A Closer Look at Bloom's Ingredient Blends
Bloom's popular Greens & Superfoods powder contains a variety of blends, each packed with a range of ingredients. While these components are often lauded for their health benefits, the use of proprietary blends makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nutritional impact. Here is a breakdown of what's inside a single scoop:
- Fiber Blend: Contains chicory root fructooligosaccharides, organic flaxseed, and apple fruit powder. At 1.606g, this blend aims to support digestive regularity, though the fiber content is only 2g per serving.
- Green Superfood Blend: A combination of organic barley grass, spirulina, wheatgrass, alfalfa leaf, and chlorella. While these are nutrient-dense, the quantity is relatively small at 1.367g.
- Pre and Probiotic Blend: Includes blue agave inulin, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The 648mg blend does not specify the Colony Forming Units (CFUs), making its probiotic effectiveness uncertain.
- Fruit and Vegetable Blend: Features organic carrot, beet root, kale, blueberry, and spinach powders. With a total of 572mg, this blend is unlikely to provide a significant portion of your daily recommended fruits and vegetables.
- Antioxidant Beauty Blend: Includes cranberry, strawberry, elderberry, acai, goji berry, and grape seed extracts. These are known antioxidants, but again, the exact dosage and efficacy are unclear.
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: Contains maltodextrin and a mix of enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase. The inclusion of maltodextrin is questionable, as some studies suggest it can negatively impact gut health.
- Adaptogenic Blend: Contains licorice root, rhodiola, ginseng, ashwagandha, and astragalus. This blend is meant to help the body manage stress, but the dosage is low at 100mg.
The Problem with Proprietary Blends
One of the most significant concerns regarding Bloom's health claims is its reliance on proprietary blends. This common industry practice involves grouping several ingredients under a single heading and disclosing only the total weight, not the amount of each individual component. This lack of transparency makes it impossible for consumers to know if they are receiving clinically effective doses of key ingredients. For example, while adaptogens like ashwagandha are included, the 100mg total blend means each individual adaptogen is present in a very small, potentially ineffective quantity.
Comparison: Bloom vs. Competitors
| Feature | Bloom Greens | Athletic Greens (AG1) | Live it Up Super Greens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Uses proprietary blends; individual ingredient dosages are not listed. | Also uses proprietary blends; individual ingredient dosages are not listed. | High transparency; individual ingredients and dosages clearly listed. |
| Price | Moderately priced at approximately $1.10 per serving. | Significantly more expensive at approximately $3.33 per serving. | Moderately priced; comparable to Bloom. |
| Ingredient Quality | Claims third-party testing but reports are not publicly available. | Third-party certified by NSF For Sport. | Third-party tested and made in an allergen-free facility. |
| Effectiveness | Anecdotal evidence suggests benefits, but low dosages in proprietary blends are a concern for significant results. | Nutrient-dense formula with higher quantities of ingredients. | Dietitian-recommended for its balanced and transparent formula. |
| Additives | Contains stevia, which can cause GI discomfort for some. | Contains stevia. | No artificial sweeteners, fillers, or additives. |
Potential Risks and Considerations
While Bloom is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals, there are several potential risks to consider:
- Digestive Discomfort: Some users, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like IBS, report increased bloating, gas, or stomach issues due to ingredients like chicory root fiber and stevia.
- Heavy Metals: As with many greens powders, there is a risk of contamination from heavy metals, which can be absorbed from the soil where ingredients are grown. While Bloom claims to test for contaminants, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor.
- Medication Interactions: The large number of herbal ingredients, including adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginseng, could potentially interact with certain medications. It is always wise to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.
- Maltodextrin: The presence of maltodextrin in the digestive enzyme blend is counterintuitive, as research has shown this ingredient can negatively impact gut health.
A Complement, Not a Replacement
Dietitians and nutritionists widely agree that greens powders should not replace whole, nutrient-dense foods. While Bloom may help fill minor nutritional gaps, it is not a magic bullet for health. Whole foods offer a superior range of fibers, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. For those looking for targeted digestive support or a significant nutrient boost, alternative products with more transparent labeling and higher doses may be more effective. Consistency in diet, exercise, and hydration remains the most effective strategy for overall wellness. To learn more about incorporating supplements wisely, refer to reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health.
Conclusion
So, are the ingredients in Bloom good for you? The answer is complex. The ingredients themselves are generally considered healthy and beneficial, such as probiotics, adaptogens, and various superfoods. However, the use of proprietary blends with low doses of these key components, coupled with potential digestive side effects from other ingredients, tempers the potential benefits. Bloom can be a convenient, decent-tasting supplement for those new to greens powders or struggling to consume enough fruits and vegetables. For individuals seeking more potent, clinically dosed, and transparent formulas, better options exist on the market. As always, a supplement is only an addition to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for one.
