Quick Summary Points
- Comprehensive Multivitamin & Mineral Formula: Over 85 bio-optimized nutrients, including 25 essential vitamins and minerals, to support overall health.
- Convenient Dosage Forms: Available in both pill and powder formats to accommodate different user preferences. Unique 44-Pack Format: Each container includes 44 packs of 8 tablets, providing a structured and convenient way to meet daily nutrient needs.
- Performance & Recovery Support: Contains amino acids, antioxidants, and a performance complex to enhance endurance, muscle recovery, and strength.
- Digestive Enzyme Complex: Includes bromelain, papain, and other enzymes to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Immune & Antioxidant Defense: Provides over 29 antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and support immune function.
- Protein & Muscle Support: Each serving delivers 6g of protein to aid in muscle maintenance and repair.
- Trusted Quality & Certification: GMP Certified and UL Certified, ensuring strict quality control and safety standards.
Universal Nutrition has been a leading company in the sports nutrition industry for decades. With popular products like Animal Stack, M-Stack, and Cuts, Universal has built a strong reputation, especially among bodybuilders and serious athletes.
Their most renowned product is Universal Animal Pak, a comprehensive multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. This review examines what sets Animal Pak apart from other similar supplements on the market.
What is Universal Animal Pak?
Universal Animal Pak is an all-in-one multivitamin and multimineral supplement designed to support the nutritional needs of serious athletes. It includes a pro-performance complex, an antioxidant blend, and a digestive enzyme complex to enhance absorption and overall health.
The formula is GMP-certified and UL-certified, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Universal Animal Pak Highlights
- Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: Over 85 bio-optimised nutrients, including 25 essential vitamins and minerals, to fill dietary gaps.
- Enhanced Digestive Support: Digestive enzyme complex for better nutrient absorption.
- Protein Inclusion: Contains 6g of protein per serving to support muscle growth.
- Antioxidant Rich: Includes over 29 antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.
- GMP Certified & UL Certified: Manufactured under strict quality standards for safety and efficacy.
Ingredients
Universal Animal Pak contains a robust combination of ingredients to support performance and health:
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene & Retinyl Palmitate): Supports vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid & Calcium Ascorbate): Aids in immune defence and collagen production.
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol): Essential for bone health and calcium absorption.
- Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate): Acts as a powerful antioxidant to combat free radicals.
- B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid): Crucial for energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and cognitive function.
- Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Chromium:
- Support bone health, muscle function, immune response, and metabolic regulation.
Amino Acid Complex
- L-Arginine: Enhances blood flow and nitric oxide production for better performance.
- L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine (BCAAs): Aid in muscle recovery and protein synthesis.
- L-Glutamine: Supports gut health, muscle recovery, and immune function.
Antioxidant Complex
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Helps neutralise oxidative stress and supports metabolism.
- Coenzyme Q10: Supports cardiovascular health and energy production.
- Grapeseed Extract & Green Tea Extract: Provide potent antioxidants that protect against free radicals.
- Lutein & Lycopene: Support eye health and combat inflammation.
Digestive Enzyme Complex
- Bromelain & Papain: Help break down proteins for better digestion and absorption.
- Lipase: Assists in fat digestion and nutrient assimilation.
- Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates to support energy production.
Performance Complex
- Milk Thistle Extract: Supports liver function and detoxification.
- Choline Bitartrate: Essential for cognitive function and nervous system support.
- Eleuthero Root & Ginseng Extract:
- Adaptogens that help improve endurance and stress response.
- L-Carnitine: Assists in fat metabolism and energy production.
Universal Animal Pak Benefits, Pros & Effectiveness
- Optimized Nutrient Absorption: The digestive enzyme complex enhances digestion and nutrient uptake.
- Comprehensive Nutritional Support: Bridges dietary gaps with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Performance Enhancement: Ingredients like L-arginine help improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles.
- Trusted Quality: GMP Certified and UL Certified, ensuring stringent quality control standards.
Universal Animal Pak Negatives & Cons
- Pill Count: Each pack contains 8 tablets, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- Iron Exclusion: The formula does not contain iron, which may require additional supplementation for some individuals.
- Taste Preference: Some users may prefer the powder form over pills.
Universal Animal Pak Side Effects
Animal Pak is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using the product, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
Universal Animal Pak Taste, Flavour & Mixability
Animal Pak is available in both pill and powder form, with the pill form being more popular, outselling the powdered version by approximately 100:1. The powder version is available in different flavors and can be mixed easily with water or other beverages.
How to Take Universal Animal Pak
For best results, take one pack (or one serving of powder) with a meal and plenty of water. Strength Athletes engaged in intense heavy training may benefit from two packs daily—one in the morning and another in the evening.
