What is a Proprietary Blend?
A proprietary blend is a mix of multiple ingredients listed on a supplement label under a single, often trademarked name, without disclosing the precise quantity of each individual component. For example, a label might list a “Superfood Complex” and provide the total weight of that complex, but not the specific amounts of spirulina, chlorella, or other ingredients it contains.
Companies often claim this practice protects their unique formula from competitors, but it also allows them to use a large quantity of cheaper filler ingredients while including only a small, potentially ineffective, amount of more expensive or potent ingredients. For the consumer, this creates a major transparency issue, making it impossible to evaluate a product's true effectiveness or value.
AG1's Proprietary Blends
AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, does indeed contain proprietary blends. The supplement's extensive list of ingredients is grouped into four main complexes. While Athletic Greens lists every ingredient within each blend, the specific amount of each component is not disclosed, leaving consumers in the dark about their actual intake.
AG1's Four Proprietary Complexes:
- Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex: This blend includes ingredients like organic spirulina, organic apple powder, and organic chlorella. Critics note that a single scoop contains dozens of ingredients, potentially leading to underdosed 'superfoods'.
- Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants: This complex features adaptogens such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and eleuthero root, along with cocoa bean polyphenol extract and other plant extracts. Again, the lack of dosage information makes it unclear if these ingredients are present in clinically effective amounts.
- Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex: As the name suggests, this contains digestive enzymes and functional mushrooms like reishi and shiitake. Like other complexes, the precise quantities are hidden, which can hinder proper evaluation of their potential benefits.
- Dairy-free Probiotics: The probiotic blend includes strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. While the company discloses the total Colony Forming Units (CFU), the proportions of each strain within the blend remain undisclosed, which can be relevant for targeted gut health benefits.
The Problem with AG1's Proprietary Blends
The use of proprietary blends in a supplement like AG1 raises several red flags for both nutrition experts and consumers. Without transparent labeling, it's difficult to verify whether you are receiving an effective dose of each ingredient, or just trace amounts used for marketing purposes.
- Underdosing Expensive Ingredients: Companies can save money by using smaller amounts of expensive or premium ingredients while bulking the blend with cheaper, less effective components. This means you could be paying for a high-end ingredient, but not receiving enough of it to make a difference.
- Difficulty in Evaluating Efficacy: The numerous health claims associated with many ingredients in AG1, such as adaptogens or mushrooms, are often based on studies using specific, known dosages. Because AG1 conceals this information, it is impossible to confirm if the product provides those dosages and delivers the promised effects.
- Safety and Interaction Concerns: The lack of specific ingredient amounts can pose a risk, especially for individuals with sensitivities or those taking other medications. For example, some ingredients can interact with blood thinners or other prescriptions, and without knowing the exact dosage, managing these risks becomes more difficult.
- Limited Scientific Scrutiny: Independent researchers are unable to verify the effectiveness or safety of proprietary blends without knowing the exact formula. The result is that product marketing often relies on the general benefits of individual ingredients rather than concrete proof of the complete blend's efficacy.
Proprietary Blends vs. Transparent Labels: A Comparison
To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison of supplements that use proprietary blends versus those with transparent labels.
| Aspect | Proprietary Blends (like AG1) | Transparent Labels | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Dosages | Not individually listed; only total blend weight is shown. | Every ingredient and its exact amount are clearly disclosed. | Transparent labels provide certainty regarding dosage. |
| Efficacy | Uncertain. Effective doses of key ingredients may be too low, undermining potential benefits. | High certainty. Consumers can verify if the supplement contains research-backed, clinically effective doses. | Transparent labels offer confidence that you are getting what you paid for. |
| Cost vs. Value | Higher cost often reflects branding and marketing, not guaranteed ingredient potency. | Price is directly tied to the cost of clinically effective, quality ingredients. | Transparent labels ensure a more direct correlation between cost and ingredient quality. |
| Consumer Trust | Lower due to a lack of transparency and questions about what is truly inside the product. | Higher, as companies show confidence in their formula by disclosing all details. | Transparency is key to building consumer trust and brand credibility. |
| Customization | Difficult to personalize intake or stack with other supplements without risking over- or underdosing. | Easy to track, customize, and stack supplements safely and effectively. | Transparent labels empower consumers to make personalized health decisions. |
Conclusion
In summary, yes, AG1 does have a proprietary blend, and this is the core of its ongoing controversy. While the company lists all 75+ ingredients and their four main complexes, it deliberately obscures the specific amounts of each ingredient within those blends. This practice, common in the supplement industry, prevents consumers from verifying whether they are receiving effective, research-backed doses of expensive ingredients like adaptogens or superfoods. It is a calculated move that protects the company’s formula but sacrifices transparency and consumer trust.
While AG1 and other greens powders can be a valuable complement to a balanced diet, experts stress they are not a replacement for whole foods and should be approached with a critical eye, especially given the premium price point. The decision to purchase AG1 ultimately depends on whether you value a convenient, all-in-one supplement and are willing to accept the unknown dosages that come with its proprietary blends. For those who prioritize transparency and precise dosing, alternatives with fully disclosed labels are the clear choice. For a more detailed review of AG1, including expert opinions, you can consult this comprehensive analysis: AG1 Review: A Dietitian and Health Editor's Take - Healthline.
How to Approach Supplements with Proprietary Blends
For consumers, navigating the world of proprietary blends requires careful consideration. Here are a few tips for making informed decisions:
- Prioritize a Balanced Diet: Before relying on supplements, focus on getting nutrients from whole fruits, vegetables, and other foods.
- Consult a Professional: Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian to assess your individual needs before starting any supplement, especially one with a complex ingredient profile like AG1.
- Look for Transparency: If transparency is a priority, seek out brands that list every ingredient and its specific dose on the label.
- Consider Alternatives: Investigate greens powder alternatives, some of which offer more transparent labels and lower costs, such as Live it Up Super Greens.
- Start Small: If you choose to try AG1, consider starting with a half scoop to see how your body reacts before increasing to a full serving.
Ultimately, understanding the implications of proprietary blends is essential for any consumer seeking to optimize their health through supplementation. By demanding transparency, you can ensure that you are making a truly informed choice.
