Hi, I’m Hala — founder of Dietapplements — and today, we’re diving into one of the dirtiest little secrets in the supplement world: proprietary blends. They sound fancy, maybe even medicinal... but trust me, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you’ve ever picked up a bottle that says “proprietary blend” on the label and thought, What exactly is that? — you're not alone.
The short answer? It’s a mystery — and when it comes to what you’re putting in your body, mystery is never a good thing.
What Is a Proprietary Blend?
Think of it like a secret recipe. Imagine a chef says: “This sauce contains tomatoes, garlic, and basil” — but won’t tell you how much of each.
That’s what brands do when they use proprietary blends. They’ll list a mix of ingredients and give you the total weight (say, 1500 mg), but they won’t tell you how much of each ingredient is actually in there.
Sounds suspicious? That’s because it is.
Why Proprietary Blends Are a Problem
1. You Might Not Be Getting Enough
Many nutrients only work at clinically effective doses. But with proprietary blends, you have no idea how much of each ingredient you’re actually taking. You might be paying for something that looks powerful — but is essentially just window dressing.
2. Not All Ingredient Forms Are Equal
Take vitamin C, for example. There's ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbate, and more. Or consider vitamin K — K1 and K2 are very different. One is more bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb and use it better. But if it’s part of a blend, there’s no telling which form you're getting.
3. Too Much of a Bad Thing
Some ingredients are great — in the right amounts. But overdo it, and they can actually become harmful. Without knowing the individual quantities, you’re playing supplement roulette with your health. Not a game you want to be part of.
4. Dangerous Interactions
If you’re taking other supplements — or you have sensitivities — proprietary blends make it much harder to track your intake. You could easily go over your daily limits without realising it, and experience side effects or interactions.
5. Allergies & Intolerances
If you have allergies, transparency becomes even more critical. Some brands won’t give you a straight answer when you email them — and vague labelling doesn't help. You deserve to know exactly what you’re taking.
6. Marketing Gimmicks
Here’s how some brands trick you: they’ll mix an expensive ingredient (like collagen) with cheaper ones (like calcium or magnesium), then call the whole thing “1,500 mg blend.” Sounds impressive, right?
In reality, only 500 mg might be the collagen — the rest is filler. You’re paying a premium and getting far less than you think. Worst of all? It’s totally legal — especially in the UK and even more rampant in the US.
How to Protect Yourself as a Consumer
Here’s how to avoid falling for the proprietary blend trap:
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Always read the label. Ignore the marketing fluff and check the actual ingredient list.
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Look for brands that list exact amounts. If they’ve got nothing to hide, they’ll tell you.
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Avoid unnecessary additives. If it’s not something you wanted to pay for, don’t pay for it.
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Choose transparency. When in doubt, opt for products that are honest, clean, and backed by proper formulation — like ours at Dietapplements.
One Final Note
Supplements are not a magic bullet — they’re just one piece of the wellness puzzle. A diet that isn’t overloaded with carbs, daily movement, and a positive mindset will always make the biggest difference.
That’s where the real transformation happens.
I hope this helped demystify a big part of the supplement industry — and if it did, feel free to share it with someone who needs to know.
-- Written by Hala, founder of Dietapplements
