7 Reasons You Need to Avoid Proprietary Blends in Supplements

When it comes to choosing the right supplements, transparency is crucial. However, many supplement companies use proprietary blends to obscure the exact ingredients and their amounts in their products. While these blends might sound appealing, they often hide some questionable practices. Here are five reasons why you should avoid proprietary blends and opt for supplements with full label transparency.

1. You Don't Know If You're Getting a Clinically Effective Dose

The effectiveness of any supplement depends on the dosage of its active ingredients. Scientific studies have shown that specific, clinically effective doses are required to achieve the desired health benefits. However, with proprietary blends, the exact amounts of each ingredient are not disclosed, making it impossible to know if you’re getting enough of what you need.

Without this information, you’re essentially taking a gamble on whether the product will work as intended. It’s easy for companies to under-dose the more expensive, effective ingredients while still listing them on the label, leaving you with a product that may not deliver the promised results.

2. Allows Companies to Skimp on High-Cost, Effective Ingredients

One of the main reasons companies use proprietary blends is to cut costs by skimping on expensive, high-quality ingredients. By mixing these ingredients with cheaper fillers, they can reduce production costs while still boasting about the inclusion of these desirable components.

For example, a blend might list a powerful ingredient like ashwagandha or curcumin, but without knowing the exact amount, there’s no way to tell if the dose is effective or just a token amount. This practice allows companies to save money at the expense of your health and the product's efficacy.

3. Potential for Unnecessary Fillers and Additives

Proprietary blends can also be used to mask the inclusion of unnecessary fillers and additives. These fillers add bulk to the product but offer little to no health benefits. Worse, they can sometimes cause unwanted side effects, especially for those with sensitivities to certain ingredients.

Fillers are often used to make supplements cheaper to produce, and when hidden behind a proprietary blend, they can reduce the overall quality of the product. Consumers deserve to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies, and proprietary blends prevent that transparency.

4. The "Secret Formula" Myth

Supplement companies often claim that proprietary blends are necessary to protect their unique formulas from being copied by competitors. However, this reasoning is more marketing hype than reality. In truth, it’s relatively easy for competitors to reverse-engineer a supplement by sending it to a lab for analysis.

The real reason behind proprietary blends is often to cut costs and maintain higher profit margins while keeping consumers in the dark about the product's true composition. If a company truly believes in the effectiveness of its formula, there should be no reason to hide it.

5. Lack of Label Transparency Hurts Consumer Trust

Transparency is key when it comes to supplements. When a company provides a full breakdown of ingredients and their respective amounts, it builds trust with consumers. This transparency allows you to verify that you are getting a product that aligns with your health goals and that contains clinically effective doses of each ingredient.

Companies that use proprietary blends often do so at the expense of this trust. Consumers are left guessing about what they’re really taking, which can lead to poor health outcomes and wasted money.

6. Companies Use Proprietary Blends to Bypass FDA Transparency Requirements

The FDA requires that all supplements list their ingredients on the label, including both active and inactive components. However, while the FDA mandates the listing of ingredients, it does not require companies to disclose the exact amount of each ingredient within a proprietary blend. This is how companies can legally hide the specific dosages of each ingredient by grouping them together under a proprietary blend.

By doing so, they fulfill the FDA’s requirement to list ingredients while keeping consumers in the dark about how much of each ingredient they’re actually getting. This lack of transparency can lead to ineffective dosages and a lack of clarity about what you’re really putting into your body.

7. Why Label Transparency Matters

Transparency in labeling is crucial for consumers who want to make informed decisions about their health. When a company provides a full breakdown of the ingredients and their respective amounts, it allows consumers to verify that they are getting a product that aligns with their health goals. It also enables them to cross-check the ingredients with scientific studies to ensure they are receiving clinically effective doses.

Choosing supplements from companies that prioritize label transparency ensures that you’re getting what you pay for. These companies are confident enough in the quality and efficacy of their products that they have nothing to hide.

How To Tell The Difference Between Labels

Above is our Genius Mushrooms label compared to if it was a proprietary blend. The label on the left shows you exactly how much of each mushroom a serving contains.  The proprietary blend label on the right lists all three mushrooms but you don't know exactly how much of each is in the product.  For example under this label it could be 100mg Cordyceps, 1300mg Reishi and 100mg Lions Mane. Proprietary Blends are clearly spelled out on labels so they are easy to spot and avoid.

How to Choose Supplements with Full Label Transparency

When shopping for supplements, look for products that clearly list all ingredients along with their specific amounts. Avoid products that use proprietary blends, as these often mask the true content and efficacy of the supplement. Here are a few tips to help you choose supplements with full label transparency:

• Check the Label: Make sure the supplement provides a complete breakdown of all ingredients, including the exact amounts of each one.
• Research the Company: Choose supplements from reputable companies known for their commitment to quality and transparency.
• Look for Certifications: Third-party certifications from organizations like NSF International or USP (United States Pharmacopeia) can provide additional assurance of the product’s quality and transparency.
• Read Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other consumers who have used the product. This can give you an idea of its effectiveness and the company’s reputation.
• Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If you’re unsure about a supplement, consult with a healthcare provider who can help you interpret the label and determine if the product is right for you.

The Genius Brand: A Commitment to Transparency

At The Genius Brand, we are built on the foundation of transparency and scientifically backed doses. We combine the highest quality, science-backed natural nutrients that support mind and body function. No hidden formulas, no strange ingredients, and no guesswork. Even our bottles are clear so you can see exactly what’s inside.

With over 8 years of making premium supplements out of a GMP facility in Buford, Georgia, we are just getting started. Our commitment to transparency means that every ingredient and its precise dosage are clearly listed on our labels, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health. We don’t rely on proprietary blends to cut corners—we prioritize quality and efficacy in every product we make.

Conclusion

Proprietary blends may sound innovative, but they often serve to obscure the truth about what’s really in a supplement. By allowing companies to skimp on effective ingredients, use unnecessary fillers, and avoid transparency, proprietary blends do more harm than good. To ensure you’re getting a high-quality supplement, always choose products with full label transparency.

At The Genius Brand, transparency and scientifically backed doses are the foundation of everything we do. Don’t settle for anything less when it comes to your health.