OPTI-MEN (Multivitamin for Active Men) - Optimum Nutrition
Product: 90 tablets (30 servings at 3 tablets/day)
Brand: Optimum Nutrition
Primary Use: Comprehensive daily micronutrient support for active men
Form & Overview
Delivery: Tablets (3 per day with food)
Formula: 75+ active ingredients in 4 specialized blends
Target: Active men, athletes, fitness enthusiasts
Supplement Facts (Per 3 Tablets)
Vitamins
| Nutrient | Amount | %DV |
| ----------|--------|----- |
| Vitamin A (as beta carotene, mixed carotenoids) | 3000 mcg | 333% |
| Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) | 300 mg | 333% |
| Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol) | 37.5 mcg (1500 IU) | 188% |
| Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) | 134 mg | 893% |
| Vitamin K (as phytonadione) | 75 mcg | 63% |
| Thiamin (as thiamin hydrochloride) | 75 mg | 6250% |
| Riboflavin | 75 mg | 5769% |
| Niacin (as niacinamide) | 75 mg | 469% |
| Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) | 50 mg | 2941% |
| Folate (600 mcg folic acid) | 1020 mcg DFE | 255% |
| Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) | 100 mcg | 4167% |
| Biotin | 300 mcg | 1000% |
| Pantothenic Acid (as calcium d-pantothenate) | 75 mg | 1500% |
Minerals
| Nutrient | Amount | %DV |
| ----------|--------|----- |
| Choline (as L-choline bitartrate) | 10 mg | 2% |
| Calcium (as dicalcium phosphate) | 50 mg | 4% |
| Iodine (as potassium iodide) | 150 mcg | 100% |
| Magnesium (as magnesium oxide, aspartate) | 80 mg | 19% |
| Zinc (as zinc oxide) | 15 mg | 136% |
| Selenium (as L-selenomethionine) | 200 mcg | 364% |
| Copper (as copper sulfate) | 2 mg | 222% |
| Manganese (as manganese sulfate) | 2 mg | 87% |
| Chromium (as chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate) | 120 mcg | 343% |
| Molybdenum (as molybdenum A.A. chelate) | 80 mcg | 178% |
| Sodium | 10 mg | <1% |
Amino Men Blend (1g)
- L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Cystine, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, L-Threonine
Phyto Men Blend (100mg)
- Green Tea Powder (leaf), Hesperidin Complex (fruit), Deodorized Garlic Powder (bulb), Grape Seed Extract
- Fruit Blend: Orange, Pineapple, Apple, Grape, Blueberry, Cranberry, Papaya, Elderberry, Bilberry, Black Currant, Kiwi
- Vegetable Blend: Wild Yam, Carrot, Spinach, Cauliflower, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli
Viri Men Blend (50mg)
- Saw Palmetto Extract (berry), Damiana Extract (leaf), Panax Ginseng Extract (root), Ginkgo Biloba Powdered Extract (leaf), Nettles Powdered Extract (leaf), Pumpkin Extract (seed), Oyster Extract
Enzyme Blend (50mg)
- Papain, Bromelain, Alpha Amylase and Lipase
Additional Ingredients
| Nutrient | Amount |
| ----------|-------- |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid | 25 mg |
| PABA (para-amino benzoic acid) | 10 mg |
| Inositol | 10 mg |
| Boron (as boron citrate) | 2 mg |
| Lycopene | 500 mcg |
| Lutein | 500 mcg |
| Alpha-Carotene | 140 mcg |
| Vanadium (as vanadium citrate) | 100 mcg |
| Cryptoxanthin | 34 mcg |
| Zeaxanthin | 28 mcg |
Dosing
- Standard: 3 tablets daily
- Timing: With meals (divide across meals or take together)
- Duration: Continuous daily use
Safety
Common side effects:
- Bright yellow urine (B-vitamins—normal)
- GI upset if taken on empty stomach
- Distinctive smell (B-vitamins)
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Glycerine, Sunflower Oil.
