Why is it that so few diet products are backed by science? We took a look at Animal Pak to see if it was one of the good ones. We dug into the ingredients, side effects, customer service, and clinical research. Then, we read through hundreds of reviews to see what users think. Finally, we condensed it all to give you the bottom line.
Animal Pak can be purchased through their Official Site.
What is Animal Pak?
To start, Animal Pak is a multivitamin system designed for athletes. Most of the ingredients are similar to other products in the same category, but there is an Amino Acid Complex, Liver Detox Complex, Protein Complex, Performance Complex, Antioxidant Complex, Digestive Enzyme and Absorption Complex, Energy and Focus Complex.
- Amino Acids – L-arginine is an amino. It’s important for the body to build protein and to create muscle.
- NCCIH – Grape seed extract may have some heart benefits, but there are a “few well-controlled studies of people using grape seed extract for health conditions.”
- Obesity Reviews – Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown in both animal and human studies to promote weight loss, though in humans, you need upwards of 1800mg a day.
Other ingredients include:
- Vitamin A
- Thiamin
- Vitamin C
- Chromium
- Vitamin D
Animal Pak is claimed to help build muscle and increase energy while providing all the nutrients you need. As nice as the claims sound – we want to know if it works.
Animal Pak Powder comes in Apple Jacked, Cherry Bomb, and Orange Crushed flavors.
Other Animal products include:
- Animal Creatine
- Animal TNT+
- Primal Preworkout
- Animal Alpha F
- Animal Cuts
- Animal Pump
- Animal Greens
- Animal Immune Pak
- Animal Meal
- Animal Energy
- Animal Flex
- Animal Fury
- Animal Rage XL
Animal Pak Competitors
| Product |
Review
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Focus Factor | read | |
| Alani Nu Balance | read | |
| Usana Essentials Multivitamin | read | |
| Noom | read | |
How Did Animal Pak Start?
Created by Universal Nutrition, an American company specializing in sports nutrition, Animal Pak was introduced to the fitness market in August 1983. The supplement was considered the multivitamin supplement of the year from 2005 to 2010 by BodyBuilding.com.
The product is said to be developed to complement the diet of athletes and bodybuilders. Universal Nutrition has said that it increased the efficiency of Animal Pak by introducing it in powder form.
Animal and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Though Animal has been in business for 42 years, they aren’t accredited by the BBB. No customer reviews have been submitted to the organization, but Animal has closed a single complaint in the previous three years.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
Animal Pak Claims
Animal Pak claims that it contains Essential Amino Acids. The amino acids represent the protein’s unitary form; it is composed of chains of amino acids that need to decompose to absorb later.
Animal Pak also claims:
- To build muscle
- Help recovery
- Increase strength
- Increase energy
According to the National Institutes of Health, chromium is well-researched for various benefits – so we like that. Unfortunately, there is no science backing this formula, so it’s impossible to tell whether the product lives up to the claims.
Update September 2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Nutrition developed the Animal Immune Pak, a supplement pack that supports your immune system. It contains Vitamins C and D, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. There’s also an herbal support complex, antioxidant complex, and black pepper extract for better absorption. The herbal complex includes olive leaf extract, ginger root, garlic, and more. The antioxidant complex contains grapeseed extract, alpha-lipoic acid, and more. The company does not claim that the product will treat or cure COVID-19, only contribute to healthy immune systems.
Animal Pak Ingredients
Animal Pak’s list of ingredients spans farther than the sun and back. We grabbed some of the most important ingredients and components shown in research and compiled a shortlist of each – with any science that may back it or shoot it down.
Amino Acids
20% of the body is made up of protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of this protein. Amino acids are the links that form the chains that are proteins. For this reason, and given the muscle’s protein composition, they are very relevant for those who are training or bodybuilding.
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association wrote that “based on the currently available literature, grape seed extract appears to significantly lower heart rate, with no effect on lipid or CRP levels. Larger randomized, double-blinded trials evaluating different dosages of grape seed extract and for longer follow-up durations are needed.”
Chromium
Here is an ingredient that we know has some science backing it. Chromium regulates weight loss, muscle gain, heart health, and many others.
Chromium is considered an essential trace element because minimal amounts of this ingredient are essential for human health, according to the National Institutes of Heath.
