A few weeks ago I received a bottle of SurvivAMINO in the mail from Vitality Sciences, they wanted me to review the product and publish my findings here. While I agreed I knew it would be a challenge because let’s face it, the product doesn’t really do much of anything (cool) at all. It’s not like getting my hands on a new weapon which I could take to the range, or some other trinket which I could put through the paces in order to expose both good and bad characteristics. No, this little bottle sitting on my desk next to me just sits there staring back at me. Even taking the pills on a daily basis for two weeks would be more of maintenance thing for someone like me, and because of what they are it’s not like I’d notice a huge pump at the gym or surge of strength while lifting (in that short of a time-frame). That was my challenge, given all of that how do I evaluate a product that really only flourishes after SHTF as a life sustaining supplement?
I’ll just cut right to the chase and give you my opinion on this product: You definitely should have at least one bottle in your BugOut Bag, possibly another in your Get Home Bag.
My rationale: We’ve often heard the phrase “dynamite comes in small packages.” In this case it’s vital nutrients and protein supplements in a small compact package which would help to sustain you in the event of a catastrophe. When you are running full speed for hours or days on end every nutrient counts, and when you combine that with the benefits of being able to stuff this bottle in your cargo pocket…SurvivAMINO truly packs a large punch. Notice I was careful to say supplement because that’s exactly what it is. Supplements are not a primary means of nutrition, although they compliment your regular dietary regimen. Guys who take protein powder, creatine and other products do so in conjunction with their normal diet of “real” food. SurvivAMINO is the same way in that you should’t expect to be able to cross the Sahara purely by ingesting one pill a day, but in the right circumstances it might give you the extra boost to make it to your rally point or bugout destination on time.
So what’s in it? Based on the label here is what SuvivAMINO contains:
I’ll be the first to admit that I really have never done any significant research on how supplement ingredients work or how they impact the body’s performance. I’ll go to the store and buy products because I know the end state (more muscle mass, endurance, better recovery) even though I’m not sure of the biological process of how that is achieved. Fortunately I know someone who has taken his fare share and is a student of supplements, so I decided to ask for his thoughts on SurvivAMINO. He played at a high level during college and also played in the NFL. He is one of those guys who, even though in his mid 30’s, can still run a 6 minute mile and looks like he was chiseled from stone even though he barely works out. We should all be so lucky. When I asked him about SurvivAMINO and the ingredients contained within, this was his response.
They’re all amino acids. It’s good that the first three are considered “essential”. Meaning, without them you can’t build muscle. The other five basically aid in the breaking down process. Nothing fancy, which is great, because most companies put all kinds of ‘other’ ingredients in to try and ‘be the coolest’ and have the most ‘stuff’.
The one thing I would consider, which REALLY doesn’t matter to preppers who are surviving, this is more like ‘good to know’ information. “Supposedly”, the correct ratio for Leucine, Valine and Isoleucine is 1:3:1. It only matters in the bodybuilding world to people who shave their butt hair and forearms and measure their food. But if any wise guys ask on the blog, remind them the ingredients are listed by weight and the first three are the most important. Then remind them they aren’t competing in the Mr. Olympia but trying to keep their family alive and in good mental health.
The take away is: good product, no BS. I endorse it.
I then asked about taking the product. For example, if someone were to purchase the product and take it as recommended for two to three weeks would they notice any significant changes? His response.
Nope, doesn’t work like creatine, arginine or SUPERPUMP MAX 75000. Just covers your bases. In normal conditions, i.e. with food, rest, water and proper exercise program, if you were taking it as prescribed you would probably see increased muscle density, better recovery, probably better definition and a little better “pump” all day long. Think of it this way, if protein were gold, and the 40g that you take after working out were raw ore with impurities…..the amino acids are the gold bricks that you are seeking that are 99.9% pure.
So there you have it. My opinion and the opinion of someone who competed at a very high level (and had to take care of his body in order to do so). The bottom line? It would be a great addition to your BOB or GHB, buy a bottle and stick it in there and know that you’ll have that extra boost if you need it. Don’t forget to use coupon code prepperresources during checkout for your discount.
[important]I should stress that even though we both endorse it, you must make your own decision and complete your own due diligence of the product (and ingredients) before deciding to take some. Obviously I’m no doctor and the opinion of a former NFL player, although awesome, is not the advice of a doctor either. Our position does NOT represent that of the NFL or any of its affiliates. This is me trying not to get sued. Thanks![/important]
1 comment
One other product is a must , I tested it in Death Valley …..it works . Its called NUUN hydration fizzy tablets . They also were developed by pro athletes , but unlike most things out there , these , once disolved , dont have a strong flavor and NO sweet taste , no sugar , and the salts you need to replace when you sweat . The tube is small , can get it at a lot of grocery store chains in the vitamin area . I have found that the lemon lime is the least offensive of the flavors so far , I just stick with that , the grape was gross .