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What Are Proprietary Blends?

Proprietary blends are mixtures of ingredients listed on a supplement label where the exact amounts of each ingredient are not disclosed. Instead, you’ll see the total amount of the blend with individual components hidden behind a veil of secrecy. These blends are common in pre-workout supplements, but many users don’t realize the dangers they can pose to their health and performance goals.

Lack of Transparency in Ingredients

One of the most concerning issues with proprietary blends is the lack of transparency. When a label only provides the total weight of a blend, it makes it impossible to know exactly how much of each ingredient you're consuming. Manufacturers often use this tactic to hide low doses of expensive, effective ingredients while loading up the blend with cheaper fillers. This means you could be paying premium prices for ingredients that barely have an impact on your performance.

Without knowing the dosage of each component, how can you be sure you’re getting the right amounts of key ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, or L-arginine? You can't. And that’s a big red flag when choosing a supplement to boost your workouts.

Scientific Journal Analysis

Title of the Study: "Perspectives on the Use of Proprietary Blends in Dietary Supplements"

This paper explores the use of proprietary blends on dietary supplement labels, a practice allowed under the Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). While companies must declare the total weight of the blend and list all ingredients, they are not required to reveal the specific quantities of each ingredient. This poses challenges for calculating exposures and doses in research and clinical trials.

Prevalence and Trends

Data from the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) shows that 34% of product labels contain ingredient blends, and 21% use proprietary blends. These blends are especially common in products with botanical and nonnutrient ingredients. The trend has remained steady from 2011 to 2022.

Rationale and Regulation

Proprietary blends protect intellectual property, particularly for small companies. These blends help shield formulations from being copied by competitors. However, this protection is limited, as trademarks are based on unique names rather than blend composition. Health and structure/function claims associated with these blends are regulated differently, with the FDA requiring substantiation for health claims but not for structure/function claims.

Implications for Researchers

Proprietary blends complicate research, as ingredient amounts are not disclosed. This hinders accurate intake calculations, particularly for substances like caffeine. Researchers must rely on chemical analysis or contact manufacturers for ingredient amounts, which are often unavailable. Additionally, proprietary studies supporting claims may not be publicly accessible, limiting transparency.

Hidden Risks of Overdosing

With proprietary blends, you're not just at risk of being underdosed—you might also be overdosed on certain ingredients. For example, caffeine is a common component in many pre-workout blends, but too much can lead to unpleasant side effects such as jitteriness, increased heart rate, or even dangerous conditions like heart palpitations. The absence of dosage information leaves you in the dark, and stacking multiple supplements with hidden caffeine content can amplify these risks.

Beyond caffeine, other ingredients in proprietary blends could also cause adverse effects if not consumed at the proper levels. Beta-alanine, while known to improve muscle endurance, can cause a tingling sensation called paresthesia when overconsumed. While not harmful in itself, this is an uncomfortable side effect that many users would rather avoid.

Why Quality Matters in Pre-Workout Supplements

Your workout routine and fitness goals are important, which is why you should never compromise on the quality of your pre-workout supplement. High-quality, transparent supplements list every ingredient and its exact dosage, empowering you to make informed choices about what you put in your body.

For example, AP Wildfire Nootropic Pre Workout is crafted with transparency in mind, listing every ingredient, such as Guarana Extract, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps, along with their specific amounts. This not only ensures you're getting the right doses for effective results but also allows you to steer clear of unwanted side effects from hidden ingredients.

How to Choose a Transparent Pre-Workout Formula

To choose a transparent pre-workout formula, look for products that disclose every ingredient and dosage on the label. Research-backed ingredients, such as those found in transparent supplements, will give you peace of mind knowing that you're getting effective doses without risking unwanted side effects.

FAQs

1. What makes proprietary blends dangerous?

Proprietary blends hide the specific amounts of each ingredient, leading to possible underdosing or overdosing of key components, which can affect your performance and health.

2. Can I trust supplements with proprietary blends?

Without knowing the exact quantities of each ingredient, it’s difficult to trust these supplements. They may contain low-quality fillers or unsafe doses of potent ingredients.

3. How do I know if a pre-workout supplement is safe?

Look for full ingredient transparency, research-backed doses, and natural, clean ingredients. Avoid blends that don’t disclose the specific amounts of each ingredient.

4. Why should I choose a natural pre-workout supplement?

Natural pre-workout supplements, like Wildfire Pre Workout, provide clean energy and focus without the risks associated with synthetic additives or hidden ingredient dosages.

References

• Saldanha, L. G., Dwyer, J. T., Hardy, C. J., & MacKay, D. J. (2023). Perspectives on the use of proprietary blends in dietary supplements. The Journal of Nutrition, 153(5), 1305-1308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.03.035