Vitamins A and D
These two vitamins are considered together because they share a fundamental action in bone protection. Good bone health requires a good contribution from both ingredients. The more muscle you put on, the more important that your bone supports it.
Vitamin A in particular is vital to immune function, per the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Does Animal Pak Work?
There are two types of amino acids (a part of the proteins, which are responsible for building and repairing muscles). Taking a branched-chain amino acid supplement can improve stamina and increase the number of fats that the body burns while performing physical exercise.
Besides, branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are known to contribute to muscle mass gain, contribute to post-workout muscle recovery, control fatigue, and improve immunity.
Animal Pak contains herbal ingredients like ginseng, and inositol (vitamin B complex). Animal Pak still contains antioxidants like lycopene and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Antioxidant substances present in Animal Pak protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.
These free radicals are produced when the body undergoes stressful situations, as in physical training. Animal Pak offers the consumer a complex of digestive enzymes that work in the digestive system.
According to reviews, some customers haven’t been experiencing the results they want – which makes us even more disappointed that there isn’t any scientific evidence behind the formula.
Animal Pak Benefits and Results
There are many published benefits surrounding vitamins, minerals, fruit extracts, chromium, ginseng, and more – the issue is the combination. The manufacturer should utilize its ingredients perfectly and present the world with research behind its formula.
It’s important to point out that the information we found on these ingredients isn’t linked in any way to this product or its formula.
Details on Animal Pak And Weight Loss
Animal Pak is a multivitamin claimed to have the most advanced ingredients that bodybuilders need to get the most out of workouts.
Each Pak contains more than 50 key ingredients, in addition to a combination of mineral complexes, performance enhancers, vitamins, L-arginine, lipotropic agents, digestive enzymes, and excellent energetics. All these components are said to be added to support a bodybuilder and aid muscle gains.
Due to increased calorie cut down, athletes need higher nutrients that cause them to lose weight, but the supplement isn’t designed for fat or weight loss.
Can Animal Pak Make You Fat?
Each serving of Animal Pak contains 5 grams of carbohydrates (1.5 g of dietary fiber) and 5 grams of protein. So, the calories from Animal Pak are not enough to make a person fat unless he or she extrapolates his diet and consumes more calories throughout the day than the body needs to maintain its metabolism.
Those who practice physical activity regularly do not have to worry about gaining weight during supplementation. Still, those who are sedentary or not on time may see an increase in the scales if they take too many multivitamins.
How to Take Animal Pak
Following the Animal Pak instructions are key if you want results. While this is something that seems obvious, a problem that often occurs with supplements is that they are not used correctly.
Universal Nutrition suggests that one pack should be taken in the pre-workout meal. Taking one pack of this supplement about 30 minutes after the meal closest to the workout should do the trick, although the packaging shows that athletes can take up to two packs – but it’s not necessary.
Potential Animal Pak Side Effects
Every supplement has a chance for an adverse reaction, so we dove straight into the side effects of Animal Pak. With so many ingredients, the chances of running into an adverse reaction increase. “Even vitamins are not without risk. Vitamins A and D are fat soluble, therefore they can stick around in our bodies if we consume too much, rather than being excreted in the urine like some other vitamins. This can result in a number of adverse effects, most often [gastrointestinal] GI symptoms,” shares Anthony Dugarte, MD.
Vitamin A
According to the National Institutes of Health, although vitamin A has some benefits, it can cause several unwanted side effects. These include:
- Bleeding from gums or sore mouth
- Confusion or unusual excitement
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Headache
- Vomiting
Thiamine
Thiamine (or vitamin B1) is found in foods like cereals, whole grains, meat, nuts, beans, and peas.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Mild rash
Grape Seed Extract
Although grape seed is thought to be relatively safe, it can cause side effects such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
L-Arginine
The Journal of Sexual Medicine says that this amino acid is often used for erectile dysfunction.
Side effects of this ingredient may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gout
- Airway inflammation
Animal Pak Product Warnings
First off, this supplement is not suitable for those who want to lose weight, since its primary function is to aid muscle growth and performance.
To be 100% safe about health when it comes to choosing a supplement to help muscle gains, it is best to talk to a doctor. Only a physician will be able to evaluate an athlete’s physical condition and assure with certainty that Animal Pak safe for them.
The supplement’s consumption is prohibited for women who are pregnant or in the process of breastfeeding their children. Some unpleasant consequences that the product can bring are headaches, stomach pains, and allergic reactions.
Any Animal Pak Lawsuits?
We love to see companies free from lawsuits with squeaky clean reputations – but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A state judgment was released in December 2016 in which the state government approved a settlement for a lawsuit filed in March 2016, Top Class Actions reports.
According to Truth In Advertising, the lawsuit claimed that Animal Pak (made by Universal Nutrition) claims that the products are made in the US – but they contain foreign ingredients.
Because of the suit, the company removed labels “proudly made in the US” The court ordered the firm to refund up to $20 to customers who purchased the product.
“According to the settlement agreement, class members with proof of purchase may receive a refund of up to $20. If the total payments to class members amount to less than $125,000, the amount left in the settlement fund will be distributed to a charitable organization.
The company also confirmed that it has removed “Made Proudly in the USA” claims from the product labels.”
Animal Pak Cost
The price is variable from one country to another. The price on the official website is listed as $32.50 for 30 packs. You can also purchase larger amounts at $39.95 for 44 servings. There are promotions out there, and the company does offer a 100% money-back guarantee – which is something positive. Animal Pak Powder sells for $39.95 for 44 servings.
Where to Buy Animal Pak
Several purchasing modes can be used to purchase Animal Pak, such as their official website, retail stores, online stores, and company sales partners. Many bodybuilding websites also sell products of Universal Nutrition.
- Bodybuilding.com
- Vitamin Shoppe
- Allstarhealth.com
- Amazon
Promotional Offers
Numerous packages and offers are typically offered either by Universal Nutrition or Bodybuilding websites such as bodybuilding.com. These are usually based on “buy one get one free” type of deals. Other products are generally sold at some discount, on and off, throughout the year.
Update September 2020: US residents on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic – first responders and other medical personnel – can request a free 30-day supply of the new Animal Immune Pak, while supplies last. As of December 2020, this service has been discontinued.
Animal Pak Complaints
Different bodybuilders report several issues related to Animal Pak. The most common problem experienced is Animal Pak packaging. The product is packed in pills form, and the athlete must take around 11 pills simultaneously to complete his nutritional requirement.
Update: Universal Nutrition now makes Animal Pak available in powder form in response to these complaints.
Similarly, athletes also complained that sometimes the pack has fewer pills than indicated on the label.
If a supplement requires you to take so many capsules in one dose – it may be time to find a product that’s easier to handle.
Animal Pak Alternatives
Whenever there’s a supplement promising many benefits, there will always be an alternative close by. With the cost being higher than some customers want to spend, potential side effects, and lawsuits against the company – some dieters might want to broaden their options.
Some Animal Pak alternatives are:
- C9-T11
- BioCore Muscle
- Muscle Milk
- Ripped Muscle X
What Users Are Saying
“Excellent pack of vitamins. I felt like after the first pack, I’ve had increased energy and mood. Workouts have also been great. No side effects at all like others have been saying. Highly recommend as this comes with a great base/foundation of vitamins and minerals that cover all health aspects for training and overall health.”
“These vitamins contributed to stomach problems. Proceed with caution.”
“Didn’t do anything for me. The only noticeable difference was that it turned my urine a neon yellow/green color.”
The Bottom Line on Animal Pak
Are we racing out for Animal Pak multivitamins? Well, the formula is far superior to traditional vitamins, but there’s a little too much in there for the average dieter. That’s not to say the body won’t use it for what it’s designed, just not to the extent the athlete’s body will.
- Too expensive for some
- Potential side effects
- So. Many. Pills.
- No research on the formula
- Lawsuits, settlements, false advertising – oh my
If you want to add a multivitamin as support during muscle-building, that’s a good idea. But, we also believe in changing up how you eat and keeping meals vibrant to promote overall health.
Among the best products we’ve seen this year is Noom. The app provides users with personalized meal plans, human coaching, food and exercise tracking and an extensive database of foods managed by nutritionists. You get the best of both worlds – custom journey and simple-to-use app.