Allergens: Contains Soy.
Contraindications: None specific; those with medical conditions should consult physician
Key interactions:
- 🟡 Blood thinners: Contains vitamin K (75 mcg) and high vitamin E (134 mg)
- 🟡 Medications affected by B-vitamins: High B6 (50 mg, 2941% DV) can interact with some drugs; chronic high B6 may cause neuropathy
- 🟡 Thyroid medications: Contains biotin (300 mcg) which can interfere with thyroid lab tests
- 🟡 Ginkgo & Ginseng: May interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications
Evidence Quality
Context: Multivitamins are "insurance policies" for nutritional gaps. Evidence for benefits in well-nourished individuals is mixed.
Strong evidence for:
- Correcting deficiencies when present
- Supporting increased micronutrient needs in athletes
Moderate evidence for:
- Energy support (B-vitamins) in active individuals
- Immune support (zinc, C, D)
Limited evidence for:
- Benefits in those already eating well
- Performance enhancement directly from multis
Product Assessment
Positives:
- Comprehensive formula (75+ ingredients) with transparent vitamin/mineral dosing
- Designed specifically for active men
- High-potency B-complex (75mg each of B1, B2, B3, pantothenic acid)
- Includes amino acids (1g—modest but present)
- Zinc 15mg + Magnesium 80mg (important for testosterone, recovery)
- Good selenium form (L-selenomethionine, 200 mcg)
- Chromium as nicotinate glycinate chelate (well-absorbed form)
- Eye health support (Lutein 500 mcg, Zeaxanthin 28 mcg, Lycopene 500 mcg)
- From reputable brand (30+ years, 90+ countries)
Considerations:
- 3 tablets daily (pill burden)
- Large tablets with strong smell
- 1500 IU (37.5 mcg) Vitamin D may be insufficient for deficient individuals
- Magnesium forms (oxide, aspartate) not optimal—oxide has poor absorption
- Only 80mg magnesium (19% DV)—need separate supplementation
- Calcium only 50mg (4% DV)—not a calcium source
- 30 servings per bottle at this size
Red Flags:
- Very high B6 (50mg, 2941% DV)—chronic high doses may cause peripheral neuropathy
- Proprietary blends (Amino, Phyto, Viri, Enzyme) hide individual ingredient amounts
- 1g amino acids split among 8 aminos = ~125mg each (negligible)
- Phyto Blend only 100mg total for 20+ ingredients (pixie dusting)
- Viri Blend only 50mg for 7 botanicals (sub-therapeutic doses)
- Contains Ginkgo and Ginseng (may not be suitable for everyone)
Who This Is Best For
- Athletes training intensively (increased micronutrient needs)
- Those with poor dietary variety
- Men wanting one comprehensive product
- Those who don't mind 3 pills daily
Who Should Consider Alternatives
- Those eating a nutrient-dense diet (may not need comprehensive multi)
- Budget-conscious (basic multi + targeted supplements may be more cost-effective)
- Those preferring transparent dosing
- Anyone with specific deficiencies (targeted supplements better)
Comparison to Targeted Supplementation
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
| ----------|------|------ |
| OPTI-MEN type multi | Convenient, comprehensive | Expensive, may overdose some/underdose others |
| Targeted supplements | Optimal doses, cost-effective | More pills, requires knowledge |
Verdict
OPTI-MEN provides solid vitamin and mineral coverage with transparent dosing on essentials, but the specialty blends (Amino, Phyto, Viri, Enzyme) are likely under-dosed for meaningful effect—a common "pixie dusting" issue with complex formulas. The B-vitamin dosing is extremely high (especially B6), which may not be necessary or advisable long-term. Good as basic nutritional insurance for active men, but don't expect the proprietary blends to deliver therapeutic benefits. Those taking a separate D3+K2, magnesium, or omega-3 already have better-dosed versions of key nutrients. Best value for those wanting one comprehensive product; those with specific goals are better served by targeted supplementation.
*Research compiled using supplement-researcher methodology*