The Hidden Truth About Proprietary Blends: Why Transparency Matters in Supplements

If you've ever scrutinized supplement labels (and as a discerning consumer, you should), you've likely encountered the term "proprietary blend." While it might sound sophisticated or cutting-edge, this industry practice is actually one of the biggest red flags you can find on a supplement bottle. Here's everything you need to know about why proprietary blends should be avoided—and what to look for instead.

What Are Proprietary Blends?

A proprietary blend is a combination of ingredients where the manufacturer only discloses the total weight of the blend, not the individual amounts of each ingredient. For example, you might see:

"Stress Support Blend - 500mg Contains: Ashwagandha, L-theanine, Rhodiola rosea, Magnesium"

While you know the blend totals 500mg, you have no idea if you're getting 490mg of cheap filler and only 10mg of the expensive, researched ingredients—or any meaningful amount of the active compounds at all.

Why Do Companies Use Proprietary Blends?

1. Cost Cutting

The primary reason is economics. Companies can use minimal amounts of expensive, clinically-studied ingredients while padding the blend with cheaper compounds or even inactive fillers. This allows them to list impressive-sounding ingredients without the cost of including effective doses.

2. Competitive Secrecy

Some companies claim they're protecting their "secret formula" from competitors. However, truly innovative supplement companies are confident enough in their formulations to be completely transparent—like the approach taken by science-backed brands that prioritize transparency over trade secrets.

3. Marketing Manipulation

Proprietary blends allow companies to create impressive ingredient lists without committing to effective dosages, making inferior products appear more valuable than they actually are.

The Critical Problem: Efficacious Dosages

Here's the science that supplement companies using proprietary blends don't want you to understand: dosage determines efficacy. Clinical research establishes specific dose ranges where ingredients demonstrate measurable benefits. Below these thresholds, you're essentially taking expensive placebos.

Examples of Research-Backed Dosages:

• Ashwagandha: Clinical studies show effectiveness at 300-600mg daily
• Lion's Mane: Research supports 500-1000mg daily for cognitive benefits
• L-theanine: Studies demonstrate calming effects at 100-200mg
• Rhodiola: Effective doses range from 200-400mg daily

When these ingredients are buried in a proprietary blend, you have no way to verify you're getting therapeutic amounts. A blend might contain 1000mg total but only 25mg of the ingredient you actually need—far below any effective threshold.

Red Flags Beyond Proprietary Blends

While avoiding proprietary blends is crucial, other warning signs include:

• Vague marketing claims without scientific backing
• "Proprietary extraction methods" without third-party verification
• Unrealistic promises of instant results
• Lack of third-party testing for purity and potency
• Missing certifications (organic, GMP, etc.)

What to Look for in Quality Supplements

Full Ingredient Transparency

Reputable companies provide exact dosages for every ingredient. This allows you to:

• Compare doses to clinical research
• Understand the value you're receiving
• Make informed decisions about your health

Science-Backed Formulations

Look for companies that can explain why they chose specific ingredients and doses, preferably with references to peer-reviewed research. Doctor-formulated supplements often provide this level of scientific rigor.

Third-Party Testing

Quality manufacturers invest in independent lab testing to verify:

• Ingredient identity and potency
• Absence of contaminants
• Purity standards

Clear Sourcing Information

Transparent companies share where and how their ingredients are sourced, including farming practices and extraction methods.

The Plant People Difference: Transparency in Action

Some companies are breaking industry norms by embracing complete transparency. For example, Plant People provides exact dosages for every ingredient in their formulations, explains the science behind their choices, and subjects every batch to third-party lab testing.

Their approach demonstrates that when companies are confident in their formulations, they have nothing to hide. Whether it's their WonderDay mushroom gummies containing precisely 2000mg of functional mushroom blend per serving, or their clear disclosure of extraction ratios and sourcing practices—transparency builds trust.

How to Evaluate Supplement Labels

Step 1: Scan for "Blend" Language

If you see "proprietary blend," "exclusive formula," or similar vague terms without individual ingredient amounts, consider it a red flag.

Step 2: Check Dosages Against Research

Research the clinically effective doses for key ingredients you're seeking. If a supplement doesn't provide this information clearly, you can't verify its potential effectiveness.

Step 3: Look for Third-Party Verification

Seek out certifications from independent organizations and evidence of laboratory testing for purity and potency.

Step 4: Evaluate the Company's Transparency

Companies confident in their products will provide detailed information about sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the scientific rationale behind their formulations.

The Bottom Line

In an industry where regulation is limited, your best protection is education and discernment. Proprietary blends represent everything wrong with the supplement industry: opacity where there should be transparency, profit over efficacy, and marketing over science.

When investing in your health, you deserve to know exactly what you're putting in your body and whether those amounts are backed by research. Companies that use proprietary blends are asking you to take their word for it—but your health is too important for blind trust.

Choose supplements from companies that respect your intelligence enough to provide complete transparency. Your body—and your wallet—will thank you.

Looking for supplements that prioritize transparency and efficacious dosing? Explore Plant People's science-backed formulations where every ingredient and dosage is clearly disclosed, backed by research, and third-party tested for purity.