Plus, the makers of Noom are so confident you’ll see results, that they’re offering a free trial offer, which is a great sign.
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Animal Pak Questions & Answers
Animal Pak is a multivitamin system designed for athletes that provides a range of nutrients that the body needs to build muscle and increase energy. In addition to vitamins and minerals, it also contains other complexes such as Amino Acid Complex, Liver Detox Complex, Protein Complex, Performance Complex, Antioxidant Complex, Digestive Enzyme and Absorption Complex, and Energy and Focus Complex.
Animal Pak claims to help build muscle, increase energy, help recovery, and increase strength. It contains essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, and chromium, which regulates weight loss, muscle gain, and heart health.
Animal Pak was created by Universal Nutrition, an American company specializing in sports nutrition. The supplement was introduced to the fitness market in August 1983 and was considered the multivitamin supplement of the year from 2005 to 2010 by BodyBuilding.com.
There is no science backing Animal Pak specifically, but the ingredients it contains have been shown to have some benefits. For example, chromium is well-researched for various benefits, and grape seed extract may have some heart benefits, although more studies are needed.
Animal Pak can be purchased through their Official Site or from other online and offline retailers.
Animal Pak can be purchased using their Official Site.
There are no reports of any significant side effects associated with the use of Animal Pak. However, like any supplement, it is always advisable to check with a healthcare professional before starting to take it.
Animal Pak ingredients include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, Uni-Pro blend, carnitine, choline, eleuthero, hawthorne, inositol, milk thistle, oriental ginseng, para-aminobenzoic acid, pyridoxine α−ketoglutarate, alpha lipoic acid, citrus bioflavonoids, coenzyme q10, grapeseed extract, lutein, lycopene, pine bark extract, bromelain, inulin, lipase, pancreatin, papain and VegPeptase.
Taking a look at the ingredients in Animal Pak, we found some ingredients are beneficial to improving overall health and wellness, but not necessarily supported by clinical research.
Animal Pak costs $33.50 for 30 packs and $40.95 for 44 packs.
Follow the directions on the product.
Animal Pak is generally safe to take. Women who are pregnant or nursing, those with health conditions, anyone with a health condition or under 18 years of age should contact a healthcare professional prior to using any dietary supplement, including Animal Pak.
There are no guarantees with Animal Pak.
It is not recommended to crush or break the Animal Pak capsules in any way.
Since Animal Pak contains no creatine, you should be able to consume it without any issues.
Since Animal Pak contains primarily vitamins, it shouldn’t cause weight-gain.
Animal Pak does not contain caffeine or other stimulants.
Animal Pak claims it can help you stay healthy with their balanced amount of recommended daily vitamins.
Animal Pak is a complex multivitamin for peak athletic preformance. We see no evidence that combining Animal Pak with Red Bull will cause health complications.
Evan Centopani is the “health-conscious” bodybuilder for Animal Pak.
P6 Boosters is a natural testosterone booster. We see no evidence suggesting adverse health complications when combined with Animal Pak, however, you may want to consult your medical professional.
No, Animal Pak is not a steroid. Animal Pak is a multivitamin and mineral supplement that is designed to provide athletes and bodybuilders with essential nutrients for optimal performance. It does not contain anabolic steroids or any illegal substances. Animal Pak is safe for use when taken as directed.
The other Animal products available include Animal Creatine, Animal TNT+, Primal Preworkout, Animal Alpha F, Animal Cuts, Animal Pump, Animal Greens, Animal Immune Pak, Animal Meal, Animal Energy, Animal Flex, Animal Fury, and Animal Rage XL.
No, Animal Pak is not vegan-friendly as it contains gelatin.
Animal Pak is not gluten-free as it contains wheat germ.
Animal Pak does not have any certifications.
Yes, Animal Pak is tested for banned substances and is certified by Informed Choice as being free of banned substances.
Yes, there is a powder version of Animal Pak that comes in three flavors: Apple Jacked, Cherry Bomb, and Orange Crushed.
Animal Immune Pak is a supplement pack developed by Universal Nutrition in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It contains vitamins C and D, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, as well as an herbal support complex, antioxidant complex, and black pepper extract for better absorption. The company does not claim that the product will treat or cure COVID-19, only contribute to healthy immune systems.
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