Universal Animal Pak Verdict
Universal Animal Pak is not just a standard multivitamin; it is a highly specialised supplement designed for athletes and serious trainers. Its extensive nutrient profile, performance-enhancing ingredients, and digestive support make it a standout option. Additionally, its GMP Certification and UL Certification guarantee top-tier quality and safety.
For those looking for an all-in-one nutritional powerhouse, Animal Pak remains a leading choice.
References
- National Institutes of Health. "Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know."
- Mayo Clinic. "Multivitamins: Benefits and Safety."
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. "Effects of Multivitamins on Athletic Performance."
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "The Role of Antioxidants in Exercise Recovery."
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Digestive Enzymes and Nutrient Absorption."
- U.S. Pharmacopeia. "GMP Certification and Its Importance in Supplements."
- American Council on Exercise. "Amino Acids and Muscle Recovery."
- Universal Nutrition. "Animal Pak Product Details and Benefits."
* The graphs have altered vertical cut-offs for comparison purposes. For actual figures, please email [email protected] for more details.
1. Australian Nutrient Reference Values. National Health & Medical Research Council.
Universal Animal Pak FAQs
- How many pills are in one pack of Animal Pak?
Each pack contains 8 tablets, which are coated for easier consumption. - Does Animal Pak contain caffeine?
No, Animal Pak does not contain added caffeine. Any naturally occurring caffeine is minimal. - Can I take Animal Pak with other supplements?
Yes, Animal Pak serves as a foundational supplement and can be stacked with other supplement types. - Is Animal Pak suitable for women?
Yes, although formulated for serious athletes, women can use Animal Pak. Consulting a healthcare professional is advised. - Why do the new Animal Pak pills look different?
A reformulation in 2020 introduced new tableting technology, altering the color and appearance of the pills. - Does Animal Pak contain any animal-derived ingredients?
Yes, the gelatin used in the capsules is sourced from bovine. Individuals with dietary restrictions should take note. - Is Animal Pak overkill for the average gym-goer?
Animal Pak is formulated for high-performance athletes and serious lifters. While it may be more comprehensive than what the average gym-goer needs, it can still be beneficial if you're not meeting your daily nutritional goals through food alone. - Can I take Animal Pak on non-training days?
Yes, Animal Pak is designed to be taken daily, even on rest days, to ensure consistent nutrient levels and support ongoing recovery and performance. - How long does one container of Animal Pak last?
Each container of Animal Pak contains 44 packs. If you take one pack per day, it lasts 44 days. If taking two packs daily, it lasts 22 days. - Is Animal Pak suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
No, Animal Pak is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians as it contains gelatin from bovine sources and other animal-derived ingredients. - Can Animal Pak be used as a meal replacement?
No, Animal Pak is a dietary supplement and should not be used as a meal replacement. It is designed to complement a balanced diet. - Will Animal Pak affect urine color?
Yes, Animal Pak may cause bright yellow urine due to the high levels of B vitamins, particularly riboflavin. This is a harmless and common side effect. - Can Animal Pak be taken on an empty stomach?
It is recommended to take Animal Pak with a meal to enhance absorption and reduce the chance of stomach discomfort from its potent formula. - How long before I see results from using Animal Pak?
Most users report feeling increased energy and improved recovery within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, although results vary based on diet and training intensity. - Can Animal Pak help with weight loss?
While not a fat burner, Animal Pak can support weight loss goals by improving metabolism, energy, and nutrient absorption when paired with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise. - What time of day is best to take Animal Pak?
The best time to take Animal Pak is in the morning with breakfast. For advanced users taking two packs, the second pack can be taken later in the day with another meal. - Does Animal Pak need to be cycled off?
There is no need to cycle off Animal Pak. It is designed for daily use and can be taken continuously as part of your nutritional routine. - Can I split the dose of Animal Pak throughout the day?
Yes, you can split the tablets across meals if you find taking 8 tablets at once difficult. However, taking them together is ideal for maximizing synergy among ingredients. - Is Animal Pak tested for banned substances?
Yes, Animal Pak is produced in a GMP-certified facility and is UL Certified, which ensures rigorous testing for safety and quality, including checks for banned substances. - Is there any benefit to taking Animal Pak post-workout?
While Animal Pak is not specifically designed as a post-workout supplement, taking it after training with a meal can support recovery by replenishing key nutrients. - Can Animal Pak be used alongside creatine or pre-workouts?
Yes, Animal Pak can be safely stacked with creatine, pre-workouts, and other supplements. It forms the nutritional foundation to support their effectiveness. - Can I take Animal Pak with protein shakes?
Yes, you can take Animal Pak with a protein shake, preferably with a meal. Combining them does not reduce effectiveness and may even enhance nutrient utilization.