TWINLAB: brand history and best products

Author: sports nutrition store v-sport33.ru.
2015-06-11

I chose TWINLAB to write this article based on personal observations and experiences. Observations—because I own a sports nutrition store and spend most of my time interacting with my esteemed clients. Experiences—because I have personally tried some of the products from this brand.

I truly hold TWINLAB's products in high regard; I consider it a global brand with a history. Based on quality, range, and formulations, I confidently include it in my personal TOP-10 global sports nutrition manufacturers! This article reflects my personal views on the brand and its products. I do not impose it on anyone, but I advise you to listen, as each statement is backed by many years of my observations and feedback from both enthusiasts and professionals in the sport.

Brand History

The TWINLAB company (not yet a brand at that time) was founded in 1968 in the USA by David Blackman. Information online states that this gentleman had "extensive experience in pharmaceuticals." Digging deeper, I found that David was a traveling salesman who worked for a pharmaceutical company for 20 years, peddling the company's products to American retirees. It's clear that, given this position, any involvement in scientific developments is highly questionable (although they claim otherwise).

But we must understand what a salesperson with 20 years of experience looks like. This is a person who sees the market from the inside. He meets potential customers daily with their problems and needs. Apparently, even at that time, the issue of national obesity was starting to concern America, and as McDonald's expanded, more companies began to emerge that produced miraculous dietary supplements. Now Americans were not just consuming hamburgers washed down with Coca-Cola but were also actively consuming supplements in an attempt to lose weight.

After gathering all the necessary information, in 1968, David Blackman opened his own corporation, calling it TWINLAB, in honor of his twin sons (TWIN LABORATORY – twin laboratory).

The company burst onto the market with the world's first liquid protein. Although this might be forgotten now, at the time, it was revolutionary. The demand was colossal. It was consumed by the entire bodybuilding community, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbo, and Frank Zane. A whole book came out about the protein diet, and TWINLAB prospered. David Blackman turned out to be a first-class marketer, which reflected positively on the company's profits.

But the joy was short-lived; towards the end of 1976 and the beginning of 1977, reports emerged of approximately 60 deaths among those who had consumed the liquid protein. I could not find out the specific causes of death. Regardless, the company's income sharply declined, and TWINLAB has been releasing proteins and gainers in very limited assortments ever since. However, I still consider their Whey Fuel a super protein, typical of whey concentrate.

The TWINLAB company did not stop there and released the world's first line of products based on fish oil, antioxidant complexes, and complex amino acids. TWINLAB's liquid amino acids are still considered the best in the world and are the best-selling. The company also acquired the sports magazine "Muscular Development," which was also published in Russia. Advertising placed in its own magazine gave a new impetus to the company's development.

Later, the company released its masterpiece—a fat burner Ripped Fuel, based on ephedra. This plant-based product quickly became TWINLAB's calling card. Why? Because it worked! Ephedra became the main ingredient in all popular fat burners at that time.

Everything would have been fine if, in 2002, the use of ephedrine had not been banned in the USA. Following the ban, the company faced lawsuits, lost processes, and multi-million dollar payouts. There was nothing to be done about it, America! This led the company to bankruptcy. But a benevolent corporation (presumably, one of those who banned ephedra) purchased TWINLAB, allowing the popular brand to continue its existence.

TWINLAB is alive and well. The brand's range consists of over 500 products, which are successfully sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. TWINLAB has always focused on maximizing the use of natural ingredients. Their product line includes items that either have no analogs or are weak imitations of the original.

Do all manufacturers have vitamins? Almost yes. What about for allergy sufferers? Only TWINLAB! Do all make liquid amino acids? Many do. But the effective ones are TWINLAB! And so on and so forth.

Best Products

Now let's move on to a brief overview of what I consider the most worthy products. Let's start with protein. As I mentioned, after the scandal with liquid protein, TWINLAB now produces only 3-4 types of protein products, but they adhere to all norms and regulations.

100% Whey Fuel – a whey protein concentrate with about 60% protein, which is great for gaining mass. It mixes excellently, is well-absorbed without side effects, and delivers outstanding results. The flavors are fantastic: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry; cookies and cream – a matter of taste, I haven't tried it myself, but I've heard it’s sweet. In short, it's an excellent protein, everyone's satisfied, and I recommend giving it a try.

Gainers Fuel – a functional, pleasant gainer in every respect. The flavors are limited to vanilla and chocolate, but both are wonderful. I haven't tried it myself (gainers aren't my thing), but the reviews are all positive. Honestly, I'm not sure how Gainers Fuel differs from Super Gainers Fuel, except that the serving size is twice as large.

Next, about vitamins, where TWINLAB has no equals. Amid the diversity, I will highlight the main ones that you will see most often on sale.

Men's Ultra Daily and Women's Ultra Daily – I take the men's for myself and the women's for my wife. The compositions are excellent, providing energy and positivity. I didn't experience the super-yellow urine that comes with Opti-men. I didn't get sick or catch a cold all winter, even though I recommend them for adults over 35, approaching forty and beyond. This pertains to the prostate complex, which younger people do not need. My wife's nails and hair have strengthened, and she complains less.

Flax/Fish – the best fatty acids I've come across. The plus is that in addition to Omega 3:6:9, they added flaxseed oil, which is useful, but no one wants to drink it on its own. It's completely natural, even smelling of fish. The price is lower than everywhere else.

Dualtabs – a hit vitamin, excellently balanced composition, wonderful reviews, optimal dosages, and pharmaceutical quality (in a good way). If you don’t want to buy women's and men's vitamins separately, get these; you’ll have 200 tablets in a jar and be happy. If you pay attention, many TWINLAB products are sold in glass containers, indicating that these are top-quality products.

As I mentioned, the TWINLAB company produces more than 500 product names, but only around a hundred have been imported into Russia, and now, during the crisis, it’s down to 40-50, and that’s it. This is due to the peculiarities of the domestic sports nutrition market and the general population's ignorance regarding a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, which, again, stems from the low standard of living.

In conclusion, I want to say that every self-respecting store should keep TWINLAB on the shelves. It's a surefire investment in quality and good products. LONG LIVE, TWINLAB!!!