Optimum Nutrition

The supplement company Optimum Nutrition, based in Illinois, USA, was founded in 1986 by brothers Michael and Tony Costello under the former name Costello's Health Distributors. In 2008, the company became part of the Irish Glanbia Group, which also owns the brands American Bodybuilding and Bio Engineered Supplements and Nutrition Inc (BSN). Today, Optimum Nutrition employs 6600 people in 32 countries and sells its products in over 130 countries worldwide.

Optimum Nutrition has three manufacturing facilities in Aurora, Illinois, Walterboro, South Carolina and Sunrise, Florida and produces its products in cGMP certified facilities. According to the manufacturer, all raw materials used undergo strict quality control, which includes a certificate of analysis for each batch. According to Optimum Nutrition, its goal is to provide active athletes with high-quality and innovative products. Furthermore, the parent company Glanbia's policy includes a zero tolerance policy on modern slavery and human trafficking with all its suppliers and distributors.

Optimum Nutrition sponsors numerous athletes, including IFBB professional bodybuilders such as Maurice Clavel, Marvin Villock and Michael Schulz. Forma is also a sponsor of the English national rugby team.

One of Optimum Nutrition's best-known products is the Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, which is very popular with bodybuilders and is the best-selling protein powder in the world. In 2005, the company also launched Gold Standard 100% Casein, the first protein powder consisting exclusively of casein, thus establishing the product category of slow-digesting protein powders. For all its protein products, Optimum Nutrition ensures that manufacturing processes such as microfiltration are used to prevent denaturation of the processed protein. The company's protein powders are also characterized by very good solubility and a wide range of different flavours.

It is no coincidence that Optimum Nutrition was nominated for the Best Supplement award in 2010 and has won numerous awards for its Gold Standard Whey and other products in recent years. In addition to the protein powder supplements already mentioned, Optimum Nutrition's product range includes a wide range of sports supplements, from weight gainers and protein bars to amino acids and creatine, as well as products to support health and well-being. Optimum Nutrition's target group includes bodybuilders and athletes of all disciplines, from amateur to professional athletes.