend [Damiana Extract (leaf), Saw Palmetto Extract (berry), Ginkgo Biloba Powdered Extract (leaf), Panax Ginseng Extract (root), Pumpkin Extract (seed), Nettles Powdered Extract (leaf), and Raw Oyster Concentrate] 50 mg
Inactive ingredients include stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze no. 2, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and silica.
Is Opti-Men right for you?
This next part of our Opti-Men review will analyze some core active ingredients included in the formula.
Vitamins
Opti-Men’s unique formula contains a wide array of vitamins needed for various functions in the body.
Take the B-Vitamins complex, for instance. Thiamin, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, and Biotin, all play a significant role in metabolism and energy production.
Other vitamins like Vitamin D and Vitamin C coordinate and support the immune system.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with many forms, but alpha-tocopherol is the only one utilized by the human body. Its primary role is to act as an antioxidant, scavenging loose electrons – so-called “free radicals” – that can damage cells. It also stops clots from developing in arteries and enhances immune function.
Other noteworthy ingredients in Opti-Men’s formula are the B-vitamins. They play a vital role in sustaining good health and well-being. B-vitamins directly impact your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism as the building blocks of a healthy body.
There’s also extensive clinical evidence showing that B-vitamins can support or promote:
- Healthy brain function
- Energy levels
- Healthy appetite
- Good digestion
- Hormones and cholesterol production
- Proper nerve function
- Muscle tone
- Cardiovascular health
Something that often goes overlooked in many multivitamin supplements is the addition of fat. Vitamins A, D, E, & K are fat-soluble. To better absorb them, it is best to consume them with some type of fat.
Opti-Men does provide a decent amount of medium-chain triglycerides, which can help absorb these fat-soluble vitamins.
Minerals
Minerals are just as essential as vitamins when it comes to wellness and general health. And just as with vitamins, the required intake of each mineral varies from one to the other. For instance, copper intake is recommended at a much lower dose than calcium.
Because minerals are so important in almost every body function, mineral deficiencies are quite common even in western countries like the United States.
Take magnesium, for example. This mineral is needed in over 300 functions in our body, and it’s one of the most commonly used ingredients in dietary supplements.
Most supplements will include magnesium, and, luckily, Opti-Men contains a reasonable amount of magnesium for a multivitamin.
Optimum Nutrition included a blend of several mineral chelates, oxides, and salts in their product. As a result, Opti-Men has a significantly higher daily intake percentage of trace minerals such as chromium, copper, and selenium than more common minerals like magnesium or calcium.
Chelated minerals have been attached to amino acids. This allows the body to better recognize and absorb them into the bloodstream. As a result, this reduces the risk of any GI discomfort.
Antioxidants
Unlike many other similar multivitamins for men, Opti-Men also includes several antioxidants, but in lower doses than you would expect.
Antioxidants are substances that can slow or prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals – waste substances produced by cells as the body processes food and reacts to the environment.
If the body cannot process and remove free radicals efficiently, oxidative stress can result. This can harm cells and body function.
Opti-Men contains 25 mg alpha-lipoic acid, which is typically recommended at doses between 600 and 1800 mg. However, clinical studies showed that even small amounts of alpha-lipoic acid could offer some benefits.
On the other hand, an example of an underdosed ingredient is zeaxanthin. Most research will recommend approximately 2 mg of zeaxanthin. Opti-Men has included 28 mcg, about 100x less than what should be supplemented to have an appreciable benefit.
Even when combined with the rest of the antioxidants included in Opti-Men’s formulation, that isn’t enough and feels like a wasted opportunity. They could have simply cut out some ingredients and increase the amounts of others to boost their potential effectiveness and benefits.
Amino Men Blend
There are 21 known amino acids, but our body can only make 13 amino acids from scratch. We must get the remaining 9 (known as “essential amino acids”) from foods or supplements. This group of essential amino acids includes branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Lysine plays a vital role in maintaining bone strength, building muscle, supporting recovery from surgery or injury, and regulating enzymes, antibodies, and hormones.
Many people use valine supplements for energy, muscle growth, and tissue repair. Valine is also important for emotional calm, mental focus, and muscle coordination.
Isoleucine helps with hormone production, immunity, and blood sugar regulation. It regulates energy levels and is primarily present in muscle tissue.
Phyto Men Blend
Opti-Men’s Phyto Men Blend offers 100 mg of 22 different fruit and vegetable extracts.
One of the best and cost-effective alternatives to dried and fresh fruits and vegetables is the use of extracts. This is because most of the nutritional value is preserved.
In Opti-Men, the unique Phyto Men Blend is used to enhance performance during workouts. The 22 fruit and vegetable extracts may offer an extra boost of energy during intense workout sessions and support muscle recovery.
Viri Men Blend
This blend appears to be centered on supporting sexual health and improving libido in men.
The 50 mg of proprietary Viri Men Blend includes seven different extracts, ranging from the popular Ginkgo Biloba to the less known Oyster concentrate.
Saw palmetto is generally used by men looking to boost testosterone levels naturally. Regulating testosterone levels can influence many aspects of health, including sex drive, mood, body composition, and cognition.
Panax Ginseng is commonly used to improve cognitive performance, mainly short-term memory, and as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
A 2011 review of alternative medicines for sexual function came to a similar conclusion, finding Panax ginseng the only dietary supplement to improve erectile function with no safety issues.
Unlike prescription medication for erectile dysfunction (which is taken when needed), ginseng only seems to be useful for erectile dysfunction if taken continuously.
Enzyme Blend
Lastly, Opti-Men multivitamin supplement contains 50 mg of an Enzyme Blend, made up of digestive enzymes. The blend Optimum Nutrition has created includes enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. As a result, it may alleviate GI distress or the feeling of an “upset stomach” following meals.
For instance, Amylases are vital to your digestive process because they’re needed to process any starches in your diet, which are the main source from which people derive glucose, the primary sugar molecule the body uses for energy.
Foods high in starch include bread, grains, cereals, pasta, rice, beans, corn, potatoes, and peas. If it weren’t for amylase, your body wouldn’t be able to use foods like these so efficiently to fuel you.
How Much Does Opti-Men Cost?
Opti-Men is available in three sizes:
- 90 tablets for $19.99 ($0.22/count)
- 150 tablets for $27.99 ($0.18/count)
- 240 tablets for $41.99 ($0.17/count)
Various discounts are available. For instance, buying directly from Optimum Nutrition’s official store has some advantages: free shipping for orders over $40, 15% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter, and various other bundles or promotions.
You can also purchase Opti-Men online from retailers such as Amazon (you could use the Subscribe & Save option for up to 15% discount on repeat deliveries), Walmart, VitaminShoppe, Bodybuilding, GNC, or eBay.
For European customers, Opti-Men is available on Amazon UK and Holland & Barrett.
Product variations
Besides the standard formulation, Opti-Men is also available as a probiotic + multivitamin supplement.
Opti-Men Multi + Probiotic Gummies is designed for active men looking for a performance-oriented multivitamin with probiotics to support healthy lifestyles.
The product offers the dual benefit of a typically multivitamin supplement and a probiotic in one serving and combines essential minerals and vitamins that replenish the body with key nutrients.
According to Optimum Nutrition, the formula is designed to support metabolism, energy, immunity, and muscle health.
Opti-Men review – Claimed benefits
Pros
Cons
Opti-Men reviews
Excellent vitamins. First time using them, but I will definitely be ordering again. My urine changed to a very bright yellow color using these, though. I assume […] Read full review
I only take 1-2/day, but they’re perfect to pop into your mouth heading out for work in the morning. Hair, fingernails, skin, etc., seems healthier after a few weeks of consistently taking these vitamins […] Read full review
The best multivitamin I’ve purchased. I only take 2 per day (dose says 3), split them up (one in the morning and one before the gym), and I’ve noticed […] Read full review
Safety and side effects
Opti-Men multivitamin for men is advertised as generally safe to take with no reported severe adverse effects.
The supplement is recommended for individuals ages 18 years or older.
Anyone who is on prescription medication, has a medical condition, illness, or injury should consult with a medical professional before determining if there may be risks to starting this multivitamin supplement.
