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Does Bloom Actually Work for Bloating? A Dietitian's Perspective

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly one in seven Americans experience bloating daily, making digestive discomfort a widespread issue. Social media sensation Bloom Greens & Superfoods claims to combat bloating with its blend of over 30 ingredients, but is the hype justified? We explore what a dietitian says about whether Bloom actually works for bloating.

Quick Summary

Bloom Greens contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that theoretically can help with bloating, but the effectiveness varies widely between individuals due to differences in gut microbiomes. Some users report positive results, while others experience increased bloating or no change at all. Nutritional experts caution that the dosages of key ingredients are likely too low to make a significant impact for most people.

Key Points

  • Ingredient Transparency is Limited: Bloom uses proprietary blends, making it impossible to know the exact dosage of key ingredients like probiotics and digestive enzymes.

  • Dosing is Questionable: Nutritionists suggest that the dosage of many ingredients is too low to produce significant health benefits for most users.

  • Results Are Individual: While some customers experience reduced bloating, others report no effect or even increased digestive issues, indicating individual gut microbiomes play a significant role.

  • Not a Magic Bullet: Bloating is influenced by diet, stress, and lifestyle, and a supplement cannot replace healthy habits. For serious issues, medical advice is recommended.

  • Potential for Side Effects: Some users experience digestive side effects from the prebiotics or artificial sweeteners in Bloom.

  • Alternatives Offer More Transparency: Competitor greens powders often provide more transparent labeling of ingredient dosages and probiotic CFUs.

In This Article

Understanding the Bloom Greens Formula

Bloom Nutrition's Greens & Superfoods powder contains various ingredients within proprietary blends, including a Fiber Blend, Pre- and Probiotic Blend, and Digestive Enzyme Blend. These blends are intended to support digestive health and reduce bloating.

  • Fiber Blend: Includes chicory root, organic flaxseed, and apple fruit powder, providing 2 grams of fiber per scoop.
  • Pre- and Probiotic Blend: Contains prebiotic blue agave inulin and three probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
  • Digestive Enzyme Blend: Features enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase to assist in food breakdown.

The Problem with Proprietary Blends and Dosing

A major concern for nutritionists is Bloom's use of proprietary blends, which means the specific amount of each ingredient within the blend is not disclosed, only the total blend weight. This lack of transparency makes it hard to evaluate efficacy. For example, the probiotic blend does not list Colony Forming Units (CFUs), a key measure for probiotic effectiveness. Experts also suggest that the dosages of many ingredients are likely too low to have a significant impact. This practice is sometimes called “fairy dusting”.

Potential Side Effects and Individual Sensitivity

Individual responses to greens powders like Bloom vary, and while some users report reduced bloating, others experience increased digestive issues. This can be due to unique gut microbiomes. Reported side effects include increased bloating from prebiotics and fiber, gastrointestinal distress as the digestive system adjusts, and sensitivities to sweeteners like stevia leaf extract.

Lifestyle Factors vs. Supplement Effects

Supplements should support a healthy lifestyle, not replace it. Bloating is influenced by diet, hydration, stress, and activity. Lasting relief often comes from a holistic approach, including a whole-foods diet, exercise, stress management, and consulting a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions like IBS.

A Comparison of Greens Powders

Feature Bloom Greens & Superfoods Live it Up Super Greens Green Vibrance Amazing Grass Primal Greens
Cost per Serving ~$1.06 (subscription) ~$1.33 (subscription) ~$1.45 (one-time) ~$0.90 (one-time) ~$1.58 (one-time)
Organic Content Not fully organic, uses some organic ingredients Contains organic vegetables Less than half of ingredients are organic Certified organic by CCOF Mix of ingredients, some organic
Ingredients 30+ in proprietary blends 20+ with transparent blends 45+ with strong probiotic count 25+ in proprietary blends 50+ in proprietary blends
Digestive Enzymes Yes (in proprietary blend) Yes (with 3 enzymes listed) Yes (with 6 enzymes listed) No (less effective for gut health) Yes (in proprietary blend)
Probiotic Info CFU count not disclosed 5 billion CFUs disclosed 25 billion CFUs disclosed 1 billion CFUs disclosed 3.5 billion CFUs disclosed

Conclusion: So, does Bloom actually work for bloating?

Whether Bloom actually works for bloating varies by individual. Some may find relief from the blend of digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. However, many experts and users doubt its effectiveness due to low ingredient dosages and proprietary blends. Its social media popularity doesn't guarantee scientific efficacy for everyone. Consider diet and lifestyle first, have realistic supplement expectations, and consult a healthcare professional. Exploring alternatives with transparent labeling may be beneficial. Sustainable gut health is achieved through long-term habits, not a single product.

The Dangers of Contaminated Supplements

Greens powders can potentially be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic absorbed from soil. While Bloom states third-party testing and GMP certification, contamination is a known issue in the unregulated supplement industry. Choosing brands with transparent, third-party heavy metal testing is advised. Read more about supplement safety here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bloom Greens can sometimes cause bloating, particularly for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or IBS. The prebiotics (like agave inulin) and increased fiber can lead to gas and discomfort as the gut adjusts.

Effectiveness varies widely among individuals. Some users report seeing or feeling a difference in bloating within a week of consistent use, while others notice no change at all.

No, as a dietary supplement, Bloom's claims regarding bloat relief have not been evaluated by the FDA. The FDA does not regulate supplements for effectiveness or safety prior to market.

Many nutritionists point toward alternative greens powders that provide more transparent ingredient dosing and verified probiotic CFUs. Alternatives like Live it Up Super Greens are often recommended for their higher transparency.

Bloom attributes its anti-bloating effects to a combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. The probiotics help balance gut flora, while the enzymes aid in breaking down food.

Increased bloating can happen due to a new, concentrated source of prebiotics and fiber entering the digestive system, causing fermentation. Individuals with certain sensitivities or conditions like IBS are more susceptible.

Yes, especially if you have chronic digestive issues or are on medication. A healthcare professional can help you understand the root cause of your bloating and determine if a supplement like Bloom is appropriate and safe for your needs.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.