Given the ingredients available in this multivitamin, some users may experience mild to moderate adverse effects, typically in response to how their bodies adjust to the supplement.
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
Dosage and how to take Opti-Men
As a dietary supplement, take three (3) tablets daily with food.
We recommend taking one tablet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This allows your body to fully digest and absorb each tablet, getting the most of each ingredient.
The product should not be taken to substitute a balanced diet and does not cure any medical conditions.
Similar products
Before we conclude our Opti-Men review, let’s take a quick look over several other multivitamins for men supplements that may represent good alternatives for those not convinced by this formulation’s benefits.
Men’s Complete Multivitamin made by One A Day – This multivitamin supplement can be an excellent choice for those looking more into an essential product. The formula developed by One A Day offers good amounts of Vitamins (including a B-vitamin complex) and minerals (Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, etc.).
Men’s Complete Multivitamin is formulated to support heart health, healthy blood pressure, immune health, healthy muscle function, and physical energy.
It is also the best-selling multivitamin supplement for men on Amazon, with over 22,000 reviews, averaging 4.7 stars out of 5. One bottle of Men’s Complete Multivitamin by One A Day costs $16.80.
Platinum Multivitamin made by MuscleTech – Just like Opti-Men, this multivitamin supplement is designed for elite athletes and active individuals for general health support.
The product developed by MuscleTech offers a complete, advanced multivitamin complex consisting of high-potency vitamins and minerals, combined with herbal and amino-acids proprietary blends.
One bottle of Platinum Multivitamin costs $14.97, making it an excellent alternative for those looking for a more affordable multivitamin supplement.
One Daily Multivitamin for Men made by NATURELO – This supplement is made by a brand known for producing high-quality, affordable, all-natural dietary supplements.
One Daily Multivitamin for Men is packed with organic fruits and vegetables for whole food nutrition and antioxidant support, plus 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support men’s health. The formula is designed to boost natural energy and vitality and support brain, heart, eye, and immune health.
All NATURELO products are part of the “Clean Label Initiative,” meaning they contain no preservatives, gelatin, coloring, or flavoring, are vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free.
One bottle of NATURELO One Daily Multivitamin for Men (2 month supply) costs $29.95.
The takeaway
Whether you are a workout buff or just seeking a healthier body, this product may be suitable for you.
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men is generally advertised as a foundational multivitamin supplement for men, which means it’s not something you should typically take alone. It works best alongside other complementary multivitamins and workout supplements.
Overall, the Opti-Men multivitamin supplement offers a decent formulation that may benefit those looking for a much-needed energy boost during workouts or throughout difficult days.
The formula contains a wide array of well-researched ingredients with proven benefits for men’s health and ingredients in tiny amounts that are unlikely to make a difference.
As always, we recommend discussing with your healthcare provider if you’re interested in using this product or any other dietary supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
At OneBrainReviews, we only use primary references for our articles, including peer-reviewed medical journals or well-respected academic institutions.
- Jerald Bain – The many faces of testosterone. Published in December 2007. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- Edzard Ernst, Paul Posadzki, Myeong Soo Lee – Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction in older men and women: An overview of systematic reviews. Published on July 07, 2011. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- Mohit Khera – Erectile dysfunction. Published on June 29, 2011. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- Daria Szczuka, Adriana Nowak, Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda, Ewa Kochan, Grażyna Szymańska, Ilona Motyl, and Janusz Błasiak – American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) as a Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals with Pro-Health Properties. Published on May 9, 2019. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- Fahimeh Afzaljavan and Mohsen Mobini-Dehkordi – Application of alpha-amylase in biotechnology. Published in January 2012. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- David O. Kennedy – B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy – A Review. Published on January 28, 2016. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- B Vitamins – Harvard School of Public Health. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- Antioxidants: In-Depth – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
- Sen Li, Guowei Chen, Chao Zhang, Man Wu, Shuyan Wu, and Qing Liu – Research progress of natural antioxidants in foods for the treatment of diseases. Published on December 3, 2014. Retrieved on June 9, 2021. [